How to Install a Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fencing is a beautiful and low-maintenance means of defining property lines and keeping pets and children secure. But installing it yourself requires careful planning and care for the details.
The first step is to draw the fence you intend to construct and estimate how many posts you'll require. Fence posts should be placed 6-8 feet apart.
Dig Postholes
Make postholes in your fence line using a powered digger or auger (check with local codes). The holes should be around 10 inches in diameter, and deep enough to hold approximately one third of the length of the pole and 6 inches of gravel backfill. Gate posts and main supports should usually be six inches deeper than other posts to improve the strength of the post.
After digging the posts, pour around six inches of gravel into the holes and then fill them with concrete that sets quickly, following mixing and setting instructions on the bag of concrete. The posts with hollows should be tapped into the concrete. Then, you should check that each post has been set and level before moving on to the next.
You should consider installing a drainage system in the event that your fence is located over a water source in order to stop water from pooling inside the holes. You can also add an additional layer of gravel between the fence and the ground to keep water from eroding.
Before you begin digging, call the local utility diggers hotline to have underground lines marked. This will ensure that you do not run into any unplanned circumstances, like a leaking water or sewer line, while installing your fence.
After you've marked the holes, dig each one to a depth of 2.5 to 3 feet. To ensure that the rails of your posts be inserted into the holes the bottom of the hole should be wider than the top of the post.
Reduce the length of your posts
It is essential to ensure that the posts are the identical length if you intend to put up vinyl fencing. This allows the fence to bend and not break. It also helps ensure that the fence is flexible enough to withstand small impacts and strong winds.
To make sure you have the same length of posts you can use a level measure each post and mark them on string. You can either mark the strings on the end posts, or use them to align each posthole.
Once you've marked your posts, dig holes to the required depth to construct the fence. They should be large enough to hold 3 feet of post and 6 inches of gravel, that will provide a base for the post, which helps to drain water away from it.
Then, place the bottom rail into each post and secure it with an self-drilling screw. This will prevent the top rail from slipping off the post and will allow for movement in and out.
After the bottom rail has been put in after that, slide your pickets and U-channel in the order you need until you've completed the entire section. Then, slide in your top and middle rails.
When installing vinyl privacy fences be sure to install the u channel before you attach the top rail to the post. This will prevent your fence's sliding in the winds, and will keep out dirt and bugs.
Install Posts
It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing a vinyl fence. This includes digging holes that are deep enough to hold at least one-third of the post's length and six inches deeper if you're using a gravel base.
If you're installing a vinyl fence on a slope, it's especially critical to make sure the posts are level. A post that is too high can cause the whole fence to be sagging and make it difficult to secure the fence panels.
Before digging the hole Before digging, secure a string at the corners or ends of your posts to ensure they are straight. This will help you find exactly where your posts are.
To give them greater strength and stability, the posts should be at least a third deep than their length. The use of a digger for posts is a fast and simple way to do this, however, you can also dig them by hand.
After the posts are set placed, pour concrete over them. Fill installing vinyl fencing to a depth of around a foot and evenly distribute it. This will make the posts more durable and resistant to strong winds.
Once all the posts are securely in place then you can attach rails to the posts. The rails connect to the posts by snapping into slots at the top and bottom. Once they're secure, you can slide your vinyl fence panels onto the posts.
Attach Rails to Posts
Vinyl fences are constructed on posts and should be strong enough to support the weight of the fence. Posts are susceptible to tipping or moving in the event that the ground is unstable. This could cause damage to your fence. The best method to ensure the stability of your posts is to put concrete as the base.
It isn't easy to attach a post rails, but it is possible. You can use a device called a "post brace" to ensure that the post is plumb and straight. These are usually 2-foot by 4 feet and are attached to the post using nails or using a clawhammer.
Once the post is secured Set the rails on the top of it. Split rails can be put in by sliding the bottom rail down until the rail clears one of the posts that are adjacent to it. Continue adding rails until all posts are installed and the fence is completed.
You can contact the local code enforcement office to determine the proper spacing for pickets. If your fence is situated in a sloped area it is possible to cut the pickets with an angled pattern. Although it is not necessary but it could conceal the boards the uneven ends.
It is vital to select the appropriate style of fence to protect your landscape and home. The fence should be in line with the overall design of your home, provide privacy, security, curb appeal and curb appeal. The proper design can help to reduce costs of maintaining and replacing your fence.
Attach rails to posts
Vinyl fences are simple to install and are available in a variety of styles. They include privacy fences as a well as split rail and picket fences. They are an attractive alternative to wood fences due to their strength and low maintenance.
To make sure that your new vinyl fence is set in a straight line and in an even line, measure the distance between each post prior to when you start digging holes for the posts. Then, you should mark all the posts with a string, and place them.
Once cost to install vinyl fence are ready to be drilled, make sure you leave 5 to 6 inches above ground level for each hole. If you have a sloped property concrete can be poured to the base of each.
Once all the posts are in place After that, you can add the fence rails to them. Vinyl fence rails are available in two lengths, 8-foot and 16 so you can decide the one that is suitable for your property.
You'll need to trim the rails to be able to fit around corners if the fence has corners. To slide the rail across the corner posts you can utilize one end of the rail and the other to slide it into another post.
After you've hung the rails, you can now begin putting the fence pickets into each rail. This will give your fence a professional look. This will allow you to visually grade your fence so it looks uniform.
Attach posts to other posts
Vinyl fences are a great option for homeowners who want to improve their property's appearance, privacy, and also protect their yard from weather damage. They are also extremely robust and require very little maintenance.
There are many different types of vinyl fences, such as solid privacy, picket , and more. You can choose from a variety colors and sizes of fences. Some even come with a lifetime guarantee.
Take into consideration the manufacturing process of the vinyl fence manufacturer when choosing a fence for your property. vinyl fence install can be constructed in two main ways: monoextrusion and co-extrusion.
The first method injects polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with UV inhibitors to prevent chalking and fading. To create a capstock and substrate the second method utilizes two layers of PVC.
In addition to these layers Vinyl fences are also infused with stabilizing and impact modifiers that make them sturdy and flexible. They are not susceptible to decay and rot and some fences come with the promise of a lifetime.
Ask your local dealer for advice in deciding what type of vinyl fence to buy. They'll help you navigate in the right direction and suggest the most appropriate product for your needs.
After you've selected a fence made of vinyl for your property and you're ready to begin the installation. This phase of the project can be a little tricky so it's essential to follow the guidelines carefully.