Common Fence Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Installing a fence can add value and charm to your home. It also provides privacy and marks your property boundaries. However, mistakes during installation can cause problems that last for years. These errors can lead to extra costs, repairs, or legal headaches. Knowing the most common pitfalls can help you get a fence that looks good and lasts a long time.

Skipping the Permit and Property Line Check

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not checking local rules before installing a fence. Many cities require permits, and each area has rules about how tall or close to the street a fence can be. If you skip this step, you might face fines or have to remove it later.

Another common problem is building the fence beyond your property line. It’s easy to guess where your land ends, but guesswork can lead to disputes with neighbors. Getting a property survey helps avoid these issues. Knowing exactly where your boundary lies keeps things clear and legal.

Choosing the Wrong Fence Material

The material you pick affects how long your fence lasts and how much work it takes to maintain. Wood fences look great but need regular care like staining and sealing. If you don’t keep up with this, wood rots or warps quickly.

Vinyl and aluminum provide better durability with less effort. Vinyl resists moisture and pests. Aluminum resists rust and holds up well against wind and rain. Think about how much time you want to spend on maintenance before you buy your materials.

Poor Post Installation

Fence posts are the backbone of any fence. If they’re not set correctly, the whole fence will lean or fall over time. A common error is digging holes that are too shallow or not using concrete to hold the posts in place.

Posts need to be deep enough to handle the weather and soil conditions. Usually, about one-third of the post should be underground. Using quick-setting concrete around posts helps keep them firm and prevents shifting.

Ignoring the Ground Slope

Not accounting for uneven ground can make a fence look awkward and cause gaps. When the land slopes, simply putting up a straight fence will leave spaces at the bottom or uneven tops.

There are ways to adjust for slopes. One is stepping the fence, where each section follows the ground at a level height. Another is racking, which angles the fence boards to match the slope. Either way, planning for the shape of your yard helps the fence look neat and work well.

Using the Wrong Tools and Fasteners

Sometimes, mistakes come from using cheap or wrong tools and hardware. Low-quality nails or screws can rust or loosen. Using tools that don’t fit the job slows down work and leads to mistakes.

Good-quality fasteners made for outdoor use help the fence hold up. Galvanized or stainless steel nails and screws resist corrosion. Using the right tools, like a post hole digger or level, makes installation easier and more accurate.

Not Planning for Future Maintenance

Even low-maintenance fences need some care over time. Not thinking about this leads to surprises down the road. For example, wood fences need re-staining every few years. Metal fences might need occasional repainting.

Choosing materials that fit your lifestyle makes a difference. Vinyl and aluminum fences require only simple cleaning, like rinsing with water. Knowing how much upkeep you want saves money and effort.

If you’re looking to install a fence that lasts without constant repairs, we at Midwest Fence & Gate Company can help. We offer a variety of durable fencing options to match your style and needs. Reach out to us today to explore your choices and find the perfect fence for your home!