Fences enhance the curb appeal of homes and help to define property lines. Schedule an appointment with a local, licensed, independent installer to install your new fence.
Before starting any work, the team will carefully mark and prepare the installation area. They may clear away debris, plants or other obstacles to make sure their equipment can easily move through the construction zone. Contact Fence Installation Charlotte NC now!
Posts are the backbone of every fence, defining property lines and providing stability. They are also the first thing to consider when designing a fence, as they determine how high or low you build your fence and the overall look of it.
Most residential fence posts are spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. However, you may need to adjust this depending on the terrain and design of your property. For example, rocky soil can limit how deep you can dig a hole and require different anchoring methods. Other factors such as prevailing winds and frequent freeze-thaw cycles can affect the spacing of your posts.
During the installation process, you will use stakes and string to mark the locations for each post. Then you will dig holes 24 to 30 inches deep for most picket or lattice fences using a post hole digger or power auger. Once the holes are dug, they should be filled with concrete. You should slope the concrete away from the posts to direct water flow. For extra support, you can add metal post anchors in the holes or mix gravel into the concrete.
Rail Installation
If you use a railing system with cables, make sure it is tensioned properly. This prevents the cables from buckling in summer heat or pulling apart in winter cold. The rails should also be cleaned regularly using a chloride-free cleanser and, if near salt water, a passivating fluid to reduce the risk of iron deposits that could damage the stainless steel.
Screw the mounting block into place (if siding is vinyl, the screw will protrude through it and might need to be cut with a dremel) and caulk the edges. Be sure the block is in a location that allows the fence owner to access it easily for maintenance and repairs.
Post Caps
Post caps are a vital component of fence installation that often goes overlooked by homeowners. These little adornments don’t just add to the aesthetic appeal of the fence; they also help protect the wood posts from damage and extend their lifespan. By shielding the top end of the fence post from the elements, these caps greatly reduce water and moisture exposure. This helps prevent rot and mold growth that can significantly shorten the lifespan of your wooden fence.
While most people assume that post caps are made from timber, this is not always the case. Though popular, timber post caps are prone to rotting and can crack, leading to the growth of moss or mildew. In comparison, vinyl, composite and metal post caps are more resilient against the weather and can look just as good as a traditional wooden cap.
Once you’ve found the right post cap for your fence installation, it’s important to make sure that it fits securely. If you notice that your post cap has a loose fit, it’s likely that the base is incorrectly oriented. To remedy this, simply check the bottom of the post cap for the words “This Side Up”; if it has these markings, flip it over and attach it to the base in the correct orientation.
After you’ve attached the post cap, it’s important to apply a stain or paint that is designed for outdoor use. This will help to further protect the post from harsh weather conditions, moisture and UV rays. Be sure to follow the stain or paint manufacturer’s instructions when applying the finish and give the cap adequate time to dry between coats.
Once the post cap is fully dried, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Regular inspections can help you spot any signs of wear and tear, like peeling paint or fading stain, and address them promptly. Additionally, it’s important to clean your post cap regularly to remove dirt and mildew buildup. This simple step can go a long way in helping your Miterless Mahogany post caps last longer and keep them looking their best.
Gate Installation
If you choose to include a gate in your fence installation, proper planning and preparation is essential. This includes deciding on the location of the gate and ensuring that the ground is free from obstructions. Then, you’ll need to select a gate that matches the existing fence in height and width. Finally, you’ll need to ensure that the gate is securely hung and that any gates locks are properly installed.
Prepare the Site
Clear the area where you’ll install your gate from any obstructions and level it if necessary. Next, dig holes for your gate posts based on the specifications provided by the manufacturer or your chosen contractor. Ensure that each post is securely anchored in concrete footings for stability.
After digging, some contractors will attach the hinge posts to the gate before setting it in place. However, this method limits your ability to adjust the gate’s position. Instead, wait to fit the hinges and latch until you’ve hung it. This way, you can be sure that everything is positioned correctly before screwing them into place.
Most gates will be built on J-Bolt hinges, but you can opt for a self-closing hinge for a more secure installation. These hinges resemble door hinges and have a spring-return mechanism that pulls the gate shut when you open it. It is recommended to use all-thread hinge bolts that extend all the way through the post, as these can be adjusted as needed.
For extra security, add lengths of strainer wire to the first pair of posts on either side of your gate. These wires are pulled tight by a strainer mounted diagonally between the hinge post and the first fencepost on both ends of the gate. This balances the downward pressure exerted by the gate’s weight against outward pulling pressure from the fenceline.
Now you can begin to assemble and install the gate panels or infills. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for assembly and mounting, and be sure to brace the gate with three lengths of timber to ensure the frame is stable. After completing this step, you can mount your hinges and latch to the posts using galvanized screws.