A solo do-it-yourself project can be incredibly daunting, but with some preparation, you’ll be on your way to feeling great satisfaction with the finished product.
An aluminum commercial fence might sound like the type of project that should be left to the professionals, but don’t pick up the phone just yet! You can take on this project all on your own if you’re up to it with just a bit of preparation and the right tools.
Preparation is key
There are a few things you will want to keep in mind that you might otherwise overlook if you have never erected your own fence, let alone a commercial or residential one. Being fully prepared is essential, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
One place to call for help is the company where you decide to purchase your aluminum fence panels. They will be able to help you, especially in the preparation phase through to purchasing, and can answer any questions you have about erecting the fence yourself. They can offer advice on how to approach the project and any tools you will need for the panels. You don’t have to figure everything out yourself!
The ground below you
One thing people might not take into consideration until the project is well underway is the type of soil your yard holds. Depending on what the ground is made of, you might need to do a little extra work to erect an aluminum commercial fence.
Soft, loamy soil has a mixture of sand and clay and can be quite soft and flexible. For a strong fence such as a commercial or residential fence, this means you might need to reinforce the soil around the posts. For added stability, choose large posts and consider adding gravel or other heavy, firm material to keep the post steady.
Sandy, clay or silt-like soil will all have different methods of compacting the soil back in place around the posts to ensure the correct stabilization. Check how your soil type holds up in wet and dry conditions to ensure you are compacting correctly. For example, if it’s packed too loosely, sand will not be stable enough, while silt will wash away if kept too wet. Find the right balance and compact the soil very tightly around the post to avoid any movement, no matter the weather condition.
What’s best for your building and your area
Another key consideration before choosing your aluminum commercial fence is what design will fit best for you your home or business and the surrounding area. Of course, you don’t have to match your fence or your building to the area because standing out could be exactly what your business needs! The design is totally up to you, but most people find it’s best to at least choose a fence design that complements the building on the property.
Design elements aside, there are also often rules and regulations that go with your homeowner’s association or municipality that you will want to ensure you are following. This could relate to fence height, color, and even the space between the pickets. Checking on exactly what you need and ensuring you have the right tools for the soil and the job will have you well on your way to erecting a fence all on your own!
