Most of our customers install their own fences, and it’s usually their first time doing so. Other types of fences, such as wood and steel, are meant to be installed by professionals. We design our aluminum fencing so it is easy for customers to install it. If you have the time, you can save a considerable sum of money by installing your fence yourself.
We provide an installation manual that you can download from our website. Study this and you will see that our installation process puts no undue demands on a person with a few simple skills. Call if you need help – we are here to support you!
You will need someone to help you install your fence. Plan to have at least one friend on hand. If you aren’t sure you’re up to it or if you don’t have the time, you can hire someone with handyman skills for the installation.
Post Installation
Your fence panels and gates will be supported by posts, so you want to set these securely. Setting the posts starts with digging holes. Unlike other types of fencing you do not cement your posts in first. You’ll start with one gate or one aluminum fence panel and temporarily secure to posts. Then, set your panel-to-post connections with the stainless steel screws we provide. Then, the cement goes in last. It’s actually faster this way as you work your way around the property.
Consult our website to determine the sizes of posts required for the height of your fence. For posts up to 2.5” on a side, your holes must be a minimum of 6” in diameter. You should make that 8” for larger-diameter posts. You can figure out the amount of cement required by consulting the information on the cement bag.
Sometimes a fence run will end at a wall, a column or the side of a building. In these cases, you can buy straight mounts to make the connection. We also offer horizontal swivel mounts to make various angles. We have vertical swivel mounts that you can use to install a fence on slopes or stairways. You can use these mounts to rack panels on sloped surfaces or to connect fence panels that have different heights.
Installing Gates
Many fence projects include an aluminum driveway gate or a walkway gate. Start your fence with the gate and work outward from there. You first need to set the posts, and then you can hang the gate. Work outward with the surrounding fence panels. Position your walkway gate or aluminum driveway gate with a small space, about 0.75”, between the post and gate to ensure the gate will operate correctly. Double-check your measurements before placing the hinges and drilling the holes.
Returning to your fence panels, wait until the posts are firmly set, and then you can place fence panels in the slots in the posts. We include self-tap screws to connect posts with horizontal rails. You should check your installation for alignment after four sections are installed. Sometimes you’ll need a partial section of fencing to complete a run; just cut down a panel with a hacksaw and notch it to connect it to a post.
These are the basic guidelines that should be followed. Take your time and read the installation manual. You’ll soon be comfortable with the process and ready to install your fence.
