How to Properly Perform Vinyl Fence Panel Installation
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or an experienced professional there are some simple steps to follow to ensure that your vinyl fence panel installation completed correctly. Before you start installing the fence, you'll need to prepare the area. This involves marking the area before you begin, putting the panels in place and cleaning the caps.
Preparation
When installing vinyl fence panels, you will be required to take additional precautions. The snow must be removed from the area and the fence must be cleaned in order to prevent damage. Do not put the fence in direct contact with snow.
It is also advisable to check the building regulations in your area. They may restrict the type of material or height of the fence. For more information, consult a fencing professional.
You'll typically require an approval to install vinyl fencing. This is completed through your county or city. You can also ask your fencing contractor to perform the installation to ensure you're in compliance with local building codes.
First, determine the area that you would like to put the fence. You can do this with an online mapping tool. You can mark the lines using landscaping stakes or spray paint.
Next, you will need to dig holes for the posts. You should leave at least 12 inches between the two posts. This will give you the right spacing for your fence.
For a 4-inch post, 10 inches of hole is required. This will allow the concrete to dry quicker. When drilling the hole, be sure to drill a 1/8" bit deep.
After you have put the posts in place, add the top rail. The top rail must be level when you are finished.
The next step is to connect the pickets to the rails. This is a simple task. Based on the kind of fence you have, you'll have to screw in each picket one at a time.
Marking the fence panel
The marking of a fence made of vinyl can be a difficult task. The material must be straight and level and the cutting should be smooth. If you don't adhere to the proper procedures the fence may not be as sturdy as it ought to be.
There are many tools to use to cut vinyl fence panels. These include circular saws, coping saw, and a jigsaw. If you have access to a table saw, you should consider using carbide blades.
To mark a fence panel made of vinyl, start by determining how long your panel is. It should be roughly the same size as the post. When the fence panel is the same width as the posts, the rails must be tightly joined.
Once you have determined the length of your fence, place the fence posts at the appropriate distances. This is essential if your fence is to be aligned with your property lines.
Then, put your post in the hole that you've dug. Depending on your fence it may be necessary to use an hammer to lower the post.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing an entirely new column. You'll need to drop a high post before concrete is set.
Once you have positioned the fence posts, it is time to mark the fence line. The 3-4-5 triangle method is one method to accomplish this. You'll need to tie a string between the corner posts to mark the middle post. If you have a sloped ground and you want to make a step, the step method is a popular choice.
Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when you are working with the saw. Avoid a mistakenly calculated swing, as it can easily punch the vinyl.
Digging holes
Digging holes for the installation of vinyl fence panels is a daunting task. There are, however, some dos and don'ts to follow to make the job go more smoothly.
First call your local utility company to inquire about underground utilities. Otherwise, you could be digging in dangerous ground. Also, speak with your building inspector to find out whether there are any restrictions on zoning. In some areas, fences can only be erected along a certain distance, which might restrict your choices.
In addition, you'll need to clear a space for the poles and posts. It is recommended to check out a boundary design and also to think about clearing any small trees or shrubs.
Also, you should measure the length of your fence perimeter, and divide that number by the dimensions of your fence panel. Once you have this number, you can start planning the arrangement of your fence. A string line is a useful method of aligning the posts. This will ensure that the fence is straight on top and will allow you to use a level for setting the posts.
You should also dig the hole for your fence post in the proper position. It should be at least 10 inches in diameter, and 3 feet deep. This is a crucial factor in the strength of your fence. It is important to make certain that the post is dug properly to be able to support the weight of the fence.
An auger can be an efficient time- and labor-saving tool you can use to dig a post hole. It can be challenging in clay sandy, rocky, and clay soils. In reality, it may take longer than you anticipated.
The process of putting up a fence post
It is vital to align the posts prior to putting up a vinyl fence. The fence will remain stable over time if it is correctly installed. To prevent weakening, it is vital to ensure that the fence is properly tightened.
A post hole digger is an excellent method to begin. This tool lets you dig a hole with a precise diameter and then remove the soil vertically. This is especially useful when working near the house.
After digging the hole, insert the post into it. Once the post is in place, you can fill the hole with 6 inches of gravel. This will make an adequate drainage base. You can also backfill it with dirt.
Also, measure the distance between posts. This is important because rails will need to be put on the posts. The caps need to be attached to the top of each post. The caps come in many styles, and you'll prefer to pick the ones which best complement your fence style.
To ensure that the panels are aligned correctly You should place an inch of wood on each side of the fence. This will serve as a block that helps to separate the panels. When it's time insert the screws into the posts the wood block will soften the force of the blow.
You may need to use a small drill bit in order to make holes in the posts at certain locations. You can employ a 1/8" drill bit to accomplish this. This is because there is an increase of 1/32" between the actual height and the length of the post.
Cleaning the fence post caps
The best way to guard your fence post caps is here to avoid damaging caps in the beginning. It is crucial to repair damaged caps. If you don't fix the caps, you'll risk having them fall off, exposing posts to harm.
The first step is to clean the vinyl fence thoroughly. You can make use of a pressure washer to clean the fence, but only use it if it has the proper nozzle. To clean the fence, employ a garden hose along with a soft cloth.
If the fence is stained, or extremely dirty, it may require bleach solutions. One part bleach to five parts water can be mixed together and sprayed onto the fence. It is recommended to let it sit for a minimum of five minutes prior to washing it off.
For tough stains, you can try mineral spirits or paint thinner. These products are best used with eye goggles, a soft cotton cloth, and paint thinner. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves.
After the stain is gone then you can spray your fence with a gardenhose to wash away dirt and grime. If you're left with a light dusting you can clean it off using a sponge that has been that has been soaked in warm soapy water.
After cleaning the fence, you can apply a mold preventative coating to stop mildew from becoming established. This will help you keep your fence in good order.
You can try a blend of household cleaners in case the stain is still stubborn. A gallon of all-in-one detergent costs around $10 and provides you with around 26 gallons.
The fence should be cleaned with a simple soapy wash once every couple of weeks. If you are required to spray it, you can use a specialized vinyl fencing cleaner.