Screen Walls 101

Screen Wall 101 - What is it? We mention them in our posts but do you know what it actually is? You likely see them every day and don’t even realize it.

Screen Walls are most often used as a hard barrier between commercial and residential properties. In addition to being a buffer between properties, they’re a great sound barrier. Most cities only allow Screen Walls up to 8’ for residential and commercial developments.

They can be single-wythe (one brick) or double-wythe (two bricks) thick. The most common materials used for Screen Walls are brick, CMU Block, pre-cast concrete panel systems, and actual stone. We don’t often see stone used due to the high cost. Pre-cast concrete panel systems are gaining in popularity; when driving by you might not even notice they’re pre-cast since they’re meant to look like brick or stone.

Most brick Screen Walls are set in what is called a running bond pattern; bricks set in mortar, horizontally ↔️. To add interest to the Screen Walls, some designs have a soldier course of brick at the top which are bricks set in mortar, vertically ↕️.

Did you know the columns in a Screen Wall are built on concrete piers either 8’ or 10’ deep? This stabilizes the wall and ensures the walls last for years to come. Many columns have top caps to give them a finished look. Top caps are made using cast stone, pre-cast concrete, or brick.

Last but not least, Screen Walls often have mow strips underneath the panels to prevent grass and other weeds from growing there. That keeps your landscaper happy.

Got a Screen Wall question? Comment and let us know. Do you need a Screen Wall for your next development? Send us a DM or email [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

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