How To Install a PVC Fence?

A PVC fence (also known as vinyl fence) installation is one of the great ideas for property improvement in privacy, security, and aesthetic value. Nowadays, PVC fencing has become quite popular due to its durability, relatively low maintenance, and attractive look. This is also a cost-effective alternative to other types of fences, like those made from wood or metal.

If you’re planning to install a PVC fence, then this guide is for you! We will take you through the stepwise installation of PVC fencing from the planning to its completion. Additionally, we are going to provide some helpful tips on how to maintain your new fence so that it lasts for years to come.

Planning Your PVC Fence Installation

The first step is to identify the purpose of your fence. Do you want to increase privacy, establish ownership or borders of property, or just beautify your landscape? Identifying your objectives will assist you select the proper PVC fencing panels and the right design.

Next, you need to consider your fencing budget. While PVC is cheaper in the longer term because of its minimum maintenance, the cost to install PVC fencing does vary from one place to another. You may want to use a vinyl fencing cost calculator to have a rough estimate of the costs involved.

Remember, total cost will vary depending on the length of your fence, style of PVC fence panels you choose, and whether or not you are adding the gates. Also, if you haven’t already, check with your local zoning laws and homeowners association rules and regulations prior to PVC fence installation.

Finally, consider the landscape of your property. Consider any slopes, trees, and any obstacles that might interfere with the installation of your fence. This information will help you once you move onto the second step which is measuring and marking your fence line.

Measuring and Marking the Fence Line

Accurate measurements are essential for installing any type of PVC fence. First, walk around the periphery of your property where the fencing will be set up. Make sure to carry a  tape measure to determine the approximate length of the fencing. In this way, you will know how many panels and posts are required for your fencing project.

Now that you have your measurements, mark your fence line. Starting at one corner of your property, set a stake in the ground and run a line of string along the route where the fence is to be set. Pull the string tight and make sure it is level. If your property has any slopes, you may have to adjust the height of the string to accommodate for grade changes.

Mark the fence line with special attention to the locations of your PVC fence post installations. Most PVC fencing systems require posts that are 6 to 8 feet apart, but always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Mark the post locations along the string line using spray paint or additional stakes.

Digging Post Holes for PVC Fence

With the fence line marked, it is now time to dig the post holes. This is one of the most critical steps that will determine the stability and durability of your PVC fence. The depth and width of your post holes will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, the height of your fence, local building codes, and the soil conditions.

Overall, post holes should be at least a third of the length of the height of the fence plus 6 more inches for gravel. For a 6-foot PVC fence, the posts need to be at least 30 inches deep. The diameter of the hole must be about three times the diameter of the post.

At the setting of your post holes, use a post hole digger or even a power auger for easier operation. If you find any utilities underground while digging, stop and call the utility company near you. It’s always good to get utilities marked before starting to dig so you can avoid any dangerous situations that may arise.

Once you have dug all the holes for posts, add about 6 inches of gravel on the bottom. This will be helpful for good drainage and prohibit any pooling of water at the base of your PVC fence posts, which over time could lead to instability.

Installing PVC Fence Posts

Now that the post holes are ready, it’s time to install the PVC fence posts. This is one of the most important steps concerning the general stability and aesthetics of your PVC fence. Take one of the posts and insert it into a hole. Check if the post is perfectly vertical using a level and adjust accordingly.

Once the post is level, fill the concrete in the hole. Mix the concrete according to manufacturer’s specifications, then pour the concrete around the post until it reaches a point about 3-4 inches below the ground level. This will allow you to cover the concrete with soil later and give a more natural look.

While setting the concrete, make sure the post remains level and plumb. You might need to brace it with temporary supports in order to keep it in place during curing. Repeat the whole process for all the PVC fence posts on your fence line.

Note that corner posts and gate posts may require additional support. They bear more weight and stress compared to line posts, and thus you must use larger posts or add extra concrete to these critical points in the PVC fence installation.

Allow the concrete to cure completely. This will take 24 to 48 hours, which can vary depending on the weather and type of concrete used. Do not disturb these posts during that time or else they won’t set well.

Attaching Rails to PVC Fence Posts

Once the PVC fence posts are set and the concrete is cured, it is time to attach horizontal rails. This is because the rails offer the frame upon which the PVC fence panels will be mounted and they help tie the entire fence together for additional strength.

Most PVC fencing systems implement an attaching method involving a bracket system to the rails to the posts. These may either be attached to the posts at pre-attached positions or screwed on easily. First attach the bottom rail, making sure it is level across all posts. This is really important if there are slight slopes on your property, because this will highly affect the final look of your fence.

Once you start attaching the rails, pay close attention to manufacturer specifications. Some PVC fencing systems have special requirements for placement or method of attachment for the rail. If you follow the recommendations, your fence will be installed correctly, and it will perform as anticipated.

Securing PVC Fence Panels

With your posts and rails in place, it is now time for the installation of the PVC fence panels. This step will bring your beautiful PVC fencing to life and offer you the privacy and aesthetic appeal you desire.

Work down your fence line from one end, mounting and securing each panel. Many of the panels are designed to fit easily between posts and rails, sliding smoothly into place. Some twisting and turning may be required with each to place them correctly and tightly beside their neighboring panels.

As you install each panel, make sure it is level and plumb. You can make slight adjustments by gently tapping the panel into place with a rubber mallet. Be careful not to use excessive force, as PVC fencing can be damaged if handled too roughly.

Extra fasteners may be required to attach the panels to the rails in some PVC fencing systems. If it does require extra fasteners, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for secure installation.

Pay closer attention to the corner sections or areas where your fencing may change direction. These often call for custom cuts or special pieces for connecting to give a seamless look to your fence. 

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Installing Gates and Hardware

No PVC fence installation is complete without proper gates. Indeed, gates are important points of access that may greatly influence the functionality and view of your fence. Begin gate installation by assembling the gate frames as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. Most PVC fencing systems have pre-assembled gate kits that make this step quite easy.

Attach the framed gate to the gate posts with extra-heavy hinges. Make sure the gate is straight, and that it is appropriately aligned with the rest of your fence. For a precise fit, you can make slight adjustments to the hinges.

Next, install the latch mechanism. There are various types of latches available for PVC fencing, ranging from simple gravity latches to more secure locking systems. Choose a latch that suits your needs and complements the style of your fence.

Pay more attention to the alignment of both the gate panels when you are installing a double gate. It should be met evenly in the center and latch securely. You may install a drop rod or cane bolt to secure a secondary gate panel while closed. 

Finally, consider adding gate stops to prevent your gates from swinging too far and perhaps damaging your fence or gate hardware. These can be either in-ground or attached directly to your fence posts.

Inspecting and Finalizing Your PVC Fence

When all the parts of the fence have been installed, it is the best time for a thorough inspection. Take a stroll around your fence and analyze problems that may be there or areas that need to be fixed. Check the spaces between the panels, make sure that all the posts are rightly placed and have not been damaged, and ensure that the gates open and close without any hitches.

If you notice any issues, take care of those now before declaring your PVC fence installation complete. Sometimes small issues can be corrected by making minor adjustments, while more major problems may need you to reinstall parts of it.

Once you feel everything is properly installed, take a little time to tidy up. Get rid of excess dirt from post hole digging and dispose of packaging material or remaining pieces of PVC fencing responsibly.

Consider adding the finishing touches to your new fence. This can be anything from landscaping around the bottom of the fence, to adding decorative post caps on top of it. Little things like these can go a long way in helping your PVC fence stand out.

Maintenance Tips for PVC Fencing

One of the major advantages of PVC fencing over other fencing materials is low maintenance. Unlike the wood fences, PVC does not require regular painting or staining. Here’s how you’ll be able to keep it in good shape for years to come:

• Inspect your fence to see signs of wear and tear, preferably on a frequent basis. PVC is one of the most durable materials that can be used for fencing; however, it can be damaged due to severe weather conditions or due to heavy objects falling or hitting it. 
• PVC fence should be washed periodically so that it can maintain its appearance. Simply rinse with water which is obtained from a garden hose to wash off the dirt. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild soap solution and soft brush. Do not use abrasive materials for cleaning the surface of your PVC fencing panels since they scrape the surface.
• If your fence is covered with mold or mildew, especially in shaded or damp areas, it should be washed with a solution that is made of water and white vinegar. This is a natural cleaning method and it works well to clean your PVC fence without harming it.
• Mow grass and cut any plants that are too close to the fence in order to avoid it rubbing on the PVC fencing panels. While PVC fences are resistant to various kinds of damage, constant rubbing on the fences by branches or shrubs will eventually cause wear.

Troubleshooting Common PVC Fence Installation Issues

Even with careful planning and execution, you may come across some challenges during your PVC fence installation. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Uneven ground: In case your property has some steep inclined terrains, then you may be required to elevate your fence or perhaps use the special brackets to accommodate the changes in grade. Some of the PVC fencing systems come with special components for properties with sloping ground.
• Post movement: If there is any post which after sometime or after installation seems loose, or even leaning, there could be a problem with concrete footing. Here, you might have to pull down this post and replace it with a broader or a much deeper concrete footing.
• Panel gaps: You might see small gaps between the PVC fence panels which is due to temperature fluctuations or slight misalignments during installation. Most of these will resolve on their own as the fence settles. In case you have persistent gaps, you need to change the position of the panels or use special gap covers.

• Gate issues: It is recommended to inspect the post and hinge if your gate is not closing well, or if the appearance is off. You may need to fix the hinges or put more force on the gate posts in order to improve the efficiency of the gate.
• Color fading: Although PVC fencing is built to withstand fading it can easily be affected by the climatic conditions of the location. If you find that the color of your fence has changed considerably, you should call the manufacturer and ask what to do. It is possible to get UV resistant coatings which can be applied to give your fence a new look.

Conclusion

Now you know that installation of a PVC fence can be a significant project as it involves careful planning and precision to execute a quality installation. By following the mentioned steps, you will be ready for PVC fence installation with a lot of confidence. It is very important to remember that the success in any installation depends on good preparation, correct measurement, and strict adherence to the instructions laid down by the manufacturer.

For those in the Long Island area looking for expert assistance with their PVC fencing projects, consider reaching out to All Borough Fence. Being a licensed provider for all types of fence and railing solutions, we offer professional PVC installation using high-quality materials that won’t break the bank. Contact us today for your upcoming fencing project!

FAQs

What is the average cost of a PVC fence in Long Island, NY?

The cost of PVC fence in Long Island, NY varies depending on the length of the fence, the style of the PVC fence panels, and additional features like gates and decorative elements. Long Island residents need to pay $25 to $40 per linear foot of PVC fencing installed professionally. This implies that a normal 150 feet fence could easily cost up to $3,750 or go as high as $6,000 to construct depending on the type of fence.

How long does a PVC fence last?

It is worth to note that PVC fencing is known to be one of the longest lasting fencing materials in the market. It has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years if properly installed and well-maintained. While wooden fences have tendencies to rot, warp or get attacked by insects, PVC fence panels do not have these tendencies. You’ll not need to paint or stain them again and they don’t rust like metal fences.

Can I install a PVC fence myself, or should I hire a professional?

DIY installation is also possible provided you have the experience in similar installation projects as well as the required tools. Nevertheless, hiring a professional installation service is advisable if you are dealing with its complex layouts, working with large areas or with an uneven landscape, or if you simply do not have time or experience for this kind of project.

How does PVC fencing compare to other fencing materials in terms of maintenance?

PVC fencing lacks the need for frequent maintenance which is common with most fencing materials. it doesn’t require painting or staining or protection from rotting or insects. However, you must wash the panels occasionally with soap and water to maintain the appearance.

How does the installation process for PVC fencing differ from other types of fences?

Installation of PVC fencing is generally less complicated and faster compared to other types. In most of the systems, the interlocking pieces can easily snap together. At the same time, PVC does require special cutting tools and techniques. Generally, the on-site modification is lesser as the components are already pre-fabricated in advance.