This page is written to provide general installation guidelines only.
The
safe and effective use of this manual and the guidelines herein is the
responsibility of the user. Vinyl Solutions, Inc. assumes no
responsibility
and shall not be held liable for property damage, injury, dismemberment
or
death due to the improper use or application of the information
contained
herein, the inexperience of the user, or failure by the user to heed all
equipment and construction safety guidelines.
SITE PREPARATION
Effective site preparation is crucial to the success of your project.
Before
you begin construction of your fence, it is important that you first
prepare
your equipment and site.
Your first step should include a check of your local, city and state
building codes. these codes might impact your plans. Now would also be a
good time to secure your building permits.
An inspection of the job site should come next. With a general idea of
the
placement of your new fence in mind, inspect the property and make note
of
any;
* Property pins or markers
* Trees, shrubs or other plantings that fall in the fence line
* Location of swales, drainage ditches or areas of standing water
* Evidence of subterranean obstructions
* Changes in terrain
Property pins or markers are, perhaps, the most important item in your
yard
to identify. If you were unable to locate any property pins or markers,
you
should contact a survey company. A complete survey of your property will
eliminate any question as to the location of your property lines.
Now that you have identified your property lines, you can take the steps
necessary to accommodate the obstructions you found, if any, during your
inspection.
* Pruning or removal of shrubs, trees or other plantings should be
performed now.
* All underground utilities must be marked. For this, you should
contact your local utility companies.
* Locate and mark all buried swimming pool lines and yard lighting.
EQUIPMENT PREPARATION
A quick review of the notes you have taken thus far will help you
determine
the equipment necessary to erect your fence. Having the proper equipment
at
hand will speed your installation.
Your minimum equipment should include the following: 100' tape measure,
stakes, string line, hammer, post hole digger, circular saw, PVC saw,
screwdrivers, level, string level, and digging bar.
Other equipment specific to your job may include: compressor and
jackhammer,
power auger, core drill or hammer drill.
If this is equipment you require but do not own, there are rental
agencies
in your area that are well equipped to handle your needs.
BASIC INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Using stakes and a string line, establish the area to be fenced.
When staking out the fence line, remember these simple guidelines;
* Keep your stakes approximately two feet beyond, but in line with
the fence line.
* Keep your string line taught and clear of obstructions.
* Where appropriate, maintain square corners.
* When setting your posts, stay 1/8" away from the string line
so as not to disrupt the line.
* During the digging process, drop your lines and replace them prior
to setting your posts.
Using a visible method of marking, mark your end, corner and gate
posts
first. These are your fixed " targets " and generally offer
little or no flexibility in location.
Next, use a reel type measuring tape, preferably 50' or 100' long, to
layout
and mark your line post centers. If your stretch of fence doesn't divide
equally by the section length and allow for full sections, take the last
two
or three sections and shorten them equally to provide a balanced
appearance.
With all post locations marked, it is now safe to drop your string line.
Loosen your line from the stakes and lay it clear of the digging area.
Leave
the stakes in place as you will be replacing the string line later.
Using a post hole digger or power auger, dig a 9" diameter hole to
the depth
specified for your particular style of fence. Of course, you want to
exercise caution when digging near marked utility lines. To help prevent
movement or heaving or the posts, " bell-out " or make wide
the bottom of each hole.
Most of the dirt removed from each hole will not be needed. to better
facilitate clean up, consider excavating to a tarp or burlap bag. This
simple step will save you hours of raking and clean up and will help
prevent damage to your lawn.
Replace your string line. Again, make certain it is taught and clear of
obstructions.
While there are a number of methods to set posts, setting each post in
concrete will provide a strong and stable fence.
Working your way around the fence line, place the appropriate post in
the
corresponding hole. Keep your posts away from the string line so as not
to
deflect your line. Next, plumb each post and fill the hole with
concrete.
Stop short of filling the hole completely by approximately 3". this
will
allow you to backfill with topsoil later and re-seed your lawn.
As you move from post to post, double check your posts centers.
Important! some fence styles require assembly as you set the posts.
Check the style specification sheets for the recommended procedures.
If you have chosen to follow the grade with your fence line, you will
want
to periodically check the line of your fence visually to assure a clean,
fluid line. Sight your posts and raise or tap down your posts as
necessary.
If you have chosen to step your fence through grade change, check for
proper
alignment of your posts and be certain to level your fence sections.
You must make your changes to post alignment while the concrete is still
wet. Remember to check for plumb whenever you adjust a post.
As was noted previously, fence styles vary greatly. Subsequently, the
methods of construction are just as varied. It is, therefore,
impractical to
note generic construction methods appropriate to all style of fence.
Methods of construction for individual styles can be found on the style
specifications sheets sent with each order placed.
GOOD LUCK!
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