INSTALLATION

PACKET

Always consult the following installation instructions as well as the CAD

diagrams when installing your fence.

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                          GENERAL POST INSTALLATION

When installing your fence or gate, we recommend a minimum of 2" clearance between the bottom of the panel and the ground.  

This will allow enough clearance for the gate to swing freely.

Measure, assemble and install your gates first (even pre‐cut gate kits).  The installed gate will set the height of the fence being  installed.  Failure to do so may result in a poor installation.   Dry fit the cut rails into gate socket posts.  Make any needed adjustments  prior to gluing your gates.  For various reasons, gate sizes may vary in width.

Survey land for special features such as obstructions, 

1 underground cables, or concrete from the old fence. Be sure to  follow all local building codes and obtain a building permit if  necessary. Contact your local utilities prior to digging.

2

Install the line stakes (secure stakes firmly) and run a string line 

1.5" to 2" off of the ground, (see figure 3 located on page 2.)  

Line should not be distorted. Avoid tall grass, weeds and other  obstructions. The line should be very tight!

Use a tape measure to measure and mark where the posts are to 

3 be installed.  Most of the posts are to be installed 72" or 96"  from center of post  to center of post. The Semi‐Privacy panels  will have a 97" from center of post to center of post layout. 

Always follow the information on your C.A.D. diagram.

Remove string line leaving the stakes and dig the post holes. For 

5" posts you will need a 12" dia. hole and for 4" posts you will  need 10" dia. hole. Accuracy in the depths will help to simplify 

4 post installation. Run a string line on side of posts to insure fence  line is straight. See figure 1.     NOTE:  Recommended depth of  holes is 30" ‐ 36".  Check local codes and frost lines as greater  depth may be required.

We recommend installing 1 post and 1 section at a time but  there are many methods to install. As long as the end result is  positive, feel free to alter this method to suit your installation 

5 needs. Concrete and plumb the first post and insert assembled  panel rails into the first post. Next, have the second post sitting  in the adjacent hole, insert assembled panel rails into the second  post, then concrete and plumb.  Repeat for all panels and posts. 

To insure a quality job, it is strongly recommended that all posts  be set in concrete.  To do this, hold post in place to prevent  slippage.  Fill remainder of hole around post with concrete to 3" 

6 below ground level. Be sure to work concrete into hole around  post as needed. We recommend you mix concrete and pour wet. 

Use a minimum of 2 of the 80 lbs. bags of quickcrete for each 5"  post and 2 of the 60 lbs. bags for each 4" post. 

7

Recommended:  drill holes (1/4" bit) through the underside of rails to allow water to escape. If your bottom rails have ribs as  shown in figure 2, you will need a bit long enough (1/4"x4") to drill through the upper rib.  Recommended: If you are filling the  inside of your post with concrete you must drill holes to prevent sagging.

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                         HELPFUL HINTS:

If post does not already have a concrete hole  from the factory, drill a hole at least 3/4" dia. 

12" up from bottom of post.  This will help  concrete get into post.

When gluing picket caps, place a thin bead of  glue inside the picket and press picket cap  into place.

Post caps should not be glued in the event  you want to upgrade to a different style.  A  small amount of clear silicone on the inside  corner of post cap will secure cap to post.

Clean fence using a formula of 1/3 Cup  powdered detergent, 2/3 Cup household  cleaner and 1 gallon water. Rinse thoroughly.

For stain removal use either lacquer thinner  or soft scrub with bleach.  Rinse thoroughly  with water after using either of these.

                                                  HIGH WIND INSTALLATION

If the fence is over 6' tall or you are  located in a high wind area it is  mandatory that you will fill the inside  of the posts at least 22" above grade   with concrete AFTER THE PANELS ARE 

INSTALLED.  Prior to installing panels  into the posts tape the lower rail to  prevent concrete backflow.

INSTALLATION STEPS

 Solid Privacy – All heights

1

Follow instructions for digging holes and  layout.

2

3

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around  the post – level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the  adjacent hole.

4

5

6

7

8

Install the bottom and top‐rail  in post A.

Slide the T&G pickets between the bottom  and top‐rail (don't forget the U‐channel on  first and last pickets).

Install the bottom rail in post B.

Install the top rail in post B.

Put concrete around post B and level and  plumb.

Solid Privacy with Lattice – All heights

1

Follow instructions for digging holes and  layout.

2

3

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around  the post – level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the  adjacent hole.

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Install the bottom and mid‐rail in post A.

Slide the T&G pickets between the bottom  and mid‐rail (don't forget the U‐channel on  first and last pickets).

Install the bottom rail in post B.

Install the top rail in post A.

“Slide” the lattice strip between the mid‐rail  and the top rail (don't forget the lattice end  channels).

Install the mid‐rail and top rail in post B.

Put concrete around post B and level and  plumb.

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Solid Privacy Closed Spindle Top 

Follow instructions for digging holes and 

1 layout.

2

3

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around  the post – level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the  adjacent hole.

4

8

9

5

6

7

10

11

Install the bottom and mid‐rail in post A.

Slide the T&G pickets between the bottom  and mid‐rail (don't forget the U‐channel on  first and last pickets).

Install the bottom rail in post B.

Install the top rail in post A.

Put the pickets in the holes between the top  rail and the mid‐rail.

Install the top rail  and mid‐rail in post B.

Put concrete around post B and level and  plumb.

Repeat down the fence line.

8

9

11

12

  Solid Privacy with Mid Rail – All heights

1

2

3

Follow instructions for digging holes and layout.

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around the post – level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the adjacent hole.

4

5

6

7

Install the bottom and mid‐rail  in post A.

Slide the T&G pickets between the bottom and mid‐rail (don't forget the U‐channel on first and last pickets).

Install the bottom rail in post B.

Install the top rail in post A.

Slide the T&G pickets between the mid‐rail and the top‐rail (don't forget the U‐channel on first and last pickets).

Install the mid‐rail and the top‐rail into post B.

Put concrete around post B and level and plumb.

Repeat down the fence line.

Semi ‐ Privacy and Pool styles that have a middle rail (5' or taller).

1 Follow instructions for digging holes and layout located on page one.

2

3

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around the post. Level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the adjacent hole.

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Insert the bottom and middle rails into post A. The middle rails will have routed holes on the top and bottom of the rail.  The larger routed holes  should face towards the ground.

Insert the bottom and mid‐rails in post B.

Insert the top rail into post A with the opposite end (at post B) upward towards the sky at an angle.

Slowly insert the pickets one at a time as you lower the rail into place.

As you near the last few pickets it will be necessary to pull post B outward to insert the top rail.

Put concrete around post B and level (horizontal) and plumb (vertical).

Repeat the above method down the fence line.

Pool styles with no middle rails.

1

2

3

Follow instructions for digging holes and layout located on page one.

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around the post. Level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the adjacent hole.

4

5

6

Assemble the panel using rails and pickets. The rail with aluminum is the bottom rail.

Insert the rails of the assembled panel into post A first. Then, insert the rails of the assembled panel into the opposite post, (post B)

Put concrete around post B, level and plumb the post.  Repeat the above steps down the fence line.

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Picket styles‐ pickets go through the top rail.

1

2

3

Follow instructions for digging holes and  layout.

Install 1 post (post A) with concrete around  the post. Level and plumb.

Have another post (post B) sitting in the  adjacent hole.

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Insert the bottom and middle rails into post 

A. The middle rails will have routed holes on  the top and bottom of the rail.  The larger  routed holes should face towards the ground.

Install the bottom rail in post B.

Install the top rail in post B.

Put concrete around post B and level and  plumb.

Repeat the above method down the fence  line.

After all rails installed, slide the pickets  through the rails. 

Glue on picket caps.

PANEL ADJUSTMENTS

"CUTTING DOWN THE RAILS"

Under many conditions panels may be "cut down," or reduced in length. Please consider the following information and suggestions regarding these particular styles of fence:

Privacy Fence

- the privacy panels include 6" wide T&G pickets, it is best to reduce the length of the panel in increments of 6". If you do not follow this course, you may have to "rip" the length of the picket, which would likely require the use of a saw. Once you have determined the actual length of panel needed, cut only one end of the rails to achieve the desired measurement. Note: The middle and top rails of the "picket top style fence" will likely need to be cut at both ends.

Picket Fence

- Both ends of rails may need to be cut down to have the pickets fit uniformly between posts. Be sure to cut the top and bottom rails the same to insure proper picket alignment. When eliminating pickets from a "scalloped" panel, remember that you will have to insert the pickets in such a way that it resembles the scallop, or slope of the original panel.

SECURING SHORTENED PANELS

In instances where rails must be cut down, try to cut material from one end only when possible as this will ensure that you replace only one set of notches. After cutting any rail, you will need to make accomodations to replace the notches that you have removed. Notches are required on the ends of the rails to keep the rail snugly secured inside the post.

OPTION 1 ( RECOMMENDED)

After the rails are installed, insert a screw at each end of the rail on the face of the rails, outside of the post. (See figure 4) . We recommend a small pan head size number

12 stainless steel screw. After the screws are installed you may want to paint it to match the color of your material. You can use standard spray-paint or you may even use auto touch up paint found at your local auto parts store. Snap caps can be purchased at www.prodec.com

OPTION 2

If option 1 does not fit your needs you may want to consider this option. A simple method for replacing notches on the top rail is to drive a stainless steel screw into the rail through the opening in the top of the post. See Figure 5. This will make certain that the top rail remains inside the post if force is applied to pull it out. A method for replacing the notches on a bottom rail also utilizes a stainless steel screw. Instead of driving the screw partially into the top wall of the rail, insert it fully into the front face of the rail as close to the end as possible. See Figure 6. While simultaneously inserting the rail into the post, use applied pressure from your thumbs to deflect or

"bow in" the face of the rail enough so that the head of the screw passes through the routed opening of the post. This method will also ensure

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that the top rail remains inside the post if force is applied to pull it out.

GATE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

ASSEMBLY OF PRIVACY GATE

1

Always start by doing a "Dry Fit" test without gluing. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments. Start the assembly by inserting the rails into the first gate socket post as shown. Install a u-channel on the first picket Feed the pickets into the slots of the rails. Continue installing the additional pickets.

2

Once you have finished installing the pickets, install the remaining Uchannel in the same manner as the first. Do not use glue for the initial

"Dry Fit" assembly. Once assemly is complete measure to be sure gate is the same width at top and bottom.

3 Cross measure the gate. Be sure to read the same side of the tape rule. Failure to do so will result in the wrong measurement.

4 Leaving the panel assembled, carefully remove the rails from the socket posts. Turn the first socket post up and run a 1/8" bead of vinyl glue

(included) around the inner rim of the socket approx. 1/4" down

5

After the glue is in the pockets of the first gate post, flip it down and quickly insert the rails into the pockets. Be sure to firmly insert the rails. The adhesive will set in about 45-60 second.

6

Quickly repeat steps 5 & 6 for the other post. This may take some assistance to do before the adhesive begins to set.

7

Quickly measure the top and bottom of the gate as shown here.

Both measurements should be equal.

8

Allow glue to dry for 1 hour, cut and install the angle brace. The brace should run at an angle starting at the lower corner of the gate on the hinge side and run at an upward angle towards the top of the gate on the latch side.

9

Pre-drill two holes into each end of the angle brace only. DO NOT

Pre-Drill into the gate. Attach the angle brace using two of the provided self-tapping screws at each end of the gate.

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1

ASSEMBLY OF PICKET GATE

Start gate assembly by locating all parts to the gate: Socket posts, rails & pickets. Using NO GLUE, assemble for a "dry" test.

2 Once the gate is assembled, measure the width at the top and bottom of gate as shown here. They must be the same width or your gate will be out of square!

3 Measure diagonally as well. Both ways should be the same or within 1/8" difference at most! Make any adjustments for gate before moving forward.

Note: If you are assembling a pool or a semi-privacy style gate you must have the pickets in place prior to gluing the gate.

4 After the gate has been checked carefully remove the rails from the gate posts. Flip first gate post up and insert a 1/8" bead of glue around the inside of the pocket down about 1/4" from top of the pockets.

5

After the glue is in the pocket of the first socket post, flip it down and quickly insert the rails into the pocket. Move on to the next step quickly! Be sure to firmly insert the rails, the adhesive will set in about 45 seconds.

6 Quickly repeat the step above for the other post. This may take some assistance to do before the adhesvie sets.

7

Quickly, measure the top and bottom of gate as shown here.

Both measurements should be the same.

8 After gate has set for 24 hours, insert the pickets through the top rail into the bottom rail as needed. NOTE: This will have already been done on a pool or semi-privacy style gate.

9 After pickets are installed, lay the angle brace on the gate and mark the length to cut. The brace is to be mounted to the rails only, ( see pictures below ) Pre-drill 2 holes into the angle brace only.

DO NOT pre-drill into the gate. The angle brace should run at an angle starting at the bottom of the bottom rail near the bottom hinge and run at an angle towards the top of the top rail of the latch post.

10

►►►►►►►►►►►►►►►

11 Attach the brace using 2 self-taping screws at each end of the gate as shown here. The screws are provided. Note: Mark the hinge side of socket post with tape. This will keep you from installing the angle brace in the wrong direction.

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GATE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

The following is based on an assembled gate that is properly sized for opening.

SINGLE GATE INSTRUCTIONS

A.

   Determine the direction the gate is to swing, usually swings into yard.  Be sure to check your local codes!

B.

   If you have aluminum post inserts, install prior to the installation of the gate. If you do not have inserts you must fill the hinge post with concrete and rebar 

  after the gate installation.

C.

   Locate and follow hardware installation instructions.

The gate will be mounted to be flush with the side of the fence that the gate will be swinging. See the illustration to the right. Be sure the gate will be high enough to clear obstructions such as snow. The gate posts should be cut on site as needed. Some installers cut the gate posts off at the bottom of the bottom gate pocket. DO NOT cut into the gate pocket.

DOUBLE GATE INSTRUCTIONS

Typical gate installation based on an assembled gate that has been properly sized for the opening

A.

Follow the same instructions as per a single gate when installing the hinges for both gates.

B.

To calculate the variances for the latch you must treat the fixed gate as if it were a standard fence panel. 

C.

The ideal hardware installation on a double gate should have equal spacing between posts and gates.

D.

Install the Drop Rod to post of the fixed gate. 

HIGH WIND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

FOR PRIVACY PANELS

All of our vinyl privacy panels ( up to 6' in height ) have been tested and certified to achieve high wind loads. In order to meet the wind rating requirements, the panels must be installed as noted below. These steps are the same steps used for the certification and must be followed exactly the same as used in testing. We tested the full privacy panels as the lowest common denominator.

ALL PRIVACY PANELS

After the fence is installed, all posts are to be filled with "Quickrete" brand of concrete to at least 22" above the ground ( inside the post ) as shown stainless steel or galvanized pan head screws which can be purchased from your local hardware store. Be careful not to overtighten or strip

the screws. Every picket will have one screw at the top rail and at the bottom rail on one side of the fence only. Every rail will have one screw installed on each end of the rail "Inside" the post as shown on the following drawings as Figure 2.

SELECT YOUR PANEL

STYLE FROM THE

FOLLOWING

DRAWINGS FOR AN

ILLUSTRATION OF THE

SCREW PLACEMENT

FOR THE HIGH WIND

INSTALLATION.

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* Purchaser has the sole responsibility to determine whether these products comply with applicable codes and is appropriate for the intended use. The purchaser and installer should review the intended use of the products with a licensed professional engineer to determine code compliance and intended use.

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