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Here are some tips before you get started on your vinyl fence installation project. Read though the entire installation instructions before you begin. Prevent the fencing material from getting scratched by keeping it in the packaging until needed and set it down on level and smooth surface. Some cutting of the fence components will probably be required. Use a fine tooth blade or a metal blade in your saw. Call all your local utilities to mark any underground lines. Do not start to pound posts or dig holes until you know where any buried lines are. Find out where your property lines are.
a. 5×5 Vinyl Posts
b. 2″x6″ Top Rail
c. 2″x6″ Bottom Rail with “H” insert
d. 5×5 Post Cap
e. 7/8″x 11.3″ Tongue and Groove Panels
f . 2-3/8″O.D. X 8′ Long Galvanized Pipe
g. 2-3/8″Adjustable Post Collars
h. U-Channel
i. Middle rail (not shown)
j. Lattice insert (not shown)
k. Picket inserts (not shown)
l. Top Rail Tie (not shown)
Make sure that all underground lines have been marked before any digging or any posts are pounded into the ground. The ideal spacing between the posts is 93 ½” for an 8′ section. If the fence is installed on a slope the distance will have to be shorter dependent on the slope. A rail can also be used as a spacer between the posts.
Start by laying out your fence posts to determine the best fit for the last couple sections in your run. You do not want a 2’ long section at the end. Start by pounding one post at each end of the fence length. Place a string line around the two posts to ensure a straight line. Use a level to help make the posts plumb while pounding. The post collars will allow for some adjustment after. One tip is to slide the two post collars on before pounding the posts into the ground. The posts may “mushroom” at the top making it hard to put the collars on after. Post should be pounded into the ground 48”. To ensure correct post spacing measure the length of your bottom rail and add ¼”.
Each post gets two collars. The bottom collar can be set below ground level by digging at base of post or above the bottom rail 12”-16”off ground. Setting the collar at the base of the post will allow for adjustment of the fence height if frost heave occurs. If this option is chosen attach the PVC post to the bottom collar with two screws. If the second option is used, when attaching the U-channel put a screw through it into each post collar. It is best to space the collars consistently e.g.) 30”apart. This makes them easier to locate once the Vinyl Post is sleeved over top. Set the bottom collars on both end posts using three self tapping screws per collar.
Next run a string line to make all collars in line. Ensure not to “bottom out” the bottom collars against the post in line with the fence. This will make it hard to insert the bottom rail. Next use a level and attach the top collar.
Place all 5”x5” PVC posts over the steel posts and collars making sure they are in the correct positions, e.g.) line, corner, end etc. There is a top and a bottom to the PVC posts. Make sure the long part is down (see picture). The long part will measure 4” from the bottom to the rail notching and the top will measure 2”.
Insert bottom rails into the PVC posts. The bottom rails have a metal insert, the top rails do not. The rail should go in enough to allow the notching to hold the rail inside the post. Some rails will need to be cut if there are shorter sections.
Set end posts and corner posts for height by inserting a screw (or two) into the lower collar through the vinyl post. Run a string over the top of posts from end to end of each fence line. Then set the rest of the posts to height by lifting to the string and fastening to collars, either through U-channel and post into top collar or bottom collar, or through the post below the rail into bottom collar.
Insert bottom rails into the PVC posts. The bottom rails have a metal insert, the top rails do not. The rail should go in enough to allow the notching to hold the rail inside the post. Some rails will need to be cut if there are shorter sections. Install the pickets into the bottom rail. If your spacing is correct no cutting is required. In a sloped section you may need to cut the corners of pickets at the top and bottom to accommodate for the slope. After pickets are in place, insert the top rail over the pickets and into the posts. If the rail needs to be cut it is recommended that you notch the cut end, similar to the other end of the rail.
Note: If fence is picket or lattice accent it is easiest to put the accent together on ground first and insert after. If fence has a middle rail repeat this step.
Insert the Top Rail Tie in the top of the post. Attach it to the top rail using one screw into each rail. To install caps apply glue or exterior silicone to the inside corner of the cap. Push cap onto the vinyl post.
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