Having your fence installed by professionals can save you time and money. Experienced crews know local regulations and are familiar with the necessary tools and equipment to build a fence quickly and correctly.
The first step in fence installation is identifying property lines and checking for underground utilities. Ground conditions can impact build times as well, especially if our crews encounter boulders, concrete slabs, thick tree roots or other obstacles that require extra work to overcome. Contact Fence Installation Summerville SC now!
As Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Preparation is the key to success.” This is especially true for home improvement projects. If you fail to address a few important issues prior to beginning construction, it can lead to costly mistakes and delays. With fence installation, preparation relates to clearing the area where your new fence will be constructed and ensuring that the crew has access to the materials needed for the project. It also means addressing any local rules and regulations, including setback specifications, height limitations, and permits.
Digging post holes is one of the first steps in the fence installation process, and it can be a difficult task without the right tools or knowledge. It is important to ensure that the posts are installed at the proper depth in order to provide a sturdy and lasting foundation. A good way to achieve this is by measuring the distance from your property lines and referring to your property survey, which is typically available at the land registry office or included in the paperwork for your home purchase. This will help you to determine the exact location of your fence line, so you can avoid building a structure that violates your property’s boundaries.
It is also a good idea to contact your local utility company prior to digging. This will allow them to come out and mark the locations of any buried wires or pipes that could be affected by your fence installation. This will prevent expensive problems down the road, and it is much better to find out about these issues before having your fence built than after.
If you are installing a wood fence, it is essential to treat the posts with a preservative, such as copper naphthenate, before assembling them. This will keep them from rotting and warping due to exposure to damp soil or water. Likewise, treating the rails and any cut ends before installation will protect them from damage caused by water or wind.
Once the posts are secure and the rails are in place, it is time to begin installing your panels or pickets, depending on what type of fence you have chosen. This is where the fence really starts to take shape and develop its defining character. It is important to make sure that the panels or pickets are attached to the rails with the utmost precision, as this will ensure their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Post Installation
The corner posts that anchor your fence are crucial for its strength and stability. They should be set firmly according to your planned layout. A well-set corner post helps ensure the straight placement of intermediate and gate posts, which will contribute to the overall strength of your fence structure.
The first step in your fence installation is to dig the necessary post holes. The hole for each fence post should be twice as wide as the post, and at least as deep. Some communities require that the posts be set below the frost line, to prevent heaving of the soil during winter freeze-thaw cycles. Digging these depths may require a digging bar or power earth auger. For rocky soil, consider metal post anchors that expand into the ground for stability.
Before digging, check the area for buried services with your local utility locator hotline. This free service arranges for technicians to visit your property and mark buried water, gas, electricity and more with washable spray paint. You’ll want to know if these services are in the area, so that you can avoid them during your fence installation.
Once the post holes have been dug, it’s time to set the fence posts. Begin with the corner and end posts, using the twine to guide you. Then, string a line between the firmly established corner and end posts to help you set the rest of the posts in a straight line.
When the corners of your fence are secure, it’s time to install the gate posts. These are often longer than the end and corner posts, since they must support a gate latch and hinges.
Depending on your region, you might be required to use concrete to set the gates. You can mix your own batch of concrete, or you can use pre-mixed post fill, which is easier to work with and typically sets up within an hour.
Once the posts have been seated, you can begin to install the paneling. Be sure to brace any recently installed posts before installing panels or planks on them, and check each new panel for plumb with a carpenter’s level.
Panel Installation
After preparing the ground for fence installation and digging post holes, it’s time to start attaching the horizontal rails that will form your fence. This is a critical step in the process, and it’s important to use a level to ensure that each rail is perfectly straight and aligned with every other one.
Once you’ve finished installing the horizontal rails, it’s time to begin assembling the actual fence panels. Depending on the type of fence you’re building, this may involve either cutting and fitting each panel to the posts or simply screwing them into place.
As you work, be sure to support the fence panels with boards or wooden wedges to prevent them from putting too much stress on the wood. This will help to prevent warping and bending in the future.
At this point, it’s also a good idea to inspect the fence for any loose or exposed wires and to make sure that everything is properly connected and grounded. This will help to minimize the risk of fire and electrical hazards down the road.
Adding a few decorative touches to your fence is an easy way to personalize it and give it a unique flair. Some popular design elements include:
Metal Posts or Accents
Integrating metal elements into your fence provides a striking visual contrast and adds durability to the structure. This can be especially helpful in areas of the fence that will receive a lot of wear and tear, such as gateposts.
String Lights or Solar Lanterns
Illuminating your fence will provide practical lighting for outdoor spaces, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Plus, the lights will help to keep unwanted visitors out of your yard.
Change Slat Directions
Experimenting with a different slat direction can instantly revamp the look of your fence. This is a simple and cost-effective way to make the most of your fence’s existing materials.
It’s also a good idea to consider staining or finishing your fence. This will protect the wood from damage caused by weather and insects, and it’s a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal. If you’re planning on staining your fence, be sure to choose a high-quality wood, like cedar or redwood, that will naturally resist decay and rot.
Final Inspection
The final inspection is a crucial step that ensures the safety and compliance of construction projects before they are deemed complete and ready to be occupied. It is usually conducted by an official building inspector, who checks for any rules violations or potential dangers before giving a certificate of occupancy. To ensure a smooth process and successful project closeout, there are several best practices that should be followed. These include extensive documentation and creating organizational systems.
Before any work can begin, it is essential to obtain the proper permits from your local government offices. This ensures that your fence complies with zoning regulations and adheres to all other fencing specifications. In addition, a professional team can offer valuable guidance on materials and design options to suit your needs and budget.
Once the foundational posts are set, the next step is to attach horizontal rails between them. This is where your fence starts to visibly take shape. Once the rails are secure, the fence panels or pickets can be affixed. This is a critical step that requires precision to maintain both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your fence.
Affixing fencing planks vertically onto the rails is also important for maintaining a consistent appearance and structural strength. It is vital to keep in mind that a wood fence must be allowed for expansion and contraction, so it is necessary to leave a small gap between each plank. This will allow for movement without causing any damage over time.
Lastly, it is necessary to install any gates and hardware needed for the fence to function properly. This can be done at this point or at a later date, depending on the preferences of the owner.
A professional team will typically have years of experience in the field, which makes them qualified to install a high-quality, long-lasting fence. While hiring a team may cost more than DIY kits and tools, you must consider the amount of money saved in future maintenance and repair costs. When you hire a professional, you get peace of mind knowing that the job will be done right the first time.
