How to Install a PVC Fence
There are some things to keep in mind in the event that you are considering installing fence. The first step is to determine where you want to install the fence. The next step is to prepare the soil. Then, you'll 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
Preparing the ground for the fence is an important step in the process. This is essential because the fence posts must be securely installed. The fence is prone to fall off if it's not secured.
Before digging, consult with your local utility provider to confirm that there aren't any underground utilities that could block the installation. Call 811 to make sure that your yard is marked for underground lines.
A gravel base must be laid for the fence posts. This will allow water to drain away from the posts. It also creates a solid foundation on which blocks will be built on top of it.
Once you have the base, it's time to set up the vinyl fence. The material should be at a minimum of four feet long and one-inch thick. You can employ an auger for digging the holes for fence posts If you have it.
Before you begin digging, it is important to take down any shrubs and plants that might interfere with the excavation. In certain situations it is easier to get rid of the ground before digging 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 done using a string level. Attach the string level to stakes that are at least one foot above ground. The string level will serve as a guideline for the fence posts.
If your land is a climate that is extremely dry, you'll likely need to drill pilot holes in advance. This will help the process run much more quickly.
You will also need to mark the holes. Spray paint or a marker to mark your holes. You can also make use of a mason's line to make sure that the posts are straight.
You can also fill the gap with decorative stones. These stones work best for small gaps. You'll need to find a different way to fill the larger gap. You could also try putting dirt inside the gap. This is a cost-effective and effective solution.
The postings are placed in the appropriate places.
Installing the posts can be a daunting task. The first step is to find the correct position. You can do this using a spirit level, a marker made to measure the size of the posts, or a measuring instrument.
Then, you should set the end and corner posts in their place. It is also recommended to install the top and middle rails. Cutting is sometimes required. Rails can be used as a spacer between posts.
After locating the center of each hole Use a tape measure or stakes to mark the middle of the post. To determine the depth, you could also draw a stringline. Once the string line is drawn, tie the ends of the end post to the string. This will ensure that the fence is straight.
After the posts are firmly seated then fill their bottoms up with six inches of gravel. This will keep the posts in place and will provide drainage.
When putting the fence posts in concrete, be sure to use quick setting concrete. This kind of concrete sets within three to four minutes. It is not recommended to tighten the panels when installing privacy fencing. The panels should be placed 22 inches above ground. The panels is to be secured using #10 x 1" self tapping stainless steel screws.
You can connect the posts to your vinyl fence by using two screws. You should leave one screw at each end of a privacy fence. You can also cover the horizontal rails at the bottom using duct tape prior to affixing them to the posts. This will prevent concrete from leaking into the bottom horizontal rail.
When you are satisfied with the layout, take off the duct tape, and insert the top rail into the posts. The pickets are able to be attached to the rails.
You can also set lower rails at the corners. You can use aluminum u-channel to fasten the rails to the post.
Assembling the panels
The alignment of the fence posts up properly is crucial to the success of installing a vinyl fence. Based on the design of your fence, you may need to use different techniques. These steps will assist you in determining regardless of whether you are planning to install a square or oval fence.
Before you begin, ensure that you have a look at your deed and local Zoning laws. Also, notify neighbors of your plan. If you're planning to build an electric fence, you might need to apply for an building permit.
Once you have all your posts in place, it's time to set up your rail brackets. These are screws that attach to the inside of the post. This allows for easier manipulation of the posts once they are put in.
Before you install your rail brackets, make sure you install your bottom rail. The majority of pre-assembled vinyl panels come with two rails. You may have to modify the rails to match your terrain.
Once the bottom rail is in place you can then install the middle rail. You can also install the top rail the same way. You can make use of an aluminum u-channel for this process. It can be inserted into posts using #8 x 1'' screws.
You can then put in your pickets one by one. Once your pickets have been installed put here them on your C channel brackets. To hold them in place you can place stakes at their corners. You can use cotton string to join the stakes.
Spray paint markers can also be used to mark your line. This will ensure that the fence is level when it is put in.
In the end, you will need to install your privacy panels. The panels should be put on the back of your fence. You can also add pea gravel to your holes to help keep them in place. You can make your slope more gentle by putting your fence panels at one end, so that they "step down". If the slope is steep then you'll need to construct your fence so that it "steps down" from the top to the bottom.
Problems with height changes
It could be difficult to align the posts if you want to build fence made of PVC fence. There are two methods to accomplish this. The first is to set the posts on the ground. The other is to align them. The first method is easier and ensures that concrete is laid around each post. The second method requires you to dig out the posts and then backfill them with dirt.
When you are digging out the posts, be sure to use a quality backfill and dig the holes enough to hold three-quarters of the length of the post. You'll need to dig down approximately six inches to get the posts into the base of the gravel. To drill holes, you can also make use of a hole-drilling machine. The tension bar can be welded to the mesh in the last step. Attach the steel mesh at the top to the fence.
If you are having difficulty aligning the posts or removing the rail from the posts that are too high. This can be a difficult procedure however, you should be able to do it with two persons helping you. You can tighten the bolt threads by using either a hammer or an axe. This will stop them from escaping the fence when you pull it out.