Fence – A-1 Lonestar Fence

Fence installation can be complicated and time-consuming, especially in areas with difficult soils or large rocks. It is also important to keep in mind the style and durability of your fence. Always check with your neighbors before starting any construction on your property. It is a good idea to let them know what you are doing so they are not surprised by noise or debris during the building process.

Planning

Installing a fence can be an exciting project for homeowners who are interested in creating privacy, preventing children and pets from wandering into a pool or yard and adding curb appeal to their home. However, there are a number of important considerations that need to be addressed before you head out to your local home improvement store to buy materials. This includes determining where you plan to build the fence, which material you want it to be made from and the style of fence that you desire.

You will need to check with your local city or town laws, zoning regulations and homeowner’s association rules if you live in an HOA neighborhood. Some cities and towns may require that you obtain a permit prior to construction, especially for very tall or complex fences. If a permit is required, you will need to submit detailed plans for review and approval. In addition, you will need to get a property survey prior to beginning work in order to ensure that the fence is built entirely within your own property lines.

It is important to determine whether or not your neighbor has any existing fences near your proposed building site, as the height of the fence you build will impact them. It is also important to find out if any local utilities are located in the area where you intend to build the fence. These may include underground water, gas or electrical lines. If any of these are in the way, it will be necessary to contact your utility provider to arrange for them to be relocated.

Before you start digging your post holes, it is a good idea to purchase a post hole digger or auger and a tape measure. This will allow you to dig the holes to a depth that will be strong enough to support your fence once it is completed. You will also need to consider the type of soil in your area, as sandy or rocky ground may require deeper holes than loamy or clay soils. Taking these factors into account can make the difference between a solid, long-lasting fence and one that will fail quickly.

Digging the Posts

Creating the post holes for your fence is one of the most time-consuming and laborious tasks in any fencing project. It requires precision and expertise, especially in rocky or sandy soil. It is also a job that is made even more difficult without the right equipment. There are a number of different tools that can be used to dig post holes, the cheapest being a shovel and the fastest being an earth auger gas or electric. However, even with the right tools, digging a post hole for a fence is still a labour-intensive and time-consuming task.

The holes must be dug to an exact size and depth in order for the fence posts to set properly. Local requirements vary but a good rule of thumb is to dig a hole that is as deep as 1/3 the height of the post. Many fence contractors may set the posts on the same day that they dig the holes, but this is not always possible.

Once the holes are dug they must be refilled with dirt in such a way as to keep the posts straight. This is a very difficult job because the dirt has lost its rigidity and must be repacked with a tool like a tamper, the back of a shovel or the head of a jackhammer. This must be done carefully so as not to knock the post out of alignment and it is also important to tamp down the dirt to ensure that it is compacted.

In addition to being a tedious and time-consuming task, digging post holes for a fence can be dangerous if you hit underground wires or pipes. It is recommended that homeowners and fence builders call their local utilities before starting any digging project to have underground utility lines marked for free. This simple step can prevent serious accidents and costly repairs. The best option for digging fence post holes is to rent a powered digger, which will make the job much quicker and easier. A digger is expensive but it will save a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Attaching the Panels

Before installing your panels, it’s a good idea to paint or stain them. This can help preserve the wood and protect it from weather damage over time. It’s easier to do this before you install them, as it’s much harder to reach once they are in place.

Fence panels are usually attached with screws or nails to posts that are sunk into the ground and either tamped down or put in concrete for stability. This makes them a bit different from fencing materials that are just tied to stakes or boards that sit on the ground, as those don’t really “sit” on anything. So, it’s important to have the fence posts in the correct location and at the right height.

To ensure your fence is properly aligned, run two builder’s lines across the ground between the first set of posts. You can then use the lines to mark where to dig for the next post. You may also want to brace the recently installed posts as you work.

When you’re ready to install the first panel, cut two short pieces of scrap wood to act as supports and screw them to the bottom facing edges of adjacent posts. Then, stretch a line level between the two of them and make sure that the bubble is centered. If it’s not, you’ll need to dig a new hole and add another post.

Once the ground is level, drive in the new post. Repeat the process with the other posts. When you’re done, the line level should show that the posts are perfectly vertical.

For the rest of the posts, dig holes that are about 10 inches deep and at least as wide as the post’s foot. Mix some concrete, and pour it in around the post. Let it cure before you finish putting in the rest of the fence posts.

If you’re using trellis or panel fences, you may need to attach the panel to the wall with metal brackets that can be screwed or nailed into place. This helps keep the fence stable, especially if climbing plants such as ivy are used to cover it.

Attaching Post Caps

Post caps not only add a nice finishing touch to your fence, but they also help protect the top of the fence posts. Without a cap, the end grain on the top of fence posts can absorb moisture and lead to rot and cracking. With a cap, the wood is covered, and the water is directed to the ground where it can evaporate. In addition, the cap can keep animals from using fence posts as perches and provide a barrier to wind and sun damage.

There are many different types of post caps available to choose from. Some are made from wood, and some are made from metal or vinyl. When choosing a cap, make sure it is appropriate for the type of fence you are installing. If the cap is made from wood, it should be treated with a preservative to protect against the elements. Wood post caps can be stained or painted, which allows you to personalize the look of your fence.

To attach a post cap, first, remove any loose debris from the top of the fence post. Clean the top surface of the fence post with a damp cloth or brush. Then, place the post cap onto the top of the fence post, making sure it is centered and straight. Secure the cap in place with carpenter glue or screws, if needed. If you decide to use screws, be sure to drill a narrow pilot hole before screwing them in, as this will prevent splitting the post.

When the glue is dry, use a power drill to screw in the screws. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause the post to rot and break. If you do not use a power drill, you can screw in the screws by hand with a screw driver. It is best to use a drill with a hex bit, as it will allow you to screw in the screws more easily and will not create splits in the post.

Once the post caps are in place, you can stand back and admire your work. This is the point in the process where your fence starts to take shape and gain its defining character. Depending on the type of fence you are installing, you may now be ready to install your panels or pickets.

Your fence takes quite a beating, being constantly exposed to wind, rain, and snow. Proper maintenance from https://rcfence1.com/ can keep your fence looking like new and functioning properly. Start with a thorough cleaning. Mold, mildew, and dirt buildup are sure to damage your fence over time. Also, make sure to check for and hammer in loose pickets.

Clean It Regularly

Cleaning a fence regularly is one of the best ways to keep it looking great and prolong its lifespan. This process removes buildup of dirt and grime that can leave your wood fence with a discolored appearance. Cleaning is also necessary for removing mold and mildew as well as more stubborn contaminants like rust. Wood fences are exposed to the elements and can collect dirt, dust, sand, leaves, grass clippings and more. The regularity with which you clean your wood fence can depend on how often it becomes discolored, but every three to five years is a good rule of thumb.

A regular hosing down is enough to maintain a clean and healthy looking fence, but power washing might be necessary in order to get rid of more serious stains. This is especially true if your wood fence has reached the end of its life and is beginning to show signs of serious damage and wear.

If you decide to use a power washer, make sure to use it at a low-to-medium pressure and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using high-pressure water can damage your fence and even strip it of its protective seal. To avoid this, it is best to work in small sections and rinse your fence with a garden hose afterwards.

Start by wetting the area you wish to wash with a hose and apply the cleaning product, such as a commercial masonry or deck cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to scrub any clumps of dirt with a brush and to rinse off the fence thoroughly. If you notice any stubborn stains, such as green algae, apply an oxygen bleach solution (such as Oxyclean) to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse off the fence again with a hose and repeat as needed until your wood fence is clean.

Be sure to rinse the detergent off your wooden fence with a hose in a fan pattern to avoid any streaking or damage. Then, allow your fence to dry completely before you stain it or paint it.

Repair Damaged Sections

If sections of your fence are starting to look saggy or have loose pickets, this is something that should be addressed right away. The longer these problems go unresolved, the worse they’ll get. If you catch the problem early, it will be much easier and cheaper to fix.

Ideally, you should take a walk around your property every month or so and carefully inspect each section of the fence. Check for damage or rot and make sure each section is securely connected to the next one. You should also check the hardware, such as hinges and latches, to ensure they’re working properly.

For wood fences, it’s important to regularly clean and stain them. This protects the wood from the sun and elements, keeping it in good shape longer. It’s also a good idea to reapply water-repellent stain or paint every few years.

When a wood fence is damaged, it’s usually easy to replace the affected slat. You’ll need a few tools, including a hammer and chisel or screwdriver. First, remove the caps on the posts on either side of the affected slat. Then, using a hammer and chisel, loosen the screw that holds the top railing to the tabs inside the post. Once the slat is removed, simply pull down on the other end of the bottom rail and then start pulling slats off until you reach the damaged one. Replace the damaged slat, then screw or nail the top rail and post cap back into place.

If you have a chain-link fence, use lineman’s pliers to bend the ends of the ties that hold the fabric in place. This will free them from the fence and allow you to cut or loosen the fasteners that held the old rails. Once you’ve removed the old rail, mark the spot where it will be replaced on the new rail. Use a pencil to outline the replacement area on the old rail, then mark that same spot on the new rail and cut it at the marks you made.

If the decorative sections of your wrought iron fence are starting to separate, this is probably a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. Wrought iron professionals will normally weld the sections together, but you can make a sturdy repair by mixing up some epoxy repair putty and applying it to the joints. You can purchase this type of repair putty at most home improvement stores.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint or Stain

As time passes, your fence may need a fresh coat of paint or stain to help it maintain its good looks and protect the wood. A new coat of either can help deter rot and insects, while a fresh stain provides an attractive natural look for the entire fence. Before you apply a new coating, thoroughly inspect the structure to ensure it’s strong and stable. You should also repair or replace any rotting planks to prevent further damage and decay.

If you’re going to paint your fence, wash it first to remove any dirt or debris that may be preventing the new coat from adhering properly. You should also clean any rotting boards, scrape off any peeling paint and scrub the surface with a fungicidal wash to remove any algae, mildew or wood rot. This step is particularly important if you’re painting over an existing coat of paint; without it, the new finish can flake or peel off in patches.

Once your fence is washed, you can begin the process of applying a new coat of stain. If you’re working with a sprayer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re using the right amount of pressure and the sprayer is set to the correct nozzle setting. Otherwise, you can use a brush, pad or roller to stain the slats. If you’re using a roller, be sure to apply the color in two- to three-foot sections at a time and make overlapping strokes for even coverage that’s free of lap marks.

Staining a fence is relatively easy and more affordable than painting, but it does require a bit of prep work. Depending on the weather, you should wait for dry conditions before starting. You should also cover surrounding plants to prevent stains from spilling or staining them.

While it’s difficult to say exactly how often a fence needs to be stained or painted, it’s safe to assume that the climate will play a large role in this. In rainy areas, you’ll likely need to refinish your fence more frequently than in arid regions, as moisture can do the most damage to unprotected wood. A good way to determine if your fence is in need of a fresh coat is by watching how water beads up on the surface – when it no longer beads, it’s probably time for a new stain.

Trim Vegetation

The grass and weeds that grow close to your fence aren’t just unsightly, but they can also damage it. Weeds and grass can trap moisture near the wood of a fence, which can lead to rot or rusting. There are a few ways to prevent this, including using herbicides or trimming with a trimmer. If you use herbicides, speak to your neighbors before spraying along property lines as they may want to protect their gardens.

If you choose to use a trimmer, take the time to carefully trim all sides of the fence for a clean appearance. This saves a lot of weeding and prevents the need to go back over sections later.

You should also check to see if any pickets are loose or need to be re-nailed. Loose pickets can allow for insects to enter your yard, so it’s important that they’re secure. Loose nails can also cause your fence to lose its structure and appearance. Checking and re-nailing pickets is an easy job that can be done during a regular maintenance visit.

If your fence is made from wood, it should be re-stained at least every three years. Staining helps to keep moisture and UV rays off of the wood, which helps to prevent rotting and mildew. Staining can be done with a brush, sprayer, or roll, but it is recommended that you sand each trouble spot before touching up.

Aside from staining, it’s also important to keep up with other maintenance tasks. These include regularly raking up leaves and other debris that can pile up near the fence. Moisture trapped in these leaf piles can hasten the decay of a wooden fence, so keeping them cleared away is essential.

If you notice any signs of insect infestation, be sure to contact a pest control specialist right away. Insect infestation is a serious problem that can cause major damage to a fence, especially if it’s made of wood. It’s also recommended that you apply a protective coating to the posts of your fence, especially those in areas with plenty of rainfall. This helps to prevent rotting and insect infestation.

A-1 Lonestar Fence

Tag: Fence

Important Considerations For Fence Installation