In contrast to other materials like concrete, installing a vinyl fence is far less labor-intensive. Homeowners can reduce up to a third of the installation cost by handling the task themselves.
Vinyl fences are also durable and cost-effective, which is why many Newark, Delaware, residents install them. Following the proper vinyl fence installation instructions can help you correctly install your fence.
Vinyl Fence Installation Instructions: Dos and Don’ts
While a DIY vinyl fence installation is doable, you can still make common mistakes and pitfalls. This guide will explore all the dos and don’ts of a DIY vinyl fence installation.
Do Check Local Codes and Regulations
Just because you own property doesn’t necessarily mean you can build whatever you want on it. As a part of the community, you must abide by certain rules and regulations. While a vinyl fence is far from a safety risk or a sore sight—if anything, it can boost curb appeal—sometimes, restrictions exist.
For example, some municipalities will restrict a fence’s height to four feet in your front yard and six feet in your back yard. Additionally, if you purchased a property as a heritage, you might not be able to make any changes.
It’s best to check the appropriate regulations, including verifying local zoning laws or submitting a proposal to your homeowners association (HOA.)
Don’t Ignore the Necessary Tools
For any project, it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. So, alongside the essentials, many professionals wear sturdy safety equipment, even when working on their millionth vinyl fence.
Tools and equipment you will need include:
- Safety equipment, like gloves, goggles, and maybe even a first-aid kit on standby
- Tamping bar
- Stanley knife
- Garden hose
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Water
- Tape measure
- Shovel
- Rubber mallet
- Wheelbarrow
- PVC cement
- Spirit level
- Impact driver or drill
- Post hole digger
- High visibility builders’ line
Do Prepare Your Yard
While vinyl fence installation instructions may seem straightforward, you must make some initial preparations for your yard.
Most importantly, you’ll need to call your utility companies to see whether they buried any lines in your yard. Accidentally hitting a utility line with a shovel can cause severe injuries and can even put your life in danger.
While having representatives establish where your utility lines are can take a week or more to process, you don’t want to skip this vital step.
If you’re planning to build your fence at the edge of your property, verify your property lines. Checking your deed or making a trip to an accessor’s office can help you accomplish this task.
Do Give Your Posts Plenty of Space
Vinyl fence is flexible and acts against the impacts of tough winds by bending without breaking. However, you can compromise this extreme flexibility if you install vinyl posts too closely.
Additionally, vinyl expands and contracts when there’s a lot of heat. Knowing how to install vinyl fence panels properly can prevent issues like buckling or warping. Space your posts roughly a full panel apart, and put a few millimeters between each panel.
Do Mark Your Layout
You’ll also want to mark your fence’s layout, and you can do so by first staking every corner of your fence’s area. We recommend rebar, but wooden stakes work just as well.
After staking every corner, connect each using a high-vis line. You may also plan every gate opening. Finally, begin marking your post holes. Use either a measuring wheel or tape measure for this step for accuracy.
Don’t Dig Deep Holes
If you install your vinyl posts in shallow holes, your fence will likely experience trouble, especially during strong winds.
While there’s no set rule for how deep your holes should be in Newark, Delaware, local experts recommend that a third of a post fit snuggly in the ground. Of course, this figure can change depending on your climate and soil. You’ll also need to leave room for six inches of gravel.
Do Ensure Your Posts Are Leveled
You can save time by eyeballing your posts, but doing so can also cause your fence to come crashing down. Use a quality post level to ensure you adequately leveled every post.
Do Take Your Time Installing
Vinyl fence panels snap on quickly, making some people think they can speed through the process. However, you must take your time and ensure you secure each panel.
Don’t Be Afraid To Call a Professional
Sometimes it’s better to call a professional team to ensure your vinyl fence installation is successful. Our company, Leading Edge Fence & Gates, boasts years of experience and qualified contractors to get the job done right.
Newark, Delaware, Residents Trust Leading Edge Fence & Gates
Although vinyl fence installation instructions are less complicated than other projects, issues can still arise.
Leading Edge Fence & Gates can quickly and cost-effectively install your fence. Our team also knows the ins and outs of repairing vinyl fences.
Call Leading Edge Fence & Gates at (302) 892-2575!
