When it comes to building a metal fence there are three main:
1) Iron - Iron fences require less maintenance than wooden fences and will last a lifetime, however they are more costly and have a tendency to rust.
2) Wrought Iron - Just like an iron fence, wrought iron is very durable but because of the specialized work that goes into creating wrought iron it can be very expensive.
3) Aluminum - When it comes to metal fencing, aluminum is the least expensive option, and requires very little maintenance, as it will not rust so is great for humid climates and around pools.
Steps To Build A Metal Fence
Once you have chosen your type of metal fence the next stage is to build it. The following steps will help you with this procedure:
Planning
The most important step when erecting any kind of structure is the planning step. Here are some things to keep in mind when in the planning stage:
1) Contact your local building regulations to find out about building permits, mandatory setbacks and permissible fence heights
2) Mark off all underground utilities before you dig. This includes locating the lines for water, gas, electrical, cable television and telephone.
3) Mark all legal boundaries to ensure your fence does not extend beyond the property line. It is actually a good idea to keep your fence four inches inside your property line just in case.
4) Stake out your fence plan using wooden stakes and string so you can get an idea of how it will look and where the posts and gate should be.
Drilling Holes
Alright, so you've got everything marked off, your layout is set up, now it is time for the longest and hardest part of building a fence, drilling the holes for the posts.
1) It is a good idea to mark all the post locations before you set to drilling. Spray paint works well.
2) The holes for the posts should be at least two feet deep and 8 inches wide. This will ensure that there won't be any sinking or movement after the post is set.
3) Digging these holes by hand will be excruciating, so it is advised to rent an auger from your local hardware store. You can thank me later.
Setting The Posts
That last step was really the hardest part of the whole operation, the rest here will be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. The holes are dug, so now it is time to set the posts.
1) Place a mark on the post where the post should line up with the surface of the ground. This will ensure you do not set the post too deep.
2) After you have mixed up your concrete, pour a small amount in the hole and then place the first corner post making sure it is square. Then fill the hole with the remaining concrete.
3) Next, set the post at the other corner and once both corners are secure you can run a line which will help to ensure the remaining posts will be set squarely.
4) Set the remaining posts, double-checking everything is square and allow the concrete to cure overnight.
Installing The Fence
If you went with a prefabricated metal fence, and your posts are the appropriate length apart everything should be fairly simple from this point on. However you may end up with up with some odd spaces and will to cut a panel to size.
1) Simply measure the distance between the two posts, taking the measurement from the inside and then subtract a half an inch. The remainder is the length to cut the panel.
2) Before you install the panel make sure you coat the area with a zinc-rich primer, and then paint over it using a matching colour. This will ensure the area you cut will not rust.
Author Resource:-
Corey Rozon is an Ottawa ghost writer.
I hope you enjoyed this article about how to build an aluminum fence. Research was conducted with the help of a Los Angeles metal fence contractor.
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