Do vinyl fences lean in the ground?
We’ve touched on this topic before, but this problem is so widespread that it bears repeating. Even though vinyl fencing is stronger and more durable than a wooden fence, it still needs to be set deep in the ground to avoid leaning later on.
Will a vinyl fence bend without breaking?
Vinyl fencing will bend without breaking, allowing it to withstand high winds and minor impacts. This flexibility depends on proper vinyl fence installation. Install the posts too close together, and the vinyl fence panels will fit so tightly that they become rigid.
Is vinyl fencing stronger than wood fencing?
Even though vinyl fencing is stronger and more durable than a wooden fence, it still needs to be set deep in the ground to avoid leaning later on. This is because of the type of soil we have here in Texas.
What are the biggest mistakes DIYers make when installing vinyl fences?
One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make when installing a vinyl fence is thinking they can do it all alone. A fence installation is a job best tackled by two or more people, especially when it comes to the job of hanging panels and gates from fence posts.
How do you fix a wobbly vinyl fence?
Fixing a Wobbly Vinyl Fence For any fragile pieces, add a piece of aluminum to the backside of the plank. This piece will reinforce the piece and stop it from swaying as much. If during the inspection, broken or cracked pieces were found above or below ground, they will need to be replaced.
Why is my new fence wobble?
Posts that have been in the ground for less than five years usually wobble because of improper installation; ordinarily, tightening them is fairly easy. In older fences, decay is more likely the culprit. Although strengthening a decayed post sometimes works, the best solution is to replace it.
How do you stabilize a vinyl fence?
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 do you reinforce vinyl fence panels?
9:5716:43Wind Proof a Vinyl Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the way you put one of these fences together in case you're curious is you put the posts in andMoreSo the way you put one of these fences together in case you're curious is you put the posts in and then after the posts are in and you put the bottom rail in and you secure it at the bottom.
Can you adjust vinyl fence?
0:051:12How To Adjust Your Fence Line - Vinyl - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis can easily be done with a tamping bar a block of wood and a rubber mallet to lower your railsMoreThis can easily be done with a tamping bar a block of wood and a rubber mallet to lower your rails place a block of wood over the post and gently tap it with a rubber mallet.
How do you brace vinyl fence posts?
1:203:39DIY Fence (Vinyl Fencing Projects Part 3 of 5) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake a second brace and steak and secure it to the hole on the other side of the front of the squareMoreTake a second brace and steak and secure it to the hole on the other side of the front of the square post bracket with the provided two. And a half inch bolt and lock nut.
Do vinyl fences hold up to wind?
The average vinyl privacy fence is designed to withstand normal wind. Provided the fence is correctly installed and supported, it should hold up against winds of up to 100 mph.
Why is my vinyl fence bowing?
Vinyl Fencing is NOT Prone to Warping When the material dries, it contracts. If water absorption and drying occur unevenly, some of the fibrous grains may be subject to swelling and contraction while other portions may hold their original shape. In the end the material may twist, warp, or bow out of its original form.
How sturdy is a vinyl fence?
Durability You Can Count On No matter what they're facing, vinyl fences stand strong. They won't rot, blister, or allow the growth of fungus, and you won't have to worry about them splitting or cracking due to weather or old age. Plus, vinyl fences are resistant to fire and impenetrable to pests.
Should a fence move in the wind?
5 Answers from MyBuilder Fencers The panels are designed to move in the wind so each panel of the fence independently takes the impact. You will rarely find a paneled fence with concrete slot posts blown down. Usually you will find the odd few panels on the floor with the posts still upright.
Should you fill vinyl fence posts with concrete?
For a vinyl fence to maintain its original upright and inline placement for years to come, it is important to create a stable footing and foundation by installing vinyl posts into concrete. Soil conditions and exposure to the elements will vary around a property's perimeter.
What is fence wobbling?
Fence wobble occurs when a fence post has lost its secure position, creates space, and becomes loose in the post hole. If left unattended, the jarring of the post back and forth will cause adjacent posts to loosen in their footing and to begin to wobble as well–causing further damage down the fenceline.
How thick is a 5x5 vinyl fence post?
Subsequently, some products are more flimsy than others. For example, the vinyl wall thickness of a 5×5 post will vary from 0.120 to 0.150 inches. That’s about a 1/32” variance that could be the difference from a low-strength flimsy flopping-around-in-the-wind-post to one with significantly more strength and rigidity.
What causes a fence post to swell?
wind, rain, and freezing tempuratures: A fence has full exposure to the barrage of elements local to your area. Heavy wind and rain can loosen the soil around the post. And, freezing temperatures can cause the ground to swell (frost heaving). These conditions can loosen the post from its set position and cause wobble.
Why is my fence flexing?
If the post is secure in the post hole, and yet you see your fence dramatically tossed around in the wind, or flexing over to the side with the load it is carrying, this is generally an issue with excessive flex and fence sway–the fix is in the post, it needs to be strengthened.
What is high quality vinyl?
High-quality vinyl tends to be manufactured with thicker material and/or have a higher quality vinyl formula. It may cost more, but it can significantly increase the resilience and rigidity of vinyl posts, rails and pickets.
Does vinyl fence sway?
Vinyl fencing is a durable and long lasting construction material with a lot of flex. By design, it may sway and creek as it potentially withstands wind speeds of over 100 mph. However, it should not wobble. Proper installation of a vinyl post must be into an adequate amount of concrete to prevent unsteady movement and sway.
Can a fence post be installed contrary to the manufacturer's recommendation?
Unfortunately, some fence installers, whether they be homeowners, friends, or contractors will install a fence post contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendation or contrary to general construction practices.
Vinyl Fencing is NOT Prone to Warping
Wood and composite materials are subject to warping when their surface absorbs water and/or dries unevenly. As the material becomes saturated, the wood and composite fibers swell. When the material dries, it contracts.
Mistreatment May Damage the Integrity of Vinyl Fencing
Applications applied to a vinyl fence that are not approved or recommended by the manufacturer may cause damage and degrade, instead of enhance, the PVC material.
Improper Installation Is a Major Cause of Vinyl Fence Issues
A vinyl fence that is not installed per manufacturer recommendations, for example: without the recommended amount of concrete in the post hole, may not be able to maintain proper alignment or solid placement. Mal-prepped post holes may be subject to soil swelling, settling, or heaving which may cause undue pressure along the fenceline.
Additional Causes of Vinyl Fence Warping and Bowing
Additional conditions that may cause bowing or misalignment may not be associated with the post but rather to other areas along the fence line.
Vinyl Fencing and Roadside Conditions
If you’ve ever driven down a highway road and noticed a property perimeter cased with a vinyl fence in extreme poor condition—a jagged ranch style fence-line with bent or bowed rails—sometimes disconnected—you may wonder whether vinyl fencing is prone to warping.
Why does my vinyl fence wobble?
One of the primary reasons why vinyl fences become unstable and wobble is because of incorrect installation or inferior quality base materials. These residential fences need concrete and rebar reinforcement every 7 to 8 feet which extend below the fencing posts into the ground for an extra foot, ...
How long does a vinyl fence last in Denver?
Vinyl fence installations can be time-consuming, however when done right, your residential fence Denver can last for years and be entirely maintenance free. You never have to be worried about painting, rotting, rusting or scraping. As mentioned, a correctly installed vinyl fence can last for many years while adding to your property’s aesthetics.
What happens if a concrete fence is not set properly?
If the concrete has not been allowed to set well during installation, it can develop cracks and result in a wobbly fence down the road. Sometimes, stormy weather or a heavy impact may destabilize the fence, making repairs necessary.
Can you use metal inserts in a fence?
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.
How to make a fence more durable?
This will make your fence too rigid with no room for flexibility. Some flexibility helps your fence withstand bad weather and makes it more durable.
Can you powerwash vinyl fence?
Vinyl is naturally water resistant. Instead of applying a fresh coat of paint, you can just powerwash it every so often to remove dirt and grime.
Is it a walk in the park to install vinyl fence?
Installing a vinyl fence is no walk in the park, but hundreds of people like you have done it and have found success. If you’re still feeling nervous about the process, you can visit our resource center to expand your knowledge of the dos and don’t of installing a vinyl fence. Post navigation.
Can you paint a vinyl fence?
So, can you paint a vinyl fence? The answer is, yes, technically you CAN paint your fence, but the point of getting vinyl material is so you don’t break your back painting every spring. Paint can even weaken the material, so it is NOT recommended.
Is vinyl fencing available on HGTV?
The vinyl fencing has arrived, and you’re tying up your boot s ready to transform into an HGTV character. The project is mapped out and your materials are in order. But are you ready?
Can a fence be installed on a slope?
There are cases where you’ll have to adapt the fence to slopes in your yard. Not everyone’s property is flat, so this is more common than you think. Here are some helpful tips if you do find yourself installing your fence on a slope.
Can a hammer damage vinyl?
Direct contact with a hammer can harm the vinyl. Cracking the top of the post during installation will be a burden to deal with when applying post caps. The block of wood will soften the directness of the blow without affecting its power.
How to verify property line for fence?
If you plan to erect the fence along the edge of your yard, verify the property line by checking your deed or by visiting the local assessor’s office. While this step may seem inconvenient, it’s certainly preferable to digging up a fence you inadvertently built on your neighbor’s property!
How to stop vinyl from cracking?
Instead of directly hammering the post, use a 1×4 or 2×4 block as a buffer. Rest the block on top of the post, then strike the block to drive the post deeper. The block will blunt the force of the blow while distributing the impact more evenly over the vinyl, preventing it from cracking.
How deep should a fence post be?
So, if you’re planning on setting a post 3 feet deep, you’ll need to dig a hole that is 3 feet 6 inches deep to account for the gravel layer.
How strong is a fence?
Your fence is only as strong as the posts holding it up, so set each post securely in the ground— especially if you are in an area with high winds or soft soil. Posts with shallow holes are more likely to eventually lean under the weight of the fence or even blow over altogether in extreme weather.
How to make sure posts are level?
To ensure the posts are even in height, run a tight string line between corner posts and end posts. Use a string line level or bench level to make sure the line is level, then check to see that each post in between meets the string line, adjusting the post heights where needed. Photo: homedepot.com.
How high should a fence be in front yard?
(For example, many municipalities limit fence heights to 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in the backyard.) Do yourself a favor, and check all local regulations before proceeding with your project. This may mean submitting your plans to the HOA for approval or checking local zoning laws to ensure the new fence will be compliant with city regulations—it could save you a lot of grief and money in the long run.
Does vinyl fence expand?
Also, keep in mind that, like wood, vinyl fencing also expands and contracts. While wood swells when exposed to moisture, vinyl expands during hot weather. If you fit the fence panels too tightly between the posts, there will be no room to accommodate this expansion, which could result in warping or buckling.
What color was old siding in the 60s?
If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, you probably remember people replacing their old wooden siding with fancy vinyl on their houses. And then you got to watch as that siding slowly faded and turned yellow or brown with exposure to the sun, rain, and time.
Is vinyl fencing good for the environment?
There’s an unfortunate connection in many people’s minds between plastics and pollution. Many people think vinyl products are naturally bad for the environment, and that wood and other materials are more environmentally friendly. But in truth, vinyl is one of the “greenest” materials you can use for your fencing project.
Is vinyl fence brittle?
One of the most enduring myths about vinyl is that it becomes brittle and easy-to-break when it’s exposed to cold weather. While this isn’t much of a problem for most of the year in Texas, our occasional ice storms and sub-freezing winters give many fence buyers pause. After all, why would you want a fence that’s going to snap if it gets too cold out?
What is a racked vinyl fence?
Racked fencing is a more complicated solution, but it prevents your fence from having gaps beneath each panel. Building a racked vinyl fence requires each panel to be custom-manufactured for your yard, so this isn’t a good method if you don’t have some extra funds for custom pieces.
How much clearance is needed for a vinyl fence gate?
Most experts say that 1 inch on each side of the gate is enough clearance for hardware and motion.
Where is Future Outdoors located?
If you’re looking for help installing your vinyl fence, or if you want to avoid all this backbreaking work entirely, call us today at Future Outdoors located in Dallas, Texas. Our expert vinyl fence contractors are standing by and waiting to talk to you about installing a vinyl fence on your property. Call (972) 576-1600 today to learn about all of our vinyl fencing products and options, or follow our Facebook or Twitter pages to get more advice and tips.
What is a step fence?
With this method, the fence ends up looking like a set of steps – each panel sticks out straight from the post, leaving a gap underneath that must be filled in with another material.
How to make sure fence posts are 90 degrees?
There are many ways to make sure your fence posts and panels are laid out at 90-degree angles, but the easiest method only requires two tape measures and some simple math. This method is often called the 3-4-5 triangle method.
What is the same rule for multiples of 3 and 4?
The same rule holds for multiples of 3, 4, and 5 – so you can create a 6-8-10 triangle or a 9-12-15 triangle and know the angle is perfectly square. To use the 3-4-5 method in your fencing project, lay out markings or guide strings for one side of your fence.
What is the last thing you want?
The last thing you want is a gate that swings into the ground when you open or close it.
