Take it One Step at a Time when Installing Aluminum Fence Panels

Your aluminum fence will protect your family or business, and it will look great for many years to come. You’ve invested in a top-quality product, and now you need to take the time to learn the steps to install it. Start by downloading and studying our installation manual.

Step 1: Contact Utilities and Local Authorities

Chances are your community has regulations governing fence installation. Check with local authorities so you can start off on the right foot. Your community might restrict the height of fences and places where they are permitted, for example. It’s not unusual for a community to require that fences be placed at an offset. This means you must place your fence some distance back from the property line. If that’s the case, you’ll clearly need to know where the line is if you want to obey the law. You need to know your property line anyway. In fact, it’s more important if you don’t place the fence at an offset because that makes it more likely you’ll install the fence on your neighbor’s property. A surveyor can mark your boundaries.
Note that swimming pool fences usually must meet stringent safety requirements.

If you have a homeowner’s association, be sure to check in with them as they typically have rules for fences. These might dictate fence materials, colors and design considerations.

You will likely have to dig post holes for your fence. Be sure to ask your utility providers to identify underground gas and electric lines. You certainly don’t want to be digging your holes and accidentally disrupt utility service. On top of that, even if you don’t do that, your fence will be torn right out of the ground if the utility has to dig after you’ve installed your fence. Whose fault will that be if you didn’t bother to check? Remember that post holes can run as far as three feet down, and gate posts can require even deeper holes.

Step 2: Choose from Three Grades of Aluminum Fence Panels

We sell three grades of fence panels. These are residential, commercial and industrial fence panels. Residential aluminum fence panels are our lightest-duty panels, and they are great for typical homes. Commercial fence panels are more substantial and are made with more metal, with larger pickets and rails. Use them for applications such as retail and light manufacturing, where you will see more traffic. Industrial fence panels offer the ultimate in strength and security. Use these for higher-traffic applications, such as hospitals, warehouses and schools.

Step 3: Prepare for Installation

Before you order your fencing materials, walk the proposed fence route. It’s a good idea to stake the corners and string lines. This will show you if you might have a problem with the planned fence runs. You’ll also notice if something might obstruct the fence route.

Measure your fence runs, mark post locations and then go back and measure one more time. Once you’ve done that, you should be ready to order.

Step 4: Installing the Fence

When it comes time to mount your fence, start with any gates you plan to install. Place the gate posts, hang your gate and work outwards. Stop and check your work after each few panels are installed.