How can I build a wall/barrier on an asphalt yard for privacy?

Madds
by Madds

I have a very small yard that is covered in asphalt and I’d like to partition my side off from the messy neighbour.As I am tired of them throwing rubbish outside , Their rubbish always ends up on my side .And I end up having to clean up after them.Fed up with it.Plus I have a small dog and I’d like her and myself to have some privacy.In a space that’s safe and clean and tidy.

  9 answers
  • Jerry roselli Jerry roselli on Aug 05, 2019

    Depends on how long wall will be. The important thing to know, is that you will need a footing at each end. This usually is 3 feet deep. I have put up 20 foot walls, & they last !

    Jerry

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Aug 05, 2019

    Get planters on wheels with trellises on them and plant hedges line the planters up next to each other

    • Madds Madds on Aug 05, 2019

      Have thought about this option.But brambles And weeds from next door wood ruin everything.They’d creep under and through .

  • Seth Seth on Aug 05, 2019

    As Jerry said, about 1/3 of the above ground height of your fence post should be buried below ground. An inexpensive stockade fence might be the easiest to put up. There are usually local regulations regarding fences and property lines. Make sure you are certain of where your property line is and know what regulations might apply. You may also need a permit.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Aug 05, 2019

    If you can’t find planters get someone to build them


    • Madds Madds on Aug 05, 2019

      Thought about planter .But she likes to grow brambles and weeds and forever clearing them I m afraid there’d also probably take over the planter or would still grow in between .

      Still a maybe but only as a temporary measure.

      thanks you can actually purchase them at reasonable prices,and they are going down now we are nearing the end of the warmer weather.

      Just I’m afraid planters may create a bigger problem with the weeds and all .may put one or two corner brick planters as a kind of gesture saying to keep off my side .

      she dumped a huge roll of carpet roll on my side last month I’m peed off. With her.So rude .if I was aloud I’d build a seven foot wall around .Keep her and her rubbish off.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Aug 05, 2019

    Yes you’ll need a footing(s), depending on what kind of wall you need.

    I think you need a fence, not a wall.

    You want something high, like 6’, yes?


    Sorry, I don’t know tour local Codes, so I will explain the logic of the US’.


    In the States, a side or backyard fence can be 6’ high, the front yard depends on the setback distance. These are Zoning Ordinances & they’re very “local”.

    A masonry wall cannot exceed 4’ high without Building Permits. This is IRC Code, National.


    This is because In the States, there are thresholds in which one has the have Building Permits for fences & walls, because at certain heights, they exceed prototypical construction methods and/or Zoning Ordinances. As in there’s liability involved, due to structural failure potential.


    For example, a retaining wall over 4’ high must be engineered for the site, because hydrostatic pressure & dirt-load will make it fail.


    There’s pre-made vinyl fence panel sections, where you’ll need to dig 15-18” deep holes, set the 4x4 treated lumber posts and full with concrete. You can cut the asphalt with a course tooth circular saw. Cut a 24” square hole, so you can get an auger or a shovel in the holes.



    • See 1 previous
    • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Aug 05, 2019

      Yes, you’ll need to look into both wall & fence “Codes”.

      as I mentioned, in the States, there’s Zoning Ordinances which are very different from Building Codes.

      In the States, if one violates either, they can be forced to do whatever remedial action the jurisdictional City/county requires, including demolition & punitive fines.

      Take your time on studying these. It’s been months already, What is another month?

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Aug 05, 2019

    you can pour cement into 5 gallon buckets and add 4x4 posts then put lattice between them adding vines/flowers growing from planters boxes across the bottom of each section for even more privacy. lot less construction type work and lower costs easy to do by yourself

    • Madds Madds on Aug 05, 2019

      This is exactly what I have been thinking of doing until I can get a wall up.

      thanks.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 05, 2019

    You can anchor posts into the asphalt and then add a fence.

    • See 2 previous
    • Madds Madds on Aug 06, 2019

      Tha asphalt is in a bad way it’s never been resurfaced by council.I read some wear irs meant to be done at least every 2 1/2 - 3 yrs I have lived here 20yrs very little tar it’s all loose/ cracked so bad it’s just soil in some areas and weeds have become a nightmare it really needs to All be Dug up and replaced with ? I know should sort out the ground first. But neighbour is a pain.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 06, 2019

    You can also buy something my husband calls "cold patch" which is asphalt mix in a bag. We used it to patch where our drive wasn't deep enough and started deteriorating. You pour and pack it down. That could help where it's crumbling.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jun 16, 2021

    Hi Madds, here's some great ideas for natural fences that could work - https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-living-fences-that-look-better-than-chain-link-47520#cactus-fence. You'll also find a whole bunch of interesting ideas from other hometalkers here - https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/decor/s-13-ways-to-get-backyard-privacy-without-a-fence-17553245. I hope you come right, it must be so frustrating