Before Your Fence Installation
There are a few steps you need to consider before deciding the installation.
- Chat with your neighbours just to get ideas about installing the fence. They may have some experience about it already. Also, if their property lies along with your fence line, you will need to discuss it with them.
- Check the local zoning laws. There can be regulations related to size and placement of the fence.
- Make sure the fence line is on your property, not on your neighbour’s property.
- Also, it can be good idea to check your dead to see if there is any easements, which is right of way granted to another property owner or utility company
Aluminum Fence Materials
When you order your aluminium fence, it will come in panels and posts of varying heights. Please get yourself familiar with different types of posts.
Posts are pre-drilled for placement on a corner, on the end or in the line of the fence.
- Line Posts – Punched on Opposite Sides to Accept Fence Rails. This is used to make the straight run of the fences
- End Posts – Punched on One Side Only to Accept Fence Rails. This is used for starting and stopping points.
- Corner Posts – Punched on Adjacent Sides to Accept Fence Rails at 90° Connections. This is used to make right angles.
- Blank Posts – Not Punched – Typically Used with Gates or Stair Stepping. Connections Made with Brackets.
- Gates attached to gate posts are similar to end posts but stronger to support the gate. You need to use the gate posts not end posts when installing the gates.
Aluminum Fence Layout
You will establish the future fence line by using the stakes and string to stake out the area to be enclosed.
We need to locate gate posts first and mark their location with upside down post hole marking paint. Next measure each stretch of fence. Use the measurements provided by the fence manufacturer to stake out the line post locations. Ensure that the stakes are touching the layout string so the posts will be in line.
For aesthetic reasons, space posts evenly. This is a good time to plan that out and shift your layout if necessary. Tie a string taut between the corner post locations to define the line along which the line posts will be placed.
Accounting for Fencing Slope
If the slope is greater than 12 inches, we need to use the stair-step to accommodate the landscape. The suggestion is we should use the end posts instead of the line post when doing stair-stepping.
If the slope is not too big, we can use the flat panel as normal.
Digging the Fence Post Holes
You will want to begin setting posts at the gate locations. If you have no gates on the project, then start with an end post.
Post holes can be dug by hand with Post Hole Diggers and Spud Bars, Small One or Two-Man Augers, or Skid Steers with Auger Attachments.
Backfill each hole with about 6 inches of gravel to drain water away from the bottom of the post. Remember to dig the hole in a bell shape, with the bottom wider than the top, to stabilise the post.
Installing the Fence
There are exact instructions by the fence supplier which you bought. Please do read them carefully. The fence is installed by setting the posts and fastening the fence panels between them. You also need to pay attention to measurement of the depth of your post holes.
Congratulations on your new fence!
