5 Install Vinyl Fencing Projects That Work For Any Budget
How to Install a Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fencing is a stylish and low-maintenance method of defining property lines and keeping pets and children safe. But installing one yourself requires careful planning and focus on the finer points.
First, you will need to determine the number of posts needed and stake out the fence line. In general, fence posts should be placed 6 to 8 feet apart.
Dig Postholes
Use a power auger, or digger, to create postholes in your fence. Make sure to check your local codes. The holes should measure 10 inches wide and deep enough to hold about one-third of the pole’s length plus 6 inches of gravel backfill. To increase strength, gate posts and main supports should be six inches deeper than other posts.
After digging the posts, pour around six inches of gravel into the holes and then fill them with concrete set quickly, following the mixing and setting instructions on the concrete bag. Tap the posts in the concrete. Next, check that each post has been level and even before you move on to the next.
If your fence is set over a water source, consider a drainage system to keep the water from entering the post holes. It is also possible to add a layer of gravel between the fence and the ground to help prevent water erosion.
Before you start digging, call the local utility diggers hotline to have underground lines marked. This helps you avoid unexpected issues, like the possibility of a leaky water or sewer line, while installing your fence.
After you’ve marked the holes, you’ll need to dig each one to a depth of about 2.5 3′ to 2.5′. The bottom of the hole should be larger than the top of the post, in order that it will be able to fit into the rails of the post when you install them.
Reduce the length of your posts.
If you’re planning to construct vinyl fencing then you must make sure that the posts are exactly the same length. This allows the fence to bend but not break. This ensures that the fence can endure minor impacts and strong winds.
You can make sure you have the same length of posts by using a level to measure them and marking them on a string. You can mark the strings at the end of posts, or use them to line up each posthole.
Once you’ve marked your posts make holes to the appropriate depth for the fence. The holes should be deep enough to hold 3 feet of post and Install Pvc fence 6 inches of gravel, which will serve as a base for the post that helps to drain water away from it.
Then, you can insert the bottomrail into each post and fix it with a self-drilling screw. This will prevent the top rail from slipping off the post and allow for in-and-out movement.
Once the bottom rail is in after that, slide your pickets and U-channels as needed until you’ve completed the entire section. Then, insert your middle and top rails.
If you are installing a vinyl privacy fence, install the u-channel before you hammer the top rail into the post. This will stop your fence from sliding due to winds, and also keep out dirt and bugs.
Install Posts
When you install an outdoor fence made of vinyl you must follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the posts. Digging holes that are deep enough to allow the posts to be supported is essential. If you use an earth base, it will require digging holes that are 6 inches deeper.
It is crucial to ensure that the posts are level when you Install Pvc fence a vinyl fence on a slope. A high post can cause the whole fence to lean, making it difficult to secure the fence panels.
To ensure that your posts are straight using a string, tie it to the other corner or end of the post before you dig the hole for it. This will help you find the exact position of your post.
To give them greater strength and stability, the posts should be at least a third larger than their length. This is done quickly and easily with the post-hole drill. Or, you can dig them manually.
After the posts are in place, pour concrete over them. The cement should be about one foot deep and evenly distributed. This will ensure that the posts are more durable and will help them withstand powerful winds.
When all the posts are securely in place then you can attach rails to the posts. The rails snap into slots that are on the top and bottom of the posts. Once they’re secured you can slide your vinyl fence panels into position.
Attach posts to rails
Posts are the basis of your vinyl fence and should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the fence. If the ground is shifting, the posts may move or tip, which can cause damage to your fence. The best method to ensure the strength of your posts is to use concrete for the base.
Attaching a post to a rail can be a challenge but it’s not impossible. To ensure that the post stays straight and level it is possible to use a “post brace”. These are typically made up of 2-foot by 4-foot boards that attach to the post using nails or the claw hammer.
Once the post is secured, place the rails on top. If you are installing split rails, slide the bottom rail down until it clears one of the adjacent posts. Continue to add the rails until all of the posts are set and the fence is finished.
For pickets that have spaced spaces, check with your local code enforcement agency for specific spacing. If your fence is situated in a sloped area, you may need to cut the pickets in an angled pattern. This is not critical however it can be helpful to conceal the staggered ends of the fence.
It is important that you choose the best style of fence for your property and landscape. The fence should be a part of the overall look of your property , and provide security, privacy, and curb appeal. The appropriate style can aid in reducing the maintenance and replacement costs of your fence.
Attach rails to posts
Vinyl fences are easy to install and come in a variety of styles. These include privacy fencing, split rails and picket fences. These fences are sturdy and require little maintenance, making them a popular alternative to wood fences.
Before you start digging holes for the posts, measure the distance between the posts to ensure that the fence is put up in a straight line. Then , use a string to mark and set all of the posts.
After the posts are ready make holes for each post, leaving 5 to 6 inches above the ground. If you have a sloped lot concrete can be added to the bottom of each post.
After the posts are constructed, you can install fence rails to the posts. The fence rails made of vinyl are available in 8-foot and 16-foot lengths which means you can pick the one that is best suited to your home.
If the fence has corners you’ll have to cut the rails to fit around the corner. You can use the end of one rail to slide it through the corner post and then the opposite end of the rail to slip it into the next post.
After you have attached the rails, put the fence pickets on the rails. This will create a sleek professional appearance for your fence. It also gives you a chance to grade the fence visually so that it looks uniform from a distance.
Attach Posts to Other Posts
Vinyl fences are a great choice for homeowners who want to enhance their property’s aesthetics, privacy, and also protect their yard from weather damage. They are also extremely robust and require very little maintenance.
There are a variety of vinyl fences that include solid privacy, picket , and more. You can pick from a wide range of colors and dimensions of fences. Some even come with a lifetime warranty.
Consider the manufacturing process of the vinyl fence manufacturer prior to choosing one for your home. There are two primary methods to make vinyl fencing: monoextrusion and co-extrusion.
The former method injects the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with UV inhibitors in order to prevent the chalking and fading. The latter method utilizes the double-layer of PVC to create a capstock and substrate.
In addition to these layers, vinyl fences are injected with stabilizers and impact modifiers to make them strong and flexible. They are also resistant to decay and rot Some even have the lifetime guarantee.
If you’re uncertain about the type of vinyl fence to buy contact your local dealer for suggestions. They will be able to guide you in the right direction and suggest the most appropriate product for your requirements.
After you’ve selected a vinyl fence to fit your home, it is time to start the installation. This part of the job can be tricky so make sure you follow the guidelines.