How To Install A Vinyl Fence

Installing a Vinyl fence offers the Homeowner a maintenance free product.  A vinyl fence can provide safety for your children and pets, and increases the property value of your home.  A vinyl fence will offer a more elegant look as apposed to a wood or chain link fence. 

American Discount Fence offers the following tips when deciding to build a fence. 

How to Plan

Discuss your plans with any neighbors. Make sure your fence will be on your property and will not encroach onto your neighbor’s yard. Before digging, you must call “NJ One Call” (1-800-272-1000). Apply for the proper building permits as directed by your local code. 

What is available?

Vinyl fencing comes in various styles, colors and heights of 3ft, 4ft, 54in, 5ft, & 6 ft.  Vinyl fences often are used around the perimeter of the property or as a barrier around swimming pools and between property lines. Vinyl fences are generally 4-6 feet tall and can be enhanced with various post cap options. 

Fence Terminology

  • Posts consist of 4x4 or 5x5 inch corners, ends, lines and blanks, depending on the style and layout of the fence. They are set into the ground using concrete that will provide stability for the fence.
  • Posts are usually set approximately 3 feet into the ground for support.
  • Line posts are any posts between the corner and end posts. They provide stability and attachment points for the fence sections.
  • Top and Bottom Rails are the horizontal supports running between posts.
  • Sections - the fence material connected to the top and bottom rails in between the post.
  • Gate - the door that provides entry in and out of the fenced area. All containment fences should have gates. Sizes can vary depending on the application. They can be mounted to swing both in or out. Most pool codes require gates to open out. Make sure the hardware meets pool code requirements (i.e. self closing hinges and an auto latch to be installed at a height of 54 inches).  Check your township for local pool installation codes before purchase and installation of a fence.
  • Post Caps: Cap that goes on top of the post.  Many styles to choose from including lighted caps.

Site Layout

Take time to lay out the fence carefully. An incorrect measurement could result in problems later. Make provisions for widths of the fence panels and gates so you will not end up with odd-sized sections that can complicate installation. 

To begin your fence installation:

  1. Stake out your fence line from beginning to end including corners and any gates.
  2. Tie a string tautly between terminal post locations. This will define the line along which post will be attached. Be sure to measure your panels before performing the next steps.
  3. Using the same measurement as the length of your sections, stake out the line post locations. Measure on center from each corner post along the layout lines.
  4. Mark each post with a stake. Ensure that the stakes are touching the layout string so the posts will be in line. Remember to take gates into account at this stage. 

Digging post holes

Using a post-hole digger or power auger, dig the holes 10 inches in diameter. The depth will depend on soil conditions in your area. Consult your local building authorities for specific regulations. A good practice is to install the post approximately 3 feet into the ground. 

Setting posts

  1. Place posts into hole (use a “post-section-post” strategy).
  2. Fill the hole with concrete. A quick- setting variety can be used to speed the process and under normal conditions, quick-setting concrete can be dry poured.
  3. Tamp the post into the concrete. Backfill soil. Plumb and level post. Install section prior to setting next post.
  4. Install end and corner posts first. Tie a string between these posts along the fence line. This will establish a reference so you can make sure the line posts are set in line. Check each post to make sure it is plumb using a level on two adjacent sides.
  5. Before the concrete sets, check plumb and alignment again and make any final adjustments. 

Installing a gate

The opening for a gate between 2 posts must be 1 ½ to 2 inches wider than the gate itself, based on the hardware being used. Leave 3/4 to 1 inch of space on each side between the gate and the posts to allow for hardware clearance. We suggest using a heavy duty gate post for all gates. 

Installing Post Caps

Use minimal PVC glue in one or two corners of the cap and position in place.  Due not glue lighted caps in place, its better to screw them on so that they can easily be removed to change the rechargeable batteries.

 For more information contact an American Discount Fence Associate.  

TIPS 

Why choose American Discount Fence? 

  • Established business with 20 plus years experience
  • Strong reputation based on customer satisfaction
  • 3 showrooms available to view products (Runnemede / Marlton / Westville opening soon)
  • Fully insured
  • Chamber of Commerce member
  • American Fence Association member
  • South Jersey Builders League member
  • Installation crews work for American Discount Fence
  • We provide the finest material in the industry
  • Knowledgeable, friendly service
  • Standard styles stocked for quick purchase or installation
  • Material only sales available
  • Delivery of material available
  • References available
  • Free In Home Estimates Available

Voted 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Courier Post Readers Choice Best of South Jersey

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