Fence Installation
As one might guess,
installing a fence depends on what kind of fence you are installing and what
your property is like. There are many things to consider, like section widths,
post lengths, permits and what kind of fence will best suit your home.
Basically, fence
installation requires that you dig and plant fence posts, attach supporting
crossbeams and, finally, covering each section with fencing. Now depending on
what style of fence you choose, the process may change slightly.
Keeping Things Safe
Before installing your fence, it is necessary to investigate any problems or restrictions you may face. Depending on the area in which you live, building codes may restrict where you can put your fence or where you can dig.
Local zoning ordinances may dictate the design and height of your fencing, but generally these rules are there out of a sensibility for safety. You wouldn't want to hit a cable or gas line when you dig.
Let's Get Started
Once you’ve checked all the codes, you can begin digging for fence posts – probably your biggest challenge in the overall fence installation. It can be difficult to dig a hole that is the appropriate size and shape. When you dig a hole it is often wider at the top than at the bottom. As a result, you may get a cone-shaped hole, instead of a true cylinder.
This may seem like a small problem, but when you fill these holes with concrete, you end up with cone-shaped pieces instead of the desired cylinder of concrete. Ultimately, this will cause your fence posts to stand on an angle.
Trouble Down the Road
These holes will cause trouble eventually. As winter comes, the frost can grab the tops of the cone-shaped concrete footings. The frost will then force the concrete upwards, allowing excess dirt to fall underneath. This dirt will raise the concrete footings, thus raising your fence. Each frost will add to the problem, resulting in a fence that is unstable.
For those who still feel prepared to install their own fence, here's a hint. Only fill the hole up with concrete to the halfway mark. This wil allow for enough room for the concrete to shift with the cold weather.
Once you’ve mastered the art
of planting fence posts, you can go ahead and attach the rails and, finally, the
fence posts or lattice (weaves). Whatever you choose, be careful and have
fun!
