Getting
Started:
As
with any fence project it is important to call your local underground
utility identification services prior to any digging. You can
find this number in the phone book. An example in Ohio you would
call OUPC or Ohio Utility Protection Service. They will usually
come out within 48 hours and mark your yard.
Then
next thing to do is to assemble your vinyl gates if necessary
and then decide where you want to place them.
After
you have put your gates together it is time to mark out your
fence line. Then it is good to space and mark your post hole
locations for the gates and sections. You can make a bar/template
as this will be helpful.
Believe
it or not it is best to start your vinyl fence installation
at your gates. You can always cut down a section but you do
not have that option when it comes to gates. If you start at
gate end post you can work outward you can determine the proper
fence height relative to the ground.
Dig
Holes:
After
you have assembled the gates and marked off your line you are
ready to dig the holes. Dig your holes 30" deep or to the
frost line. The hole for 5x5 post should be 12" and for
4x4 post 10" to insure enough concrete support for your
vinyl fence posts. Clean holes and check for straight walls.
You want to make sure that your holes are cylinder shaped and
not cone shaped.
Install
the First Post:
Insert
your post in the home and determine the rough height. Fill hole
around the post with concrete mix (sand, gravel and cement approximately
2" below the grade. Tamp concrete in the hole to eliminate
air pockets then level and square your posts.
Install
Bottom Rail:
Next
tape the ends of any rail going into a post are to be filled
with concrete to prevent concrete seepage. Insert lock ring
in both ends of the bottom rail. Then depress the lock ring
tabs and insert the bottom rail into your post. The taps will
recoil one the bottom rail passes the inside layer of the post.
Install
the Second Post:
Insert
the second post in its hole and then insert the bottom rail
into the post. Insert a block under the bottom rail to position
the correct fence height. Once you have accomplished this fill
the hole around the second post with the concrete mix. Tamp,
level and square your vinyl fence post. Assembly may be continued
by installing all bottom rails first or you can proceed one
fence section at a time.
Support
and Secure:
As
you proceed remember to level and square your fence. To lower
a post, place a wood block from corner to corner of the post
and carefully tap with a mallet. NEVER strike the PVC post without
a wood support.
Install
Picket and Rails:
Bufftech's
vinyl fence pickets are cut at a 5 degree angle to accommodate
a 1" per foot slope. The last picket had the tongue ripped
so that it sits flush against the post. Insert all the vinyl
pickets into the bottom rail and then insert the top rail over
all the pickets. Finally you depress the lock ring tap and slid
the top rail into the post. This will finish the assembly of
your vinyl fence section.
Hang
Gate/Install Hardware:
For
complete details, you will get gate installation instructions
in your hardware box. If for some reason you don't get one
contact us at sales@fence-it.com
and we will be happy to send you one. Position your vinyl
gates between the posts making sure you allow 1 inch gap for
the hinge and ¾ inch for the latch and gate wing. Block
up the gate to square with the fence, your rail should be
level. Gate hardware must be mounted to two sides of the post
for it to remain secure.
Solidify
Gate Posts:
It
is critical that your vinyl gate hinge and latch posts are solid
to ensure proper functionality. You have to options
A.
Concrete and rebar:
Use
two pieces of ½" rebar in each hinge and latch
end post. The rebar should extend from the bottom of the
hole to 12 inches from the top of the post. Hold the rebar
in the opposite corners of the post with Bufftech's separator
clips. Fill the posts with concrete mix to cover the rebar
and hardware fasteners. Then tamp your post with a rubber
mallet to eliminate air pockets. Lastly, leave gat on blocks
for 72 hours to allow the concrete to set.
B.
Aluminum Gate post stiffener:
My
favorite way to solidify your vinyl gate posts is to use
the new Bufftech Vinyl fencing gate stiffener. Slide the
gate aluminum gate stiffener inside the hinge or latch post
with the open end facing routed holes. Drive a screw through
the vinyl into the aluminum stiffener at the bottom of the
post to hold it in place. Then insert your post into the
ground. Fill the holes with concrete around outside pf the
post.
Install
the Caps:
The
last and the easiest part of your vinyl fence installation is
to install the post caps you purchased with your fencing order.
Caps may be secured with glue, silicone adhesive or you can
use a #8 x ¾ inch screw using the cap and washers provided.
