The main task of a silt fence is to prevent sediment from entering your property. Hence, it must be removed after every storm or if its height is half or less. It is also important to monitor the condition of the silt fence regularly and remove any debris or sediment that accumulates on its surface. Once the fence has served its purpose, it should be removed and replaced with new vegetation or permanent erosion control measures. However, it is not possible to remove silt fences immediately, according to pros.

The silt fence is of two types – Type A and Type B. Type A silt fence requires 36-inch fabric and four-inch posts. The other type of silt fence has 22-inch fabric and three-inch posts. They are suitable for most land applications. Both types have the same height and width requirements, although Type A silt fence requires longer posts and heavier fabric. In addition, both types are designed to withstand heavy flow.
Although silt fences do not require a formal design, it should be installed five to seven feet above the base of disturbed slopes with grades higher than 7%. The silt fence must be located far enough away from the slope to avoid erosion, especially if the grade is more than 7%. Additionally, the permeability of silt fences is very low, so they are only appropriate for overland and sheet flows. The fences should be spaced approximately 20 feet apart.
Silt fences are temporary barriers that prevent sediments from clogging sewers. When placed correctly, they help divert water to an area where it is needed. They also prevent sediment from leaking into the watershed and drains. It is also essential to keep the silt fence properly installed. If you don’t know how to install one, contact a local professional. Soil silt fences are vital for preventing erosion and restoring our water resources.
The posts of a silt fence should be 36 inches long and at least three inches in diameter. You can use twox2 inch wood or metal T-posts for this project. Make sure to drive the posts at least 1.5 feet deep to support the sediment loads and runoff. You can also place J-hooks in the corners of the fence to intercept flows along the sections. Also, low fence line corners must be reinforced with rock to prevent bypasses.
For maximum filtration efficiency, you should use synthetic filter fabric. The materials used for silt fences must contain at least 80 percent of waterborne particles and be resistant to ultraviolet rays. The synthetic silt fence should be installed in a location where rainwater and runoff are high. It must be constructed in a way to withstand storms that occur in your area at least every 10 years. If you do decide to install a silt fence, make sure you follow local laws and regulations on silt fences.
For example, you cannot use silt fences for residential purposes without getting permission from the local authorities. These temporary measures are not practical and may even result in fines. For such reasons, it is recommended that you consult a professional and check the local regulations. A silt fence is a great option for a temporary or semi-permanent installation. And it is also environmentally friendly. And its best part? It costs virtually nothing to install.
If you don’t want to spend much money on a silt fence, there are other ways to protect your property. The most common method involves installing a fence above disturbed areas. It is best suited for small drainage areas with flow rates lower than 0.5 cfs. A sediment fence should not be installed across waterways. It will prevent sediments from flowing into nearby waterways. However, it does require regular maintenance.
Perimeter controls are required for upgradient construction sites. If you plan to install a silt fence, place it on the topographic contour at the edge of the disturbed area. It is important to ensure that there is adequate room to service the perimeter controls before beginning any earth-disturbing activities. Once the bank stabilizes, you can move the perimeter controls upward. However, you should be careful not to set up a floating curtain, since this can lead to water quality violations.