A well-built privacy vinyl fence can be the key to drowning out noisy neighbors, and even give seclusion to a backyard. Since vinyl fencing has a lifetime ranging between 20-30 years, if you install your fence properly, you can reap the benefits of low maintenance and an unweathered appearance.
After you have chosen the exact vinyl fence you would like to add to your property, the difficult part of installation begins. This process, if understood and thought-out, can be done over a few days. Here we will cover all of the tools you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide to make sure you are confident in the installation process.
Every city has its own laws and restrictions concerning fencing. Learn your area’s regulations before committing to any design or materials. If any important specifications are overlooked you could be wasting precious time and money on fees or even relocating an already built fence. Many of these restrictions are in place for the safety reasons, so it’s in your best interest to follow them.
Preparation is key to any project, and building a fence is no exception. You will need to get a concrete idea of where your fence will be placed. Contact a surveyor to define your exact property lines, and create a sketch of your property with precise measurements.
Creating a smaller scale version of your project first will help you predict and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Know the real size of your property and measure the area where you are planning construction.
Have everything you’ll need ready at hand. Here is a list of common tools and materials used for fence installation you will need prepared.
Walk along your projected fence line and clear any yard debris that may be in the way, such as sticks and rocks. This will also give you a clear idea of any rough patches to avoid.
With your plan in hand, lay out the intended fence with stakes and strings as markers of where the intended fence will be. With a privacy vinyl fence, you want your posts to be at least 5-10 feet apart. Your particular fence will specify whether the cross beams should be certain stagnant lengths, or variable.
Where each fence post will be, place a stake in the ground. This is especially important in the corners. There are many ways to ensure you are creating square angles to perch the fence correctly.
Dig posts one at a time, do not take out any stakes until you are ready to dig. Fence posts should be buried 32 inches into the ground to ensure they are sturdy. Dig holes in a cone or V shape. This way when your posts are buried they will be less susceptible to shifting.
Since concrete begins to set shortly after mixing, only combine enough for one, or two posts at a time. Use a wheelbarrow as the container for mixing, which can utilize the concrete made quickly between posts.
Perch your post in the holes vertically and use a level on the top of each post. Slowly pour your concrete into the hole, surround the post completely. One person should hold the post level while the other secures it with the concrete.
As the concrete begins to set, use your level on the sides and top of the post and make small adjustments to get the post perfectly straight. Smooth the concrete with a hand trowel. Excess concrete can easily be scrapped or washed off of the posts, just be careful not to nudge them.
Wait until the concrete is completely dry to install the paneling. Beginning construction before the concrete is dry can cause them to become askew.
Depending on the exact height of your privacy vinyl fence, and how the slopes of your property naturally vary, you may need to make minor adjustments.
Measure between the posts to get the sizes of your bottom and top rails. You may even want to hold cross beams up to where they belong and use your marker to to ensure precise cuts. If you must cut off premade holes, use a drill to imitate new holes as closely as possible.
Start by inserting the bottom rail connecting each post to another.
The panels you have cut will then be snapped into place, beginning against one fence post, then securing them one-by-one to another post. These vinyl privacy fence pieces are very similar to a puzzle and it’s lock-in capabilities make this a very easy step.
Secure the fence by attaching the top rails from one post to the next, by sliding it above the completed paneling and locking it into place. Post tops will then need added on top of the posts.
Hardware for securing these will be included with the purchase of the fence.
Installing a gate involves the same process as the other fence posts, despite one changed detail. Install the posts on either side of the gate using a level and surround them with concrete. A galvanized steel bar will then need inserted inside of the two gate posts.
You may need to employ the help of a hammer to get it fully into the setting concrete. The quicker you get the steel in place, the easier it will be.
So the posts are set in with concrete, the panels are locked into place, and you’re surely feeling accomplished at the sight. The final step is to take your rake and begin leveling the dirt surrounding the fence. Small piles of dirt should be placed against the posts to ensure there are no gaps between the pre-dug holes and the fence. A trowel will come in handy at this point, as well.
Avoid any future problems with your fence, or even difficulties during installation by being wary of these common mistakes.
Sometimes self-installation may prove a larger task than first thought. A trustworthy fencing company that is knowledgeable on the process can guide you from the moment of selection, to the very last step of putting on your fence post caps.
Professionals are just that, they have the experience with all the regulations so you can ensure everything is just right and no minor details are skipped over. Be sure to find a reputable company by checking online reviews left by past customers.
Traditional cedar fencing is undoubtedly eye-catching when first installed. The problems begin after when weather begins to discolor and even warp the fence. In fact some regions now restrict materials like wood because of rotting. Vinyl fencing is a long-lasting alternative. It’s color stays vibrant despite harsh weather, and the installation is less tedious.
The choice of privacy vinyl fence can save you money over time because of the lack of maintenance it will require, and there are even style that mimic the texture of wood fencing. Vinyl is one of the best choices for self installation as well, because it is so light.
Choosing a privacy vinyl fence is a smart decision, but it must be followed by knowing the methods of how to install it successfully. Being prepared is the best way to create a beautiful finalized product without stumbling through unnecessary complications, wasting time, energy, and money. By reading all of the steps, and even turning to a professional, your fence can be constructed with ease.