5 Fencing Repair and Installation Mistakes to Avoid

For many homeowners, having a fence on their property is one thing they have always wanted, whether they build it themselves, or have someone build it for them. Either way, building a fence is often accompanied by many mistakes, either in their repair or installation.

At F&W Fence, they build nothing but high-quality fences in great demand throughout Salem, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. In most cases, fence repair and installation go off without a hitch, but there can be pitfalls, some of which are listed below and ways they can be avoided.

Post Holes That Aren’t Deep Enough

When digging post holes, it’s essential to make them deep enough. Most experts agree that post holes should be from 30 to 36 inches deep, depending on the type of fence being installed. Many people skimp on this step and make the post holes more shallow. This only leads to weaknesses in the fence.

Not Enough Concrete Was Used

It is critical to use quick-drying concrete when constructing a fence, but it is equally important to make sure that enough concrete is used. Using too little concrete won’t allow the posts to set correctly. For a standard-sized fence, between 120 and 160 pounds of concrete should be used. Concrete should also be poured until it reaches a height equal with the surrounding ground.

Yard Elevation Changes Were Missed

Making this mistake depends to a great extent on the yard, but it is relatively common. Posts need to be cut and set with consideration being given to the elevation of the ground. When posts are cut to the same lengths and holes are dug to the same depth, uneven land elevation will result in jogged heights in a fence. This problem can be avoided by paying close attention to the depths of the posts and the uniform heights of the uprights. Using a level or a straight edge will help to make sure that all uprights are of even height.

Mistaken Location of Property Line

Mistakenly building your fence on your neighbor’s property is one of the most common, frustrating, and possibly costly mistakes anyone can make. Making matters worse, the neighbor has the perfectly legal right to tell you to take it down.

This is why it is essential to make sure of where the property line is before anything is built, including a 12-inch barrier. Building a fence isn’t a cheap proposition. Don’t make it even more expensive by making this mistake. If in doubt it might be a good idea to hire a surveyor to ensure that a proposed fence is entirely on the homeowner’s property.

Problems with Gate Installation

Installing a gate on a fence is one of the most challenging parts of the job. This is because there are so many moving parts on a gate, and it must also jibe with the surrounding fence to work correctly. It is also important to note that there are many more legal requirements and regulations about gates than on other parts of a fence. This is especially true when a fence surrounds a pool or other visually appealing hazards.

One of the most important aspects of having a high-quality fence is hiring the right contractor to build it. The guidelines above will help homeowners to watch for problems before they happen.