Privacy fence panels may not be overly successful at keeping in a big rambunctious dog, but they can keep out curious eyes. If you have avoided sunbathing in the yard because of Peeping Toms, put in some vinyl privacy panels today. Installation is quick, simple and straight forward. Vinyl fencing comes with numerous advantages, when compared to standard wood fencing. Of course, there are some caveats and before you start digging, it pays to know what all is involved in this DIY project.
Why should I install Vinyl Privacy Panels?
Unlike wood, which is a more traditional fence material, vinyl does not fall victim to the voracious appetite of termites. It does not need staining to avoid water damage; and it does not need periodic painting. In short, vinyl is virtually maintenance-free and long-lasting, which generally makes vinyl cheaper than wood. Even better, you can install this type of fencing material to reach all the way down to the garden’s soil without having to worry about rot.
Privacy Fence Installation: What do I need to do first?
Do you know where your property line falls? If you are replacing an already existing fence, then the odds are good that the property line is well-marked and not under dispute. If you are installing a fence for the first time, make sure that you and the neighbor agree on the actual property lines. In case of any dispute, go ahead and hire a surveyor to come out and settle any disagreements before you begin. The Fence Wholesale Company reminds homeowners that plenty of municipalities have instituted a “setback from property line to fence line.” Find out what this measurement is for your locale.
Next, put in a call to the utility company. Even though trenching and digging won’t take you too deep underground, it is still a good idea to verify that there are no water, power or gas lines running in the exact vicinity of the fence posts. Do not forget to mark your sprinkler lines! There is also a question of easements, which a fence may obstruct.
Contact the zoning department to find out if a standard six by six privacy fence is permitted in your area. Neighborhood associations may dictate the style of fencing you may use, especially if you live on a block where several homes have been deemed “historic.”
Must-have Materials and Hardware
You already have the vinyl slats, mounts and also posts, but in addition you need a few tools and other hardware. Get together:
Tape measure, level and plumb line Markers or flags Post hole digger and pick Gravel and fast-setting concrete mix Water and a tub for mixing concrete As many 2″ x 4″s as there are fence posts Funnel (optional)
Vinyl Fence Installation 101
Start early and choose a day when the weather will be mild and no rain or high winds are in the forecast.
Choose the first fence post location. If you have had a fence before in the same spot, you can simply pick one of the old fence posts as a starting point. If this is a first-time installation, start with a corner. Measure and mark all fence post locales. Use little flags to indicate the exact middle of each fence post. You will measure from middle to middle not edge to edge. If this is a bit confusing, don’t fret. Use chalk or spray paint to outline the fence post and then place the flag in the middle. This is a great visual for the first one or two posts. As a general rule of thumb, posts should be about eight feet apart, although you can shorten the distance if your vinyl panels require it. Dig the post holes and add gravel. The post hole digger makes quick work of an otherwise labor-intensive effort. Assuming that your fence posts measure five inches by eight feet, dig down to 24 inches. Add two inches of gravel to the hole to provide for proper drainage. Set up the posts and attach the vinyl panels in the pre-drilled holes. Brace each post with a 2″ x 4″ for support. This is your last opportunity to correct for height or spacing. Make good use of the level! Mix and add fast-setting concrete to the holes. Top off the holes so that the concrete is just at the top edge. Funnel the concrete also into the hollow center of the post. Do not move anything at this point! Depending on the speed with which the concrete cures, you may be able to remove the bracing after two or three days. Or: Another school of thought suggests taking the posts out of the holes, filling the holes with concrete and then putting the posts back in, to allow the hollow center to fill with the concrete. The danger here is that you might make mistakes with the height and setup, even if you run a plumb line.
Warning
Virtually all municipalities will require you to pull a permit for this fencing project. Inform yourself about the specific codes that you must meet or exceed to get a building inspector to sign off on the dotted line. If you live in an area where frost is a yearly occurrence, there is a good chance that the post holes will have to be deeper to allow the concrete to remain below the frost line.
Learning how to install vinyl privacy fence sections is not difficult but requires a commitment to one of the possible methods. Do not start with a post-only install, only to change your mind halfway through the job to also include the vinyl sections to speed up the process. As you complete the process, enjoy the finished fencing around a pool, between yards or along a busy road. Who knew that privacy could be this simple to attain?
Sources
Fence Wholesale, “PVC General Post Installation”
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