How to Install a PVC Fence
There are some things you need to remember in the event that you are considering installing a fence. The first step is to decide where you would like to place the fence. Then, you need to prepare the ground. Then you need to place the posts. You may also need to alter the height of the fence based on the size of your property.
Preparing the ground
It is important to prepare the ground for the fence. This is because fence posts have to be placed in a secure manner. If they are not then the fence could blow over in the wind.
Before you begin digging, make sure to check with your local utility company to make sure that there aren't any underground utilities that could interfere with the installation. In many areas, you can dial 811 and have the utility company mark your yard for underground lines.
A gravel base must be laid for your fence posts. This will aid in the drainage of water away from the posts. It will provide a solid foundation on which to place the blocks.
Once you have the base, it is time to put in the vinyl fence. The material should be at a minimum of four feet long and one inch thick. If you have access to an auger, it is recommended to employ it to make holes for fence posts.
Before digging, you must remove any plants and shrubs that might block the hole. In some cases, it is easier to remove the soil rather than digging it. Avoid digging in sandy or rocky soil if you have to.
Then, you should mark the highest and lowest points of your yard. A string level is the best way to do this. Attach the string level to stakes around one foot above the ground. The string level serves as a guideline for fence posts.
If your land is an extremely dry climate it is likely that you need to pre-drill pilot holes. 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. For straight posts, you can also use a mason’s line.
You can also fill in the gap with decorative stones. These stones work best for small gaps. However when you have a larger gap, you'll require a different method. You could also try putting dirt in the gap. This is a cost-effective and affordable solution.
Posts are erected
It is often difficult to put the posts in the right place. The first step is to find the right place. This can be done using the use of a spirit level, a line mark painted to accommodate the width of the post or a measuring wheel.
Then, you can place the posts that are at the corner and the end. Also, install the middle and top rails. You may need to make some cuts. You could also use rails as an extra spacer between posts.
After locating the middle of each hole You can use a tape measure or stakes to mark the center of the post. You can also use the string line to determine the appropriate depth. Once the string line is drawn, tie the ends of the post to the string. This will ensure the fence will be straight.
After the posts are firmly placed, fill the bottoms with 6 inches of gravel. This will hold the posts in place and will provide drainage.
Make use of a quick-setting concrete when setting fence posts in concrete. This kind of concrete sets in between three and four minutes. If you're planning to build privacy fencing, make certain not to tighten too much the panels. The panels should sit 22 inches above the ground. The panel should be secured with #10 1" self-tapping stainless steel screws.
You can connect the posts to your vinyl fence by using two screws. There should be one screw at the end of a privacy fence. Duct tape can be used to cover the bottom rails prior putting them into the posts. This will prevent concrete from leaking into the bottom horizontalrail.
Once you are happy with the layout, take off the duct tape and insert the top rail into the posts. You can then attach the pickets to the rails.
You can also connect the rails on the bottom to the corners. You can use aluminum U-channel to secure the rails to the post.
Assembling the panels
Getting the fence posts lined up correctly is crucial to the successful installation of vinyl fence. Based on the design of your fence, you may need to use different techniques. 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. Also, inform neighbors of your plan. You may need an approval for building for installing fencing made of vinyl.
Once your posts are in place It is now time to mount your rail brackets. These are screws that are anchored to the outside of the post. This allows for more control of the posts as they are placed.
Before installing your rail brackets, you should install your bottom rail. Vinyl panels pre-assembled have two rails. It is possible that you will need to alter the rails according to your terrain.
Once the bottom rail is in place you can install your middle rail. The top rail can be set up similarly. You can make use of an aluminum uchannel for this step. It can be inserted into posts using #8 x 1'’ screws.
The pickets can then be placed one at a time. Once your pickets are installed you can attach 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.
You can also make use of a spray paint marker to mark your fence. This will make sure the fence is level as you put it in place.
Additionally, you will have to install privacy panels. They should be placed on the back of your fence. To ensure they stay in place, you can also add pea gravel. If you have a gentle slope, you could address it by putting in your fence panels at one side so they "step down" to the slope. If the slope is steep, your fence will need to be constructed in a way that "steps down".
Problems with height changes
It may be difficult to align the posts if you plan to where to buy vinyl fencing construct fence made of PVC fence. There are two primary ways to achieve this. The first is to place the posts on the ground. The other is to align them. The first option is easier to implement and ensures that you have concrete under and around the post. In the second method, you have to remove the posts and then backfill with dirt.
When you remove the posts, make sure to fill them with a solid backfill and make holes that are deep enough to hold three-quarters of the length of the post. It is necessary to dig down approximately six inches in order to place the posts into the bottom of the gravel. To drill the holes, use a hole driller. The tension bar is attached to the mesh at the end of the process. Then staple the upper end of the steel mesh into the fence.
If you have difficulty aligning the posts, you can eliminate any rails on the posts that are too high. This can be a challenging procedure however, you will be able to accomplish it if you have two persons helping you. If you have two tools, a hammer or chisel, you can peen the threads of the bolts. This will keep them from coming out of the fence when you remove it.