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When a fence needs replaced, it is easy to the benefits of a vinyl fence and reasonable to believe you can install it yourself. This option is a durable alternative to wood fencing. One of the greatest attributes is its easy installation which can be done without the help of a professional.
Vinyl fencing has an average lifetime of 20 to 30 years and can save money in the beginning of purchase and continue this saving throughout time due to its longevity. To install this type of fencing basic construction knowledge may be required, but nothing a review of instructions and tips can’t help. Don’t worry, everything comes pre-cut and drilled, so assembly is as easy as putting together the pieces of a rudimentary jigsaw puzzle.
Types of Vinyl Fencing
The two most common types of vinyl fencing are privacy and picket. Many other forms exist but most are looking for either decor or solitude. The lengths and heights can be customized and their designs are endless.
Privacy Vinyl Fencing
Privacy Vinyl Fencing will obstruct entire views and gives you the seclusion one may be looking for. This is a good way to clearly define the boundaries of your territory. If you have a pool this is a great option to turn your own yard into a private retreat. All of the vinyl siding pieces are placed close together to seclude an area.
Picket Vinyl Fencing
Picket Vinyl Fencing is styled in a traditional picket design. The panels come in different spacings and heights. Use picket fencing to add a decorative flair to your yard even if you prefer classic styles of fencing. A feature of vinyl picket fencing is marking your perimeter without blocking your beautiful home or garden.
How-To
The process of vinyl fence installation is basically attaching pre-cut vinyl puzzle pieces to the posts. While developing a shopping list, note how long your prospective fence will be- this is one of the most important steps. Little strenuous activity is required, but you will need to be able to dig a hole suitable for the posts.
Prepare and Measure
To begin your project, make sure all the necessary items are ready to be used. The amount of fencing you buy is important, so that measurement is something you want to more than double check to avoid a second shopping trip.
Understanding how to install the fence will vary depending on the type of vinyl fence you are using. Keep any instructions that accompanied the fencing nearby during this process, but most vinyl fencing has a few of the same key steps involved. Installing a fence on your own can be intimidating, but if you are prepared and have done a little research, everything can go smoothly.
Clear Fence Area
Remember to check weather conditions to ensure you have a large enough time-frame to install the fence successfully. Always take care of any plants, large rocks, or stumps in your path before starting this process or plan to build around them.
Mark Posts’ Location
The locations of the posts are vital. The appropriate spacing is usually 5 to 10 feet apart. Whichever fence you decide upon should have a certain or variable crossbeam lengths.
Use noticeable markers such as large rocks or begin directly digging as you mark. Be sure to account for any place that you may want to install a gate as the vinyl fence posts may need to be closer together at these points.
Dig Post Holes
Fence posts need space dug 32 inches into the ground, if holes are not deep enough posts can be left unsecured and wobbly. Holes can be dug easiest with an auger or post hole digger but an average shovel will do fine.
Tip: Think about digging a cone or V-shaped trough for our post holes. When they are buried this will prevent water from settling around the bottom of the vinyl post which can cause shifting.
Install Posts With Concrete
It is important to be able to keep the posts level in place. Otherwise, you will end up with a wonky or leaning fence. Unlevel areas need to be taken care of prior to digging because of the unpredictable nature of weather and animals that can ruin your work.
Concrete is the suggested method to make sure your posts stay put. Loose dirt or sand may shift after rain leaving your posts only loosely secured. But don’t be intimidated by the concrete, most are as simple as adding water, stirring and pouring. Make sure the concrete is completely dry before beginning to attach the rest of your fence.
Tip: Use a wheelbarrow to make your concrete in and you will be able to take it to all of the post holes with ease before it settles and dries.
Lock In Fence Paneling
The entirety of the remaining fence will be installed with the most ease. Snap all of the remaining paneling into place. Always check your specific fence provider’s directions for some vinyl paneling is slid partially into place. Either way, this is one of the easiest steps and shows how easily vinyl fencing is handled.
Secure Fence
To secure the fence, attach the rails to the ends of each section with screws. If it does not come pre-drilled it never hurts to make pilot holes for easy attachment. You can then attach the post tops. These should have come with specific hardware.
Mistakes To Avoid
Unprepared Landscape
Your landscape may have certain slopes that will need to be dealt with in specific ways. Make sure to survey your prospective fence area for any landscaping that will deter the process. Consistently wet areas are not ideal for planting your fence posts.
Hammering Posts
The posts of vinyl fencing does not need the added pressure of a hammer when installing. This is a regular method to use when installing wood fences and some may confuse the two processes. By driving in the vinyl posts they will not respond to the pressure well and end up bending, or even worse, completely breaking.
Large Spacing
When buying vinyl fencing posts, you do not want to skimp on material. The farther apart you place the posts, the less support the panels will have to remain standing.
Contact a Professional
While vinyl fencing is able to be installed by the customer, there are times when it is best to contact a specialist in vinyl fencing. People who are knowledgeable about fencing can answer important questions about differences, installation and the advantages of vinyl fencing. They also serve as an asset to those physically unable to install a fence themselves.
Advantages of Vinyl Fencing
Appearance
Vinyl fencing is so durable that its appearance does not alter unless subjected to repeated hard conditions. The best part is there’s no worry over the fence rotting or becoming completely discolored. This type of fence can also easily be power washed without stressing over possible damage.
Vinyl fences come in all sorts of designs. You have the option to imitate a classic wooden fence or choose a more modern look. This makes it easy to match with your home or the surrounding area. The wood imitation fence is a viable vinyl alternative to real lumber. If you’re looking for the convenience and reliability of vinyl fencing, but love the look of a wood fence, these are the choice for you.
Lifetime
If a fence can keep its appearance for a longer period of time, it is also able to be kept longer. This is a great wood alternative because of its ability to respond well to all sorts of weather conditions. Just like any fence the biggest worry with a vinyl fence is physical damage, as long as you’re not actively trying to bring it down, it will be there for a while.
Upkeep is not a huge issue. Vinyl can easily be cleaned of any dirt or grass. Installing the posts correctly, to begin with, is essential. If they’re not, just like a wooden fence, they may need to be reoriented over the years due to shifting ground.
Price
Though vinyl panels can be slightly more expensive per section than a traditional wooden fence it will most certainly save you on time and energy from installation onwards. Vinyl fencing is available for those looking for a more economic alternative to the usual, but costly cedar fence.
DIY Vinyl Fence Installation
Installing any fence involves time, but that time does not have to be spent lugging piles of wood all over your yard and going to bed with splinters and sore muscles. After a just few days of work, a vinyl fence can be installed in your home.
Use all of the available tools and information to make your home fence installation successful. Even if there are a few hiccups along the way, you have already made the smart choice in purchasing a vinyl fence. Not to mention the fulfillment you will experience from a job well done.