How to Install a PVC Fence
There are some things to be aware of if you're thinking of installing a fence. First, determine the location you want the fence to be erected. The next step is to prepare the soil. Next, you will need to place the posts. You may also have to alter the height of the fence based on the size of your property.
Preparing the ground
Making sure the ground is prepared for the fence is a crucial step in the process. This is because fence posts must to be placed in a secure manner. The fence is prone to fly away if not secured.
Before digging, make sure to check with your local utility provider to confirm that there aren't any underground utilities that could impede the installation. In many areas, you can dial 811 and request that the utility company mark your yard for underground lines.
A gravel base must be laid for your fence posts. This will allow the water to drain away from the posts. It also provides a sturdy base for the blocks that will be put in.
Once you have the base, you can start putting in the vinyl fence. The material should be at minimum four feet in length and one-inch thick. If you have access to an auger, you can make use of it to create holes for fence posts.
Before digging, clear any shrubs or plants that might hinder your digging. Sometimes, it is easier take the soil out than to dig it. If you must dig, you will want to stay clear of digging in rocky or sandy soil.
The next step is to mark the high and low points of your yard. This can be accomplished by using string levels. Attach the string level to stakes that are about one foot above the ground. The string level acts as a guide for fence posts.
It is necessary to drill pilot holes in case your land is extremely dry. This will allow the process to run much more quickly.
It is also necessary to mark the holes. This can be done with spray paint or a marker. To ensure straight posts you could also use a mason's line.
You can also fill the gap with decorative stones. These stones are best suited for small gaps. You'll need another method to fill the gap larger. It is also possible to put dirt into the gap. This is a cost-effective and effective solution.
Placement of the posts
It can be difficult to put the posts in the right place. The first step is to determine the proper place. This can be done using the use of a spirit level, a line mark that is painted to fit the post width or a measuring tool.
Next, place the posts at the corners and ends. Also, set the middle and top rails. Cutting may be required. You could also use rails as an extra spacer between posts.
Once you have found the center of each hole using stakes or a tape measure and stakes, mark the middle of the posts with a tape measure. To determine the depth, you can also use the stringline. After the string line has been drawn, you can tie the ends of the end post to the string. This will ensure the fence will be straight.
After the posts are set, fill the bottoms with 6 inches of gravel. This will help to keep the posts in place and create drainage on the base.
When you are putting fence posts in concrete, be sure you use a fast setting concrete. This is a kind of concrete that is set in three to four minutes. If you're installing privacy fencing, make sure not to over tighten the panels. The panels should be positioned 22 inches above the ground. The panel should be secured with #10 1" self-tapping stainless steel screws.
If you are installing a vinyl fence, you can attach the posts to the lower collars with two screws. If you are installing an privacy fence, you should leave one screw on the top rail. Duct tape can be used to cover the bottom horizontal rails before inserting them into the posts. This will prevent concrete from leaking into horizontal rails that are below it.
When you are satisfied with the layout, take off the duct tape and then insert the top rail into the posts. Then, attach the pickets to the rails.
You can also join lower rails to corners. You can also use aluminum uchannels to secure the rails to the post.
Assembling the panels
Getting the fence posts lined up properly is crucial to the success of installing vinyl fence. You may have to use different techniques depending on the style of your fence. If you're installing an square or oval fence, the following steps will help you get started.
Before you begin, ensure that you review your deed as well as local zoning laws. Also, inform neighbors of your plans. If you're installing an electric fence you may need to apply for an building permit.
After all your posts are set, it is time to attach your rail brackets. These screws are placed on the inside of the post. This allows for easier manipulation of the posts when they are placed.
Before you attach your rail brackets, make sure to install the rail that is on the bottom. Vinyl panels pre-assembled have two rails. You may have to cut the rails to fit your terrain.
Once your bottom rail is in place, you can install the middle rail. You can also install the top rail in the same way. You can use an aluminum u-channel for this process. It can be put into posts using #8 x 1'' screws.
You can then install your pickets, one at a time. Once they're all set then you can begin attaching your C channel brackets. You can also place stakes around the corners to keep them in place. To join stakes you can use cotton string.
Spray paint markers can be used to mark your fence. This will ensure that your fence is level as you install it.
In the end, you will need to install your privacy panels. These panels should be placed on the back of your fence. To keep them in place, you can also add pea gravel. If you have a mild slope, you can address it by installing your website fence panels at one end so that they "step down" to the slope. If the slope is steep your fence needs to be built in a manner that it "steps down".
Problems with height changes
If you are planning to put up a PVC fence up it can be a challenge in lining up the posts. There are two methods to go about this. One is to place the posts on the ground and the other is to place them in a line. The first method is simpler to use and assures that you have concrete beneath and around the post. The second method requires digging out the posts, then backfill them with dirt.
When you remove the posts, be sure to fill them with a solid backfill and dig the holes enough to hold three-quarters the length of the post. You'll have to dig around six inches to get the posts into the bottom of the gravel. To drill the holes, you could employ a hole driller. In the final step, hook up the tension bar into the mesh. Attach the steel mesh at the top to the fence.
If you are having trouble aligning the posts, you can eliminate any rails that are too high. This is a challenging process but you should be able do it with two people with you. You can tighten the bolt threads by using a hammer or chisel. This will stop the bolts from slipping out when you take off the top of the fence.