The Dos and Don’ts of Vinyl Fence Installation
Before you dive into a vinyl fence installation project unprepared, consider what the most common pitfalls are. Such as building regulations, poorly set posts, and insufficient prep work will all create problems that will quickly eat into your savings and significantly shorten the life of your vinyl fence. If you want your project to stand the test of time, you will need to make sure that you follow some of the most important dos and don’ts.
Do Prepare the Yard
Start to prep for the installation by scheduling a time for your utility companies to visit. As they often bury lines around your home, you need representatives from each to mark where all the lines are buried. This can take about a week, however, you should never skip it. Digging without knowing what is under the soil is dangerous, as you could hit a utility line, which can result in serious injury or even death.
Don’t Install Posts Too Close Together
Vinyl fencing does bend without breaking. This means it can withstand high winds and minor impacts. This flexibility, however, will depend on the proper installation. Install the posts too close together, and the fence panels will fit so tightly that they are rigid. This limits the vinyl’s ability to bend, which, in turn, will increase the likelihood that high winds or objects will damage the fence. You can prevent this issue by spacing the posts a full panel’s width apart. Also, you do not have to cut a panel to a smaller size.
Don’t Dig Shallow Holes
Your vinyl fence will only be as strong as the posts that hold it up, so make sure to set each post securely in the ground, especially if you live in an area that receives high winds or has soft soil. Posts that are set in shallow holes will eventually start to lean under the weight of the fence or even blow over in extreme weather.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss a vinyl fence installation project, please contact DF Fencing Elizabethtown at (270) 232-3540 now if you live in the Elizabethtown, KY region.