Residential aluminum fence installation is simpler than most people think, but a straight, level fence depends on careful layout. Here is how we handle installing aluminum fence for homes and pools around Knoxville.
Lay Out The Fence Lines
Sounds easy enough! The residential aluminum fence installation is based on the aluminum fence sections that are 6' in length. So, you want to try and keep your fence line of aluminum fencing in multiples of 6'. A 42' line of aluminum fencing fits well, whereas a 47' line will require 49' of fence to cover that line. Remember to install gates away from the house a few feet so gate posts will not run into the house's concrete footers. Sometimes the footers (the concrete foundations the block is set on ) are overpoured and will extend out past the outside walls for up to two feet.
Drill the Post Holes and Set the Posts
Once you have the fence lines laid out on the property, it is time to start drilling the post holes. Set your auger for the depth of the fence post, leaving the fencing about 2" off the ground. You can always push the post down a little if needed to align horizontally after installation. Set the corner post first and work with a straight string line towards the other corner. You will set each post separately and then insert the aluminum into the post. Make sure the post and section are plumb and level, then backfill the hole with dry concrete (or thick wet concrete) and tamp down tight. Leave about 4" shallow at the top of the post hole and backfill with dirt so as not to leave a concrete collar around the post.
Installing Aluminum Fence Posts in Concrete (Core Drilling)
Around pools, patios and retaining walls, the posts often need to go into existing concrete instead of the ground. For an aluminum fence core drill into a curb or deck, we cut a round hole a little larger than the post, usually 4 to 6 inches deep, with a diamond core bit. The post is set plumb in the hole and locked in with non-shrink anchoring cement, then the top is sloped so water runs away from the post. Some posts can use surface-mount base plates instead, but core-drilled posts are stronger and look cleaner.
Short Sections
No matter how hard we try, you are always going to end up with a short section! This is a section of fence that is less than the 6' aluminum fence panel length. Installing this panel is simple. Insert the section into the last line post and mark with a carpenter pencil on the other end of the aluminum fence section about 3/4" past the inside of the corner post. Notch the rail's top, middle, and bottom 3/4" for insertion into the corner post. Insert the last post into the section and concrete backfill.
That is how to install aluminum fence the right way. If you are like me, you like to know how something is done but would rather not do the installation yourself. If that is you, give us a call and let us quote you for your aluminum fencing!
Ready to start your project? Learn more about our aluminum fence installation or request a free quote. Call Bryant Fence at (865) 947-9663.