When it comes to securing your property or yard, fences are essential. Among the various options, rigid mesh fences are popular for their durability. However, the gaps between the wires don't provide much privacy. To address this, many homeowners choose PVC privacy slats. While rigid fence panels are compatible with several types of privacy screening, it's important to make sure the PVC slats you select will fit your fence panels properly.

PVC Slats for Rigid Fence Panels

PVC privacy slats are a popular choice for adding both style and privacy to your fence. These vertical slats are inserted directly into the mesh of rigid panels. If you didn't purchase privacy slats with your fence, you can still add them later. Regardless of when you install them, it's crucial to confirm that your slats are compatible with your existing fence panels.

How to Check Compatibility of PVC Slats with Your Rigid Fence

PVC privacy slats are available in five standard heights: 1.03 m, 1.23 m, 1.53 m, 1.73 m, and 1.93 m. The height of the slat kit should match the height of your fence panels. Once you've confirmed the height, measure the width of your panels—this is typically between 2 and 2.5 meters. The slat kit you choose should fit both the height and width of your fence panels. It's also important to check the width of the vertical slats to ensure a proper fit.

For example, a standard mesh opening of 55 mm usually requires slats that are 48 mm wide. While all dimensions should be checked, the V-profile size of your fence is especially important. Although panel heights are often standard, the V-profile depth can vary by manufacturer. A typical PVC slat kit includes 43 intermediate vertical slats, 2 narrower slats for the panel ends, 2 to 3 horizontal V-profiles for the folds in the panel, 1 finishing profile, and a bag of mounting clips.

Before selecting your kit, pay close attention to the V-profile size and make sure it matches your panel’s specifications. Common V-profile sizes are 21 mm, 17 mm, and 14 mm. Measurements should be taken directly from your fence panels for accuracy.

To measure, stand in front of your panel and insert an object similar in thickness to a slat (about 6 mm). After inserting the slat, measure from the slat to the horizontal wire of the panel. The V-profile keeps the slats in place, so if the profile is too small, the slats won't be secure. If it's too large, the profile won't fit into the panel. In short, the V-profile must match your fence for the slats to be installed correctly.