
Lining up the posts accurately is critical to a successful vinyl fence installation.

Photo: DO install end and corner posts first. To prevent this from happening, each panel should have a few millimeters of wiggle room when installed. If you fit the fence panels too tightly between the posts, there will be no room to accommodate this expansion, which could result in warping or buckling.

While wood swells when exposed to moisture, vinyl expands during hot weather. You can avoid this issue by spacing the posts a full panel’s width apart and avoid having to cut a panel to a smaller size wherever possible.Īlso, keep in mind that, like wood, vinyl fencing also expands and contracts. This limits the vinyl’s ability to bend, increasing the likelihood that high winds or an errant object will damage the fence. Install the posts too close together, and the vinyl fence panels will fit so tightly that they become rigid. This flexibility depends on proper vinyl fence installation. Vinyl fencing will bend without breaking, allowing it to withstand high winds and minor impacts. Finally, clear away any rocks, plants, or debris that might be in the way. Once you’ve located the utility lines and established your property line, mark the perimeter of your fence with a can of brightly colored spray paint. While this step may seem inconvenient, it’s certainly preferable to digging up a fence you inadvertently built on your neighbor’s property!

If you plan to erect the fence along the edge of your yard, verify the property line by checking your deed or by visiting the local assessor’s office. Hitting a utility line with a shovel can result in serious injury or even death. Digging without knowing what’s below is dangerous. The process takes about a week, but don’t skip it. They often bury lines around your home, so you’ll need representatives from each to mark the location of said lines. Begin prepping your yard for the installation by calling 811 (or visiting ) to schedule times for your utility companies to visit.
