Fence Installation Charlotte NC is a high-ROI home improvement project that can increase property value. However, it’s important to plan for the project.
Start by using stakes to mark your property line boundaries. Then, a surveyor can verify those lines.
Be sure to discuss your plans with your neighbors. They can split the cost, and they may have concerns that you can address.
Posts
Fence posts support your panels and define property lines, so they must be strong and stable. You can choose between wood, metal, and concrete to meet your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. In addition, local building codes and property line requirements must also be considered to ensure compliance and safety.
The most common choice for fence posts is wood. It’s a cost-effective solution that looks attractive and complements nearly any garden design. However, it does require regular maintenance to protect against the elements and prevent rot. Wood fence posts can be treated with a protective coating to delay the natural degradation of the material and maintain their strength.
If you’re installing a fence on your own, it’s important to plan out exactly where each post will go before digging the holes. A good rule of thumb is to bury at least a third of the length of the post in the ground, but some local building codes may require a minimum depth. In addition, you should make the hole wide enough to fit a posthole digger or auger.
Before starting to dig, it’s crucial to check for underground cables and lines. Contact Ontario One Call before you begin, and have your utility company mark the location of any lines that are in the area. This will save you from damaging any expensive infrastructure.
For more accurate placement of your fence, you can use a string line or a laser to guide you as you install the posts. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can rent them from most tool rental companies. It’s also a good idea to have a pair of work gloves during the process to prevent blisters.
Begin by setting the end and corner posts first, using your string line to guide you. Once those are in place, you can set the rest of the posts in a straight line between them. Make sure that each subsequent post is a maximum of 1/8 inch away from the strings, to avoid causing an uneven appearance. Once you’re done, a properly installed fence will look clean and professional.
Panels
Fence panels are available in a variety of heights, widths, and styles. Some are solid in construction for privacy and security, while others have spaces between pickets to provide a more visually appealing look to front yards. They also come in a wide range of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. When deciding on a panel material, consider your needs and budget. Wood is an affordable option that can be stained or painted to match your home, while vinyl and aluminum offer strength, durability, and resistance to rusting and warping.
Compared to traditional stick building, fencing panels are much faster and easier to install. They save time by eliminating the need to measure and cut individual pickets, as well as the labor-intensive task of digging holes and setting posts in concrete. This makes panels a popular choice for Do-It-Yourself homeowners who want to get their fence up quickly. However, the convenience of panels can lead to shortcuts in installation and subpar workmanship that can compromise the quality of the fence.
Panels are not ideal for hilly areas, as they don’t adapt easily to changes in terrain. They are also more prone to damage from rain and snow than custom-built fences. When installing a panel-based fence, it is important to have a professional survey the property before construction begins. This will ensure that the final fence is both safe and secure.
While it is possible to do a DIY fence project using premade panels, this can be a challenging and risky endeavor. If not properly installed, a fence made from panels can fall down in a storm or cause injuries to family members or guests. It’s also a good idea to hire a fencing contractor for an expert installation job.
When working with panels, it’s a good idea to have a level handy. You’ll need it to check your progress and make sure the panels are plumb (level). Before you begin installing a panel, plumb the end post and brace it, then set it in place. Mark layout lines on the inner faces of the posts, and then nail hangers to those marks. Screw the first panel to the hangers, and then adjust the support to make the top edge of the panel flush with the mark you made on the post.
Materials
Fences come in a variety of materials. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose wood, vinyl, chain link or wrought iron. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, but you should consider your needs carefully before making a decision. For example, do you want a fence that looks good but doesn’t require a lot of maintenance? If so, you should look into cedar, which is strong and will not warp. However, it can be susceptible to rot and insect infestation, so you will need to treat it frequently. If you’re looking for a practical fence, wrought iron may be the best choice. It is a sturdy and durable fence, and it can be customized with decorative finials to add an elegant touch to your home.
If you prefer a more traditional fencing option, wooden picket fences are a great choice. They offer privacy and security, and they can be stained or painted to match your style. Wood is also more affordable than other fence materials, but it can rot or be infested with insects. In addition, you will need to stain or seal your wood regularly to protect it from weather conditions.
Another popular fencing material is vinyl, which is durable and doesn’t rot or crack. It is also easy to clean and won’t fade or chip. This makes it an excellent choice for pool fences. Another benefit of vinyl is that it doesn’t require painting, so you can keep your backyard looking new.
You can also opt for a solid fence that is made of stone, brick, or stucco. Masonry fences are elegant and give your yard a stately look, but they can be expensive. They are also labor-intensive, so you may want to hire a professional to install them for you.
Solid fences are required to be at least 8 feet high, with gates that open in the direction of travel. They must also include a project information panel constructed of durable, weatherproof, and flame retardant materials, installed at four feet above grade on each fence perimeter fronting a public thoroughfare.
Installation
The first step in fence installation is a phone, video or in-person** consultation with a project specialist. They will go over material options, show samples* and work to understand your vision for the space and what you want the fence to accomplish. Then they will take measurements and e-mail you a quote.
When it comes time for construction, it’s important that the site is clean and clear of debris and landscaping. This will allow the fence team to work efficiently. They will dig post holes, checking that they are deep enough to support the structure and factor in local frost lines. They will also check zoning laws and homeowners association rules.
Once the posts are set, the rails and panels will be affixed to them. The result is a strong, beautiful fence. For more customization, some people choose to stain their fence after it’s installed. This is a great way to protect the wood from moisture and keep it looking good for as long as possible.
If you have neighboring property owners, be sure to communicate your fence plans with them. This may help avoid issues down the road. For example, if you build a fence too close to the property line, it could be removed by the other homeowner. In addition, it’s a good idea to discuss any height restrictions with your neighbors, especially if the property is in a residential area.
Before starting the actual installation, you’ll need to get a plat, which is a scale map of your neighborhood showing the exact property boundaries. If you build your fence without knowing where your property lines are, it can lead to legal problems and a lot of headaches down the road.
To prevent any future problems, make sure to inspect your fence regularly for loose boards, sagging sections and signs of wear and tear. By identifying these early on and taking care of them as they arise, you can prevent damage and save money. It’s also a good idea to perform regular maintenance on the hardware that supports your gates, such as hinges and latches, to ensure they are working properly.