How to Install a PVC Fence
If you've decided to put up a fence you must be aware that there are some crucial things to consider. The first step is to determine where you would like to place the fence. Then, you need to prepare the ground. Then, you must place the posts. It is also possible to adjust the height based on the dimensions and shape of your property.
Preparing the ground
It is crucial to prepare the ground for the fence. This is essential because the fence posts must be securely placed in the ground. If they aren't in a secure location, the fence will blow over in the wind.
Before you start digging, you should check the local utility company to make sure that there aren't any underground utilities that could hinder the construction. In many areas, you can contact 811 and have the utility company mark your yard for underground lines.
A gravel base should be laid for the fence posts. This will allow water to drain away from the posts. It creates a solid foundation on which to put the blocks.
Once you have the base, you can begin to install the vinyl fence. The fence should be at a minimum of four feet in length and one-inch thick. If you have access to an auger, you can utilize it to dig holes for fence posts.
Before you dig, remove any plants or shrubs that might hinder your digging. Sometimes it is easier to remove the soil rather than dig it. Avoid digging in rocky or sandy soil if you need to.
The next step is to mark the high and low points of your yard. A string level is the best way to do this. Attach the string level to stakes around a foot above the ground. The string level serves as a guideline to the fence posts.
If your land is a very dry climate, you will probably require pre-drilling pilot holes. This will allow the process to take much less time.
In the end, you'll need to mark the holes. This can be done with markers or spray paint. You can also employ a mason's lines to make sure that the posts are straight.
You can also fill the gap with decorative stones. These stones are ideal for small gaps. However, if you have a wider gap, you'll require a different strategy. You can also try putting dirt into the gap. This can be a cheap and efficient solution.
Set the posts in place
The process of putting the posts up can be a difficult process. First, locate the right place. This can be done with an apex level, a line mark that has been painted to fit the post width or a measuring tool.
Then, you should set the corner and end posts in place. Also, put in the middle and top rails. You may need to make some cuts. Rails can be used as a spacer between posts.
Once you have located the middle of each hole with stakes or a tape measure, mark the middle of the posts using a tape measure. To determine the depth, you can also draw stringline. After the string line has been drawn, you can tie the ends of the post to the string. This will ensure the fence will be straight.
After the posts are firmly placed then fill the bottoms of the posts with six inches of dirt. This will help keep the posts in place and provide drainage base.
When setting the fence posts in concrete, be sure you use a fast setting concrete. This kind of concrete sets in three to four minutes. It is important not to tighten the panels when installing privacy fencing. The panels should sit 22 inches above the ground. The panels is to be secured using #10 x 1" self tapping stainless steel screws.
If you are installing a vinyl fence you can attach the posts to the bottom collars using two screws. One screw should be left at the end of a privacy fence. You can cover the lower horizontal rails with duct tape prior to attaching them to the posts. This will stop concrete from getting into the horizontal rails at the bottom.
After you are satisfied with the placement, take off the duct tape. Then insert the top rail into each of the posts. The pickets are able to be attached to the rails.
You can also attach the bottom rails to the corners. Aluminum u-channel can be used to connect the rails to your posts.
Assembling the panels
Making sure that the fence posts are lined up correctly is essential to the successful installation of a vinyl fence. You may have to use different techniques depending on the style of your fence. These steps will help you get started whether you're planning to construct an oval or square fence.
Before you begin, make sure to check your deed and local zoning laws. Notify neighbors about your plans. You might need permission to build in the event that you want to build a vinyl fence.
Once your posts are set, it is time to put in your rail brackets. These are screws that are fixed to the inside face of the post. This makes it easier to maneuver the posts after they have been placed.
Before you install your rail brackets, make sure you attach your bottom rail. Vinyl panels that are pre-assembled typically include two rails. You may have to cut the rails to fit your terrain.
Once your bottom rail is installed You can then install the middle rail. The top rail can be installed in the same way. This step can be done by using an aluminum uchannel. You can insert it into your posts with the help of #8 1'' screws.
You can then install your pickets one by one. Once they're all in place and you are ready to begin attaching your C channel brackets. To keep them in place, you can place stakes at their corners. You can use cotton string to join the stakes.
You can also make use of a spray paint marker to mark your fence. This will ensure that your fence is level as you set it up.
Then, you must install your privacy panels. These should be erected on the rear of your fence. To help them stay in place, you can also add pea gravel. You can make your slope gentler by putting your fence panels on one end, so that they "step down". If the slope is steep you'll need to build your fence in a way that it "steps down" from the top to the bottom.
Problems with height changes
It might be difficult to coordinate the posts if you plan to construct a PVC fence. There are two ways to go about it. One is to lay the posts on the ground and the other is to align them. The first method is less complicated and ensures concrete is laid underneath and around each post. The second method requires digging out the posts, then backfill them with dirt.
When you are digging out the posts, make sure to fill them with a solid backfill and make the holes deep enough to support three-quarters the length of the post. You will need to dig around six inches to sink the posts into the base of the gravel. You may also use a more info hole digger to drill the holes. The tension bar is attached to the mesh in the last step. Then you should staple the upper part of the steel mesh onto the fence.
If you have difficulty aligning the posts, you can remove any rails that are too high. This can be a difficult procedure, but you should be able to do it if you have two people working with you. You can tighten the bolt threads using either a hammer, or a chisel. This will stop the bolts from slipping out when you take off the top of the fence.