How to install a vinyl fence
Many people think about installing a vinyl fence over a wooden one because of the benefits that they provide. One of the biggest benefits that a vinyl fence has over a wooden fence is that there is no yearly maintenance to be done on the fence, meaning you do not have to stain the wood each year to protect it from the weather. One of the drawbacks to installing a vinyl fence over a wooden fence is how much more complicated the installation process is. The reason that the installation process is so much more complicated is because of how tight everything must fit together, there is no room for error. Something else that makes it harder to install yourself is that you must always be thinking about the vinyl expanding and contracting, if you install the fence in extreme weather, you will be in for a nice surprise when the weather goes the other way.
If you are thinking about installing a vinyl fence in your yard here are the steps you will need to follow to install the fence properly.
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Step one:
You will need to purchase the fencing materials. When you are purchasing the fencing materials you want to make sure that all of the hardware for the fence that is going to be exposed is going to last for a lifetime, which means you want to have stainless steel hardware. If the hardware is hidden galvanized steel will work but only if it is of the highest quality.
Step two:
Once you have gotten the materials you need for the vinyl fence you will need to set all of your fence posts. When setting each of the fence posts you want to make sure that you go below the frost depth and that the post hole is bigger at the bottom than it is at the top. The reason for this is that when the ground freezes the fence posts can get pushed out of the earth if they are not put in properly.
Step three:
Once you have gotten all of the posts placed you will want to make sure they are all level before the concrete sets. Use a level on top of the pole to ensure that post is level; also make sure that it is aligned with the other poles.
Step four:
While your posts are setting, you can start assembling the gate that you will be using for your fence. You can do this before you put the posts in place, but since you have to wait 24 hours for the concrete to set, it is better to do this while you are waiting.
Step five:
Once the posts have dried, you can begin putting the fence together. You will need to first install the bottom rail. When placing the bottom rail you will want to tape the ends of the rail to prevent concrete from seeping through. At the end of each rail, you will need to insert the locking rings and press on them to insert the rail into the post. You will also need to place a support bracer in the middle of the bottom rail.
Step six:
Now you will need to begin putting the middle rails into place. When putting the middle rails in place you will need to make sure that, the holes in the rail are facing down so you can put the slats in place.
Step seven:
Place the slats into the bottom rail and remove the middle rail from position. Once the slats are in place replace the middle rail over the top of the slats and connect the middle rail to the posts.
Step eight:
Place the top rail in position directly over the fence slats. Secure all of the rails with a screw to the post, which will be provided for you.
When installing a vinyl fence you can only work on one section at a time. Each of these steps should be followed for each section until the fence is complete.
