Before fence installation begins, homeowners need to consider several factors. These include setting a budget, choosing the right material, complying with regulations, and maintaining a long-term view.
A professional installer will help the homeowner decide by explaining material options and showing samples*. They will also take measurements and verify zoning requirements. Contact R.C Fence LLC now!
While a fence may seem like an easy project to tackle, there are many steps involved in ensuring that the completed project is a success. Whether you are installing a new residential fence, an industrial fence for security purposes, or temporary fencing for an event or construction site, the best way to ensure that the job is done correctly is to prepare the area before construction begins.
A well-prepared site is essential for a successful fence installation, whether it is commercial precast concrete fence or any other kind of fencing. The fence installation team needs access to the entire perimeter of the site in order to move equipment and materials, carry out their work, and install the posts and panels that form the fence itself. If any obstacles are present, such as large plants or trees that would interfere with the fencing, they will need to either be moved or removed completely.
Another important consideration is the property lines that will determine where the fence is installed. It is recommended that homeowners hire a professional surveyor to accurately locate their property lines to avoid problems with neighbors or possible legal issues down the road. These lines can be clearly marked on the property before beginning construction, which prevents the fence from being built too close to the property line and compromising the safety and privacy of the homeowner’s home.
It is also necessary to identify any buried utilities that might be in the area, such as water or sewage pipes. These can be damaged if they are accidentally struck during the course of the installation, and they must be located and marked before digging holes for fence posts. The fence installation company can contact the utility providers to obtain this information, or the homeowner may choose to do so on his or her own.
Digging Post Holes
The fence posts are the foundation of your new fence, and how well they’re installed will greatly impact how long your fence lasts. Digging the post holes requires precision and experience, and if done incorrectly, can cost you in both time and money.
Depending on the height of your fence, you’ll need to dig a hole that’s at least half the height of the post in the ground. You’ll also need to consider frost line depth, local building codes and more when digging your post holes.
Fence posts aren’t always set directly on the property lines, so it’s important to get a property survey before beginning construction to ensure that you’re accurately building your fence within your own boundaries. This will also help to avoid any issues with neighbors who may not want you to build on their property.
Before you begin digging, make sure to have the right tools for the job. A good pair of gloves and safety goggles will keep your hands and face protected from dirt and debris as you work, and a sturdy shovel or clamshell digger will make short work of the soil in most locations. If your project calls for extra digging power, a pickaxe can come in handy.
Once you’ve dug the holes, add a layer of gravel and tamp it down with your feet to pack it tight and prepare the area for the concrete to be added. Use a level to verify that the post is plumb before you pour, then let the concrete cure for about four hours. Once it’s ready, you can begin constructing your fence or adding pickets. To save money, time and effort on your fencing installation, opt for fence panels rather than individual pickets.
Setting the Posts
Whether the fence is wood or metal, all posts need to be set securely. The team carefully marks the post locations and space them appropriately to ensure a sturdy foundation and prevent them from shifting over time. Depending on the type of fence, this is done with concrete or gravel footings. Typically, gravel is used because it allows water to drain away from the posts underground and helps prevent rot.
While digging, the team also sets a series of corner posts to help maintain alignment along the fence line. This can be a time-consuming process. However, the right tools can make it much easier and more efficient. For instance, a power auger mounted to a tractor can greatly speed up this step. Additionally, a variety of different types of concrete mix can be purchased that’s specifically designed for fencing. This typically comes in a pre-mixed form that can be added dry to the hole and then soaked with a hose for quicker installation.
Before setting the posts, the team checks for any buried hazards that could affect the installation or cause damage to the completed fence. They will then mark off the area where the posts will be placed, using a surveyor’s tape or a string line.
The professional fencing contractors then dig holes for each post. After preparing the holes, they add the concrete mix and follow all instructions provided by the concrete manufacturer. To prevent them from falling during the curing process, they may add braces to each of the fence posts. They will then use a level to ensure all of the posts are perfectly plumb and aligned with one another.
Attaching the Fence Panels or Pickets
When a homeowner is satisfied with the layout of their new fence, it’s time to attach the fence panels or pickets. This phase of the installation process typically involves securing each panel or picket to one or more rails using screws or nails, depending on the fence type.
Homeowners can often benefit from discussing their vision for the fence with an experienced installer during this part of the project. This can help ensure that the design meets their aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. In some cases, homeowners may also want to explore different design options to find the best fit for their property.
After the fence panels are attached, builders will need to make sure that they are level. If a fence is built unevenly, it can become unsightly and unstable. For this reason, it’s important to take the time to re-check each panel and make sure that its bottom is between 2 and 5 inches above grade, if necessary.
During this phase, it’s also helpful to have an assistant to manage the stability of the fence panels while they are being secured to the posts. This helps to prevent the panels from becoming warped or distorted while being attached. It’s also a good idea to add blocking underneath the fence panels to support them and avoid placing excessive pressure on the wood.
After the fence panels are in place, it’s a good idea to string a line between each firmly placed corner post to guide the straight placement of the intermediate posts. This can help ensure that the entire fence is set in a perfectly straight and aligned line, which is essential for both structural integrity and visual appeal.
Installing Gates
Installing gates is a major milestone in the fence installation process. Gates provide access to the yard and may be constructed to complement the style of the fence or serve a different function. Homeowners should expect their installer to discuss the size, type and location of gates as well as any other additional features like latches and locking hardware.
The next phase is installing the fence posts and framework. This involves digging holes at the appropriate intervals and depths, inserting the posts and securing them with concrete or gravel. Then, the horizontal rails and support beams are attached to the posts. Once the rails and supports are in place, the pickets or panels can be installed.
One of the most important factors in picking a fence style is determining how you’ll use your yard space. Do you need to drive a lawnmower, trailer or project car in and out of the yard? Do you want to keep animals and children from entering your property? Answering these questions will help you determine the type and size of gate that’s needed, as well as what types of post and panel materials to use.
It’s also a good idea to choose gate posts that are as strong as your fence posts. Redwood is a popular option for gate posts as it holds up against the elements, but if you’re on a tight budget, Cedar may be a better choice. In either case, it’s important to properly secure gate posts to the frame. Begin by putting the post in and using a level to make sure it’s straight up on both adjacent sides, then fill the hole with concrete to ensure it stays put.