Fences improve the appearance of your home and yard, while providing privacy, security, and definition of property lines. They can also protect your plants, children, and pets from wildlife.
Fence Installation can take several days to complete depending on the type of fence you choose. The process begins with preparation and includes obtaining permits and a land survey. For more information, click the link https://www.maiseyfence.com/ to proceed.
A fence provides many benefits, including providing privacy and separating property lines. However, installing one requires careful planning. In addition to choosing a site and the fence materials, homeowners should consider local regulations and the construction process. They should also determine whether a permit is required and consult with neighbors to make sure that the fence does not obstruct their property. Finally, they should review the building codes and ensure that their plans meet them.
Before construction begins, a fence installation company will request a copy of your property survey or title deed to locate the exact boundaries of your land. This will prevent any accidental encroachment on your neighbor’s property during construction. The crew will then dig the fence post holes. This is a simple task that can be done with handheld post-hole diggers or, in very hard soils, a gas or electric fence post hole digger. The holes should be deep enough to allow the bottom of the posts to sit below the frost line.
During this phase, the fencing company should also contact 811 call-before-you-dig to find out about any underground utility lines. This will ensure that the crew does not damage any utilities during construction. In addition, the company should also mark any trees that are close to your fence and take measures to protect them from damage during construction. Finally, they should arrange to pick up all scraps and debris after construction.
Materials
Several types of fencing materials are available for residential properties, with each having distinct advantages and disadvantages. Cost, maintenance requirements and the climate are all factors to consider. For example, wood fences offer a natural look but require regular treatments to protect them from rot and insects. Vinyl fences, on the other hand, are remarkably durable and withstand harsh weather conditions. Wrought iron fences are an elegant option that can be crafted to fit your property’s aesthetic, but aren’t suitable for all areas.
Chain link metal fences are popular in commercial settings, where visibility and airflow are important. They’re also an effective deterrent against intruders, while still allowing workers to see where they’re going. And while barbed wire isn’t ideal for a backyard, it’s an efficient barrier against livestock and can be incorporated into a decorative post-and-rail fence.
Before getting started on a new fence installation, it’s necessary to have the right tools for the job. Some of the most important are shovels, a post-hole digger, spades, tape measure, string and a come-along, which helps stretch and tighten fencing materials like wire or netting. You’ll also need a wheelbarrow to transport soil and gravel, and speed up your clean-up process. Don’t forget to call 811 before digging any posts, to avoid buried utility lines.
Posts
The posts that anchor and support a fence are an important aspect of its stability and durability. As such, they are an essential part of the overall planning process. There are several types of posts to consider, ranging from wood and metal to concrete and vinyl. Each offers its own unique benefits and features, with the material choice largely dependent upon the fence’s intended use, appearance, and longevity.
Among the most common posts are wooden ones, typically made from pine or cedar. Cedar’s natural resistance to rot and insect infestation coupled with its beautiful color and grain offer exceptional beauty, while pressure-treated pine offers a cost-effective solution for areas prone to termite damage. However, no matter what type of post is chosen, it’s important to consider local environmental conditions and the anticipated lifespan of the fence. Wooden posts are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage, which can dramatically shorten their lifespan. Regular maintenance practices like reapplying protective preservative treatments and keeping vegetation away from the immediate area of the posts can help extend their life.
Concrete posts are also a popular choice, owing to their strength and durability. Unlike wooden and metal posts, concrete posts can withstand harsh weather conditions and are typically more resistant to rust. However, the installation of concrete posts can be more challenging and labour-intensive than that of wooden or metal posts, and their stark aesthetic might not be ideal for every garden or outdoor space design.
Panels
The type of fence panels you choose will have a major impact on how your finished fence looks. The style you go with will also impact how your fence is constructed, its strength and weather performance. The main timber fence panel styles include:
Overlap fencing will consist of vertical boards built to overlap each other with horizontal rails holding them in place and connecting them to the posts. This type of fence offers great privacy at a reasonable price. Featheredge fencing is similar to overlay fencing, but the boards will be slightly narrower. This type of fence is ideal for those with a tight budget and requires minimal maintenance.
Picket fencing consists of horizontal slats of wood with small gaps between them. These shorter fences offer eye-catching appeal but do not provide security or privacy.
Many hardware stores sell pre-made fence panels that just need to be set between posts by the homeowner. This can be a good choice for Do-It-Yourselfers who want to save money and have the ability to finish the project in a weekend. However, if you plan to go this route, it is important to make sure your local zoning laws permit the height and appearance of the fence you are choosing. If you exceed the allowed height or build your fence too close to a property line, you could be forced to take down the entire structure.
Pickets
The pointy pieces at the ends of a fence are called pickets. They can be painted or stained, either for aesthetics or to protect wood from the elements. Stain is more durable than paint, but both can be re-coated to extend their life.
If you choose to use wood for your fence, you can stain it to match the color of your home or to create a more distinctive look. You may also prefer to paint your fence a contemporary color to reflect your personal style.
You’ll need a post-hole digger or power auger to dig the holes for your fence posts. The depth of these holes will depend on the height of your fence. Generally, the holes should be deep enough to allow for stability after being filled with concrete or other material.
It’s a good idea to walk the line of your fence before you start digging. This will help you identify any obstacles like large rocks or tree stumps and will let you know if your planned fence will need to be modified to account for any significant slopes in the land. It’s also a good idea to check your property titles for any type of easement and call your local utility locator hotline to have technicians visit the site and mark any buried services with washable spray paint.
Once the posts are in place, it’s time to install your fence panels or individual pickets. If you’re using panels, set them against the posts and use bricks or pavers to elevate them to the correct position. Then screw the panel in place and use a level to ensure that it is level.
Railings
Many homeowners and contractors mistakenly use the words fence and railing interchangeably, but there are significant differences between these products that can affect how they function. It’s important to understand the difference before beginning a project, as mistakes can be costly and unsightly or even dangerous.
For example, if you install a fence when a railing is needed, it may not meet code requirements and could lead to liability issues. It is also important to consider the aesthetics of the space when selecting between a fence and a railing. If the space is intended for entertaining, a railing is a better option because it allows people to see and enjoy the area. Fences, on the other hand, provide privacy and a more closed-off look.
It’s recommended that you walk the planned fence line before installing to check for large rocks, tree stumps, and other obstructions. You should also find out if there are any buried utility lines that run through the site. You can call a free hotline for information about locating and marking these lines.
When you have a clear idea of your desired layout, it’s time to begin making a sketch. You can then start to mark where the rails will be placed using a mason’s line and a level. It’s a good idea to place the bottom rail six inches above ground, as this will keep it from coming in contact with moisture and other elements that can cause damage or decay.