Installing a fence is a project that some homeowners want to take on themselves. This can save money, but is a job that requires the proper equipment and knowledge of building codes.
If there are issues such as varying terrain, local regulations and HOA guidelines, hiring a professional may be a wise decision. Read on to learn more about the fence installation process. Contact Fence Installation Charlotte NC now!
Whether it’s for privacy or curb appeal, fencing is a must-have to protect your property and keep out unwanted intruders and pests. Adding a fence can also increase the value of your home. However, there are a few things to consider before you start fence installation. You’ll need to decide what type of fence is best for you and prep the area for construction. This step is vital to ensure your new fence has a long and lasting life.
Begin by walking your intended fence line and identifying any potential obstacles that could stand in the way of your project. This can include large rocks, tree stumps or major slopes. This will help your contractor account for any adjustments that may need to be made when installing the panels. Taking these into account beforehand will save time and money later down the road.
It’s also a good idea to talk with your neighbors about the fence. While some neighborhoods have no set requirements, others have rules about fence height, style and material. Check with your city’s code enforcement and homeowner association to be sure your fence is compliant.
The next thing to do is to get a plat, or scale map of your neighborhood showing the property lines. This will allow you to accurately mark where your fence should go. Building a fence outside of your property boundary can result in legal issues and expensive repair costs down the road.
When marking the fence line, make sure to mark any utility lines that may be in the way of your project. This will prevent costly mistakes that could be caused by stepping on pipes or knocking into power lines. Your state or region should have a “call before you dig” number that can be used to locate underground pipes.
It’s also a good idea to move any movable yard furniture, flower pots or children’s toys away from the construction site. Keeping these items out of the way will prevent them from getting damaged by the crew and give you space to work.
Posts
Once you have marked the perimeter of your fence and staked out each post location, dig the holes. The depth of the hole depends on the height of your fence and your soil conditions, but a general rule of thumb is that your posts should be buried one-third to one-half of their finished height. If you have a lot of posts to install, consider renting a post-hole auger to make the job faster and easier.
Once the holes are dug, add a layer of gravel to the bottom. This will help aid drainage and prevent moisture-related issues later on. Next, if you’re using concrete to set your posts, mix and pour the cement and place the post. Be sure to level the post vertically both ways and put up some temporary bracing if needed. Make sure the post is perfectly plumb and aligned before setting the concrete, and use a spirit-level to check this.
For a simpler way to set your posts, mix and shovel in a few inches of gravel and then add the rest of the concrete. Then tamp down the concrete, checking to remove all air pockets and make it as solid as possible. For added stability, set the post on a piece of scrap wood and pin it in place to keep it from moving while the concrete sets.
In either case, once your posts are set, let the concrete set completely before installing your fence panels and running wires down them. This will ensure your fence is strong and durable for the life of the fence.
Once your fence is installed, you’ll need to protect the posts from moisture and rot by sealing or staining them. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying. Once the sealer or stain has dried, you’re ready to enjoy your new fence! Remember to inspect your fence regularly, and always use a rust-resistant stain to ensure the longevity of your finish. Also, be sure to choose a high-quality, pressure-treated wood for your project, such as aspen, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine or douglas fir.
Panels
Fence panels are short sections that make it much easier to build a fence than doing it one board at a time. They can be made from wood or metal. If using wood, they should be treated with a preservative to prevent them from being damaged by rain or other weather elements.
Often, the wood fence panel will have rails on either side that hold the vertical pickets in place. This gives the fence a nice look, but also helps to keep the pickets from warping and rotting due to the elements. Metal fences are usually made from aluminum, which resists corrosion, making them resistant to damage from wind and rain. This makes them a good choice for areas with a lot of moisture or for coastal homes.
Both wood and metal fences can be constructed in different styles. The main difference is that wood fences are made from solid pieces of lumber while metal fences use sheets of aluminum or zinc to form the fencing. The panels can be installed by a professional, but it is also possible to do them on your own. A power auger can be used to dig holes for the posts, and a garden spade can be used to remove rocks or debris from the ground.
It is important to choose the right type of panel for your property. If you need to keep pets or children from running away, then a metal or wood panel might be the best option. However, if you just need to keep intruders out then a chain link or vinyl fence might be more appropriate.
Another thing to consider when choosing a fence panel is the price. Panels are typically cheaper than constructing a fence from individual boards, but they can still be quite expensive.
It is important to purchase high-quality fence panels. The ones sold at big box home centers tend to be low-quality and only hold together with staples. In addition, they are often made from flimsy materials that can easily be destroyed by the elements. It is best to buy the fence panels from a contractor that has years of experience and offers a wide selection. This way you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last for many years to come.
Gates
Whether you want to secure your property from intruders, keep kids, pets or livestock contained within a yard, or simply add some privacy and beauty, fence installation can make all the difference. But before you start building, it’s important to evaluate your goals and set your budget. Then you must decide whether to hire a professional or take on the project yourself. The latter is certainly possible, but it’s often better to enlist the help of a professional to save time and money. The benefits of a professionally-installed fence can often justify the expense.
Evaluate your security and privacy needs. If your top priority is security, look for fence styles that feature locked gates and sturdy construction. If your primary goal is privacy, consider fence options with minimal gaps and sturdy construction that blocks visibility from the street or neighboring yards.
Choose the right materials and a style to suit your aesthetic preferences. Then measure your yard to determine the number and location of fence posts, as well as the total length of the fence panels you will need. You’ll also need to select a gate type and hardware for the gates, if desired.
If you’re installing a wooden fence, choose wood rated for direct ground contact or pressure-treated with preservative. If you’re installing a vinyl or chain link fence, choose the appropriate material and thickness. Finally, if your fence will be on concrete, you’ll need to purchase concrete anchors or post brackets to hold the posts in place.
Before starting to build, clear your yard of any debris that could interfere with the work and create potential hazards. In addition, get a plat, or scale map of your neighborhood showing the property lines to make sure you’re building your fence inside your property boundaries. If you don’t have a plat, the simplest way to mark your property line is to drive stakes along the boundary and run string between them.
It’s also a good idea to buy a garden hose and a long extension cord, as well as some plastic sheeting or tarps to protect your lawn from dirt, dust and debris during the construction process. You should also invest in a power drill and a good quality hammer or mallet.
