Are you getting a new fence installed in your yard? You might have seen some beautiful fences in the past that made your yard look great. Are you interested in getting a fence fastened on your property?
There are many types of fences to think about. You may want a wood fence installed due to the good variety of choices you have as well as their sturdy durability. Or you might want a wrought iron fence installed due to their gorgeous appearance and their solid structure.
However, you may want to consider residential fence installation errors before you contact a fence company. These professionals can make mistakes that can end up causing your fence to look less attractive than before.
Want to learn more? Here’s a guide on some of the errors you must watch out for before your fence installation begins.
Start your journey today by learning more about these mistakes before you get your new fence started!
1. Poor Planning and Design
Before beginning the project, homeowners should carefully determine the function, size, and style of their fence. Measure the area carefully and calculate the amount of materials needed before any money is spent or labor is hired. It’s also important to look into local ordinances to ensure the fence will be up to code.
Additionally, if homeowners choose to hire a fence installation contractor they should ask for references and read reviews to ensure quality work. Poorly designed and installed fences can cost more money and time in the long run, so making sure the work is done properly the first time is essential.
2. Inadequate Material Selection
Inadequate material selection is one of the biggest mistakes when it comes to residential fence installation. Certain types of fencing such as chain link fencing may not be suitable for certain environments such as an urban city. Fencing materials must be researched thoroughly to ensure durability and suitability for the environment and climate.
Different types of metal fencing including wrought iron, aluminum, and steel offer different levels of security, strength, and maintenance. It’s also important to make sure that the fence is properly installed to ensure maximum security and durability.
3. Improper Measurements and Layout
It is important to measure the area of the yard before installation to determine the right length of the fence and to create a proper layout. To avoid errors in measurements, use a measuring tape and mark the corners of the fence location with stakes.
If multiple sections of fence are needed, measure from the end of one section to the start of another to make sure all sections are the same length. Additionally, if there are any corners or curves in the design, use a mason’s line to ensure the fence sections are evenly spaced out.
4. Neglecting Property Line and Zoning Regulations
Before installing a fence, homeowners should always check with their local government to make sure it complies with zoning laws. Additionally, make sure to research what the property lines for your yard are since fences can’t be built over the lines. If an encroaching fence is built without realizing that it violates the boundaries, it can create legal issues.
It’s also important to check with your neighbors to make sure the fence won’t infringe on their property either. Installing fences incorrectly can also lead to a host of other issues that can be costly to fix, so a little extra effort during the installation process can go a long way.
5. Insufficient Post Placement and Anchoring
Improperly anchoring the posts can further contribute to the fence’s instability and long-term durability. To avoid this error, posts must be placed no further than 6 feet apart and dug into the ground to a depth of at least two-thirds their total length. Posts should also be secured with concrete and made level.
If standard concrete use is not possible, the alternative of using brackets or a fence post spike is available. These methods are typically used in order to secure the fence posts into the ground.
6. Inadequate Attention to Security and Privacy
When considering security and privacy, you must think beyond just the physical barrier provided by the fence. It is important to consider whether fences that aren’t high enough can provide adequate privacy and protection or if taller fences are necessary.
Additionally, property owners should be aware of any openings within the fence that could potentially provide an intruder with access to their property. Furthermore, you should always have the fence securely fastened by the use of hinges and locks to ensure that it provides the security and privacy that you are expecting when installed.
7. Failure to Consider Soil Conditions and Climate
Poorly installed posts can easily become loose or collapse if they are not properly supported by soils with adequate moisture levels or installed with a long-term approach to possible climate changes. To avoid this common installation error, it is important to consider the type of soil and moisture levels before installation, as well as nearby environment changes such as wet weather or rising temperatures.
Fences should be installed to drain surface water away from the posts, ideally using gravel or landscape fabric to provide a dry, stable foundation. Also, steel and wood posts should be installed using a concrete mix and set to the required depth for the fence and for the soil type and climate. Additionally, posts should be set at least 12 inches deeper for colder climates.
8. Lack of Proper Maintenance and Upkeep
Lack of proper maintenance can lead to errors in fence installation, resulting in costly repairs or potential damage to property. Rust and wear can be avoided with the use of weather protectants and sealants, ideally applied at least once every two years. Proper evaluation of all posts, boards, and gates should also be done on a regular basis to avoid rotten wood that can lead to breakage.
Proper cleaning to remove dirt and debris should also be done to prevent mildew and mold growth. With proper upkeep, repairs, and maintenance can be addressed quickly and minimally, potentially avoiding major structural damage to the fence.
Avoid These Residential Fence Installation Errors
The importance of avoiding residential fence installation errors cannot be overstated. Choose the right contractor and make sure the job is done correctly. Be aware of what to look for in the work and review it thoroughly when it is completed.
Don’t wait to contact the contractor if something looks off. Take preventative measures now to ensure a successful fence installation!
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