FAQs

Silt Sock can withstand some traffic, however, it is not built for being driven over excessively.  Driving over will flatten the diameter of the sock which would require the readjusting by hand to reshape.  In most cases, we suggest that contractors use a shorter Silt Sock where driving is required and pull the uphill sock back like a gate for traffic to drive through.  Simply close it back when finished.

Unlike Silt Sock, straw wattles can be stiffer, light weight, don’t allow water to flow through easily, require trenching and considerable staking for them to hold up on the job site.  Challenges of straw wattles are that they do not conform to the ground like a flexible and heavy Silt Sock.  Straw wattles may work for your site, however, questions you should ask are: 1) Can they hold up to the water flow 2) Is trenching needed 3) Are there rodents, birds and even livestock in the area what like to eat or nest with the straw (destroying it?), 4) Is a useful life of longer than 1-2 months and 3-4 rains required?  If so, Silt Sock might be a better choice.

Silt Sock is easy to use and complies with the requirements on most job sites.  Keep in mind that silt fence is required to be trenched at least 6” deep and maintained to that water will not undercut the fabric.  On sites where there is a lot of rock, tree roots, underground utilities or conditions are muddy and don’t allow adequate trenching equipment you might want to consider using Silt Sock.  Most of our contractors like Silt Sock’s versatility, no trenching required (in most situations) and best of all – speed of installation, flexibility, very low maintenance.