QA

How To Install Vinyl Privacy Fence

How hard is it to install a vinyl fence?

Compared to the laborious process of setting posts, installing the vinyl panels is pretty easy: It typically involves snapping pieces together by hand with minimal need for tools.

Can you install a vinyl fence yourself?

Installing a vinyl fence is becoming a popular alternative to using traditional wood pickets or rails. While it costs more at the outset, a DIY vinyl fence installation pays for itself because it lasts longer and requires almost no maintenance.

Do you put concrete inside vinyl fence post?

Manufacturers unanimously require vinyl fence posts to be installed into a concrete filled post hole. Setting vinyl posts into concrete provides a consistent footing to ensure the posts will remain inline and true for years to come. Concrete should fill the post hole up to 3-4 inches from the top.

Should vinyl fence posts be set in concrete?

Concrete is the foundation of the fence. Using concrete in the foundation point will allow consistency for all of the vinyl fence posts. The ground is always settling and moving. Having concrete as the foundation of your vinyl fence posts creates a firm base that won’t move and minimizes the posts moving.

Should a vinyl fence touch the ground?

Never install the vinyl fence too close to the ground The fence can topple under the pressure. Panels close to the ground may divert rainwater and cause flooding on the property. Always leave space below the vinyl fence panels.

Do vinyl fence post go over wood post?

Some vinyl fence manufactures hollow posts that are a true 4″ square or 5″ square posts. Although these vinyl posts will fit over the wood posts, they will not fit tight, requiring you to shim the difference for a tight fit.

How far off the ground should a vinyl fence be?

Most fencing experts recommend setting fence posts in concrete at least two feet into the ground. Our vinyl fence installation experts at Future Outdoors always set vinyl and wood fence posts 3 feet into the ground for our 6-foot and taller fences for extra stability and strength.

Can you install vinyl fence over existing posts?

It is possible to reuse existing fence posts and sleeve vinyl posts over them, however it is usually impractical to do so for a vinyl fence installation. Although these vinyl posts will fit over the wood posts, they will not fit tight, requiring you to shim the difference for a tight fit.

How long does it take to install vinyl fence?

How long does it take to install a PVC or vinyl fence? PVC and vinyl fences are somewhat similar to composite panels. However, they’re remarkably difficult to install and expensive. With that said, it can take anywhere from 3-5 days to install PVC or vinyl fences.

Can vinyl fence panels be cut to size?

In general, yes – vinyl fence panels can be cut to size. Typically, cutting the width to size won’t cause problems.

How do you fix the gap at the bottom of a vinyl fence?

The dirt or mound method is exactly what it sounds like. You simply fill the gap under the bottom of the fence with dirt. To do this effectively, the dirt will need to be packed tightly into the gap. This is a good method if you just want to get rid of the gap because of the way it looks.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a vinyl fence post?

How Much Concrete per Vinyl Fence Post? Post Size Post Height (above surface) 80lb Bags Required 4×4 3-4ft double-triple rail9 inch hole 1 5×5 3-4ft double-triple rail12 inch hole 1 5×5 5-6ft semi & privacy12 2.

Should a vinyl fence wobble?

Vinyl fencing, although built to flex, should not be wobbling. This flexing may look like the fence is swaying. However, if the entire fence wobbles back-and-forth in the wind, there is an issue. A wobbling fence is likely the result of a smaller issue left unfixed for too long.

How can I make my vinyl fence more sturdy?

To prevent this from happening, the vinyl post needs to be strengthened and reinforced. Strength can be added to a vinyl post by tightening up the post, rails, and pickets around the entire perimeter of the fence. Additionally, adding reinforcement inside specific posts will increase rigidity to high-risk areas.

How much wind can a vinyl fence withstand?

The ability of vinyl fencing to withstand wind depends on the design as well as the strength of the posts and the materials. Provided the fence is correctly installed and supported, it should hold up against winds of up to 100 mph.

What is the life expectancy of a vinyl fence?

The life expectancy of a typical vinyl fence is 20-30 years, and it can range depending on the quality and brand of vinyl fence. To figure out how long a specific vinyl fence should last, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s warranty. Most vinyl fence warranties range from 20 years to a lifetime.

How do you reinforce vinyl fence posts?

Reinforcing a damaged or shaky post with metal brackets at the base, can improve the fence’s stability. Metal inserts can be used in the post or in the planks depending on which ones seem weak. Fence post menders are another good option. You can also install fence post spikes to improve the resilience of the structure.

Does vinyl fence cost more than wood?

The cost of installing a new fence is relatively affordable. Installing a vinyl fence costs less than wood, although wood as a material is generally cheaper. Wood ranges from $2 to $10 per picket, while vinyl costs between $2 and $6.