How To Install A Vinyl Fence
Step by Step Instructions on Installing A Vinyl Fence
Installing a Vinyl fence offers the Homeowner a maintenance free product. A vinyl fence can provide safety for your children and pets, and increases the property value of your home. A vinyl fence will offer a more elegant look as apposed to a wood or chain link fence.
American Discount Fence offers the following tips when deciding
to build a fence.
How to Plan
Discuss your plans with any neighbors. Make sure your fence will
be on your property and will not encroach onto your neighbor’s yard. Before
digging, you must call “NJ One Call” (1-800-272-1000). Apply for the proper
building permits as directed by your local code.
What is available?
Vinyl fencing comes in various styles, colors and heights of
3ft, 4ft, 54in, 5ft, & 6 ft. Vinyl fences often are used around the
perimeter of the property or as a barrier around swimming pools and between
property lines. Vinyl fences are generally 4-6 feet tall and can be enhanced
with various post cap options.
Fence Terminology
- Posts
consist of 4×4 or 5×5 inch corners, ends, lines and blanks, depending on
the style and layout of the fence. They are set into the ground using
concrete that will provide stability for the fence.
- Posts
are usually set approximately 3 feet into the ground for support.
- Line
posts are any posts between the corner and end posts. They provide
stability and attachment points for the fence sections.
- Top
and Bottom Rails are the horizontal supports running between posts.
- Sections
– the fence material connected to the top and bottom rails in between the
post.
- Gate
– the door that provides entry in and out of the fenced area. All
containment fences should have gates. Sizes can vary depending on the
application. They can be mounted to swing both in or out. Most pool codes
require gates to open out. Make sure the hardware meets pool code
requirements (i.e. self closing hinges and an auto latch to be installed
at a height of 54 inches).
- Check
your township for local pool installation codes before purchase and
installation of a fence.
- Post
Caps: Cap that goes on top of the post. Many styles to choose from
including lighted caps.
Site Layout
Take time to lay out the fence carefully. An incorrect
measurement could result in problems later. Make provisions for widths of the
fence panels and gates so you will not end up with odd-sized sections that can
complicate installation.
To begin your fence installation:
Stake out your fence line from beginning to end including
corners and any gates.
Tie a string tautly between terminal post locations. This will define the line along
which post will be attached. Be sure to measure your panels before performing
the next steps.
Using the same measurement as the length of your sections, stake out the line
post locations.Measure on center from each corner post along the layout lines.
Mark each post with a stake. Ensure that the stakes are touching the layout
string so the posts will be in line. Remember to take gates into account at
this stage.
Digging post holes
Using a post-hole digger or power auger, dig the holes 10 inches
in diameter. The depth will depend on soil conditions in your area. Consult
your local building authorities for specific regulations. A good practice is to
install the post approximately 3 feet into the ground.
Setting posts
Place posts into hole (use a “post-section-post” strategy).
Fill the hole with concrete. A quick- setting variety can be used to speed the
process and under normal conditions, quick-setting concrete can be dry poured.
Tamp the post into the concrete. Backfill soil. Plumb and level post. Install
section prior to setting next post.
Install end and corner posts first. Tie a string between these posts along the
fence line. This will establish a reference so you can make sure the line posts
are set in line. Check each post to make sure it is plumb using a level on two
adjacent sides.
Before the concrete sets, check plumb and alignment again and make any final
adjustments.
Installing a gate
The opening for a gate between 2 posts must be 1 ½ to 2 inches
wider than the gate itself, based on the hardware being used. Leave 3/4 to 1
inch of space on each side between the gate and the posts to allow for hardware
clearance. We suggest using a heavy duty gate post for all gates.
Installing Post Caps
Use minimal PVC glue in one or two corners of the cap and position
in place. Due not glue lighted caps in place, its better to screw them on so
that they can easily be removed to change the rechargeable batteries.
We hope these step by step directions on how to install a Vinyl
fence were helpful!
For more information
contact an American Discount Fence Associate. Read more..
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