Starting is the hardest part of any project. Installing a chain link fence is no different. Making a fence of any kind can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the differences between installing a chain link fence and a traditional wooden fence. Each fence has its own unique pros and cons, installation included. Chain link fences can easily last for decades, but without the proper know-how, getting it set up can make it seem like it might take just as long! Thankfully, it doesn’t have to. All it takes to set up a chain link fence properly is to follow these simple guidelines.
Where Their Property Line Ends, Your Fence Line Begins
Good fences make good neighbors, but not if that fence happens to be on that neighbor’s property. Check with your neighbors (and your homeowner’s association for good measure) to see where exactly their territory ends so you can know where your fence line can begin. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for anything that might indicate a power line or some otherwise undesirable thing to dig into. Calling your utility company would be a great way to make absolutely sure if an area’s safe to dig holes in. Once you’ve taken care of all the necessary precautions, it’s a good idea to mark the area with construction tape so you have a visual understanding of it. Once you know the full extent of what’s yours and what you’ll be working with, you can plot out exactly where you want your chain link fence.
No Installation Wizard Required
Now that you’ve taken care of all the boring prep work, it’s time to set to plotting your future fence! Get a mental image for the area you want to build on, preferably someplace flat. Dig holes in where the terminal posts, or corners, will be. The holes will need to be a third of the size of the poles themselves and three times as wide. The next step is to pour your foundation into the holes. About four inches of gravel should do the trick.
After you’ve laid your foundation, plant your posts in there and secure them with clamps and a stand. Finally, a layer of cement should surround the terminal posts once you’re absolutely sure they’re straight and where you want them to be. Take a moment to view it from the side to make sure they’re not crooked before you add the cement. When all is said and done, run a mason’s line down where you want your fence line to be. Make sure it’s extra taut– you want to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. Like with the terminal posts, take a moment to view the fence line from a few different angles to make sure everything’s parallel with each other and not crooked. To install the line posts, do exactly with what you did with the terminal posts, using the terminal posts and the mason’s line as a guide.
On the fence as to whether or not you need a new fence? Feel free to call us on our telephone number (1-800-221-6425) or visit us at one of our convenient locations in Swainsboro, Vidalia, Statesboro, or Sandersville. We’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can!
