A Detailed Guide on the Installation of Vinyl Fence
Not only can installing a vinyl fence on your property provide you with an increased feeling of privacy, but it also has the potential to become a significant component of your home's overall beauty.>
You have arrived to the proper location, then, if you are thinking about putting up a vinyl fence or replacing your current fence with a brand new collection of these fences.
We have covered everything, from the equipment and materials that you might need to complete this DIY project to the detailed step-by-step tutorial that you will follow.
If your property is a mess, the problem will be fixed to your satisfaction as well. So, what exactly are we holding out for? Let's get started!
Instruments and Supplies Needed for the Installation of a Vinyl Fence
Let's take a closer look at the equipment and supplies that you will likely need in order to do this task on your own now that you have maybe made up your mind about the kind of fencing that you want to use to enclose your property.
- Stakes
- Gravel
- Trowel
- Sets and accessories made of vinyl for fencing
- Hammer
- Level
- Concrete mix and mixer
- String Power augur
- Instruments for cutting and drilling (if necessary)
- String
- Tape measure
Pre-Installation Procedures and Checklists
Before you can continue on to the actual process of installing something, you have to make sure that you take care of a few important details first. We've provided a list of them down below for your convenience.
Talk Things over with your Neighbor
Even if your fence will be on your property, it is still a good idea to let your neighbors know about the change in advance.
Check that the Property Line Is still there
Before moving further, it is important to verify your property line and examine the deed to see whether or not your land is subject to any design restrictions.
Be careful not to damage any underground utilities while you dig
When you are excavating for the posts, you don't want to damage any of the utility lines that are buried underground, do you? Before beginning the process of installation, it is essential that you get in touch with the relevant local suppliers on all of your utilities and request that they mark the locations.
Determine how many of each material will be required
After this, the next step is to either purchase or place an order for your fence. Take measurements of your land and figure out how many posts and panels you'll need. Alternatively, if it is possible and helpful, include your supplier at this stage of the planning process so that there is no opportunity for error.
Make a plan for where you will dump the dirt
Many homeowners don't plan things out in advance, and as a result, they wind up in a state of panic once their garden begins to look terrible.
During the process of excavating for posts, a significant amount of earth and stones will be removed. A lot of people decide to recycle the dirt but throw away the stones. If you intend to do the same thing, you need first to determine where you will throw the stones.
Get a Permit
It is possible that you may need to submit an application for a construction permit in order to comply with the regulations of your neighborhood or locality. Therefore, after you have everything set to start, you should secure a permit and then begin the do-it-yourself project.
Instructions on how to Put Up a Vinyl Fence Step-By-Step
You'll be able to construct an attractive fence around your property if you follow the six procedures that are outlined below. Let's begin!
Put Your Mark on it
If you have already taken down the previous fence, the first step is to designate the sites where the new vinyl posts will go. To begin, string line the perimeter so that your vinyl fence may be installed in a straight line when it is finished.
Now, use stakes to mark the end posts as well as corner posts, then stake the ground each panel width apart in between. Make sure that the tops of the stakes are level with the line of the string so that every post will be in a straight line.
Dig Holes Posts
Next up is the most difficult part of the job, which is going to be digging the holes. When done by hand, this may be a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process for you.
If you do not already own a power augur, then it is strongly suggested that you find one that you can hire for the day. By doing so, one can do the labor of several days in a single day.
The depth of the hole is determined by the length of the vinyl posts you use. In most cases, it is recommended to drill holes with depths that are one-third as deep as the lengths of the vinyl posts. Check that the bottom notch on the post is only a few inches above the ground before you install it.
In addition, you should never make the common error of digging holes that are too shallow since the strength of your fence comes from the posts being set in cement-filled holes that are dug deeper.
Put some cement on the line posts
It would be quite helpful if you had a cement mixer at your disposal. However, if you are one of the many people, including me, who enjoy the process of mixing the cement, you will not be able to complete the work even if you do not use a mixer.
It is advised that you begin by fixing the holes in the ends and corners of the piece. Fix the post as you go along rather than doing it all at once, because a minor measurement error might snowball into a major problem if you rush through the process of fixing all the posts at the beginning.
If, on the other hand, you decide to complete everything at once, you will need to check that the posts and panels are compatible with one another.
To do this, first cut a piece of 2 by 4 to the needed length between the two successive vinyl posts, and then use the piece as a measuring device while you are installing the posts. After adding 6 inches of gravel to the holes in order to drain water, the next step is to pour the concrete mixture.
After dipping the post into the mixture, adjust the level of coverage by referring to the string line. It is vital that you make use of a level in order to guarantee that the posts are installed in a straight position on the mixture.
You may now secure some bracing to the posts by clamping them in place until the concrete mixture hardens. In order to ensure that the construction is stable, the braces should be drilled onto the ground's stakes. Before going on to the next phase in the process of building a picket fence, first use a sledgehammer to force anchor pipes into the ground. Next, insert post sleeves prior to actually moving to the next phase.
Check that the line posts' distances from one another and their heights are appropriate. Before the concrete is completely set, take a measurement using the previously cut 2 x 4 to determine the distance between two line posts.
In addition to this, you should pull a string to its full length between two end posts, and then adjust the heights of the line posts accordingly. Keep your attention focused on this phase because if you procrastinate for too long, you won't be able to drive the posts into the set concrete once they have hardened.
If Necessary, Cut Sections Out of the Fence
If it becomes essential to do so, trim the pickets in the regions where they would not fit in their unmodified state. It's possible that you'll need some kind of cutting instrument for this.
Put together the Different Parts
Installing the bottom rail should be your first order of business, followed by securing the C channel brackets to the posts. The pickets should be installed one at a time, and after that is complete, the top rail should be attached. After you have finished putting together the panels, you should put the post caps on the posts, and then you will be finished.
Slopes: What to do about them?
Ask your fence provider for guidance on which vinyl fence model will work best for your steeply sloping property. If we must fence a hill, we will make sure the rails are level with the ground and install the pickets vertically, rather than at an angle.
In order to join the rails and line posts, you may need to enlarge the notches on the line posts and slant the rails. The boards must then be slanted so that they rest snugly atop the rail.
Once you've clicked all of the vertical boards into place, you can proceed to sever the top section parallel to the floor. And we had to slant the top rail so it would sit level on top.
Summary
It's understandable if the idea of installing a vinyl fence fills you with dread. However, if you have a plan and the right resources, you can absolutely succeed. Fencing your property is a very simple task if you take the necessary precautions beforehand and follow the detailed instructions provided. Experts and vendors can be contacted for further details, or you can just leave a remark below. Let us know how Fittingsplus can help you!