Installing An Aluminum Fence? Know How You Must Set The Post Footings
Aluminium fencing is known to be very strong, but that depends a lot on how the fence was installed. If the fence's post footage were installed incorrectly, the fence will not be very secure. Here is what you need to know about installing the post footings into the ground.
Hole Digging
You need to start by digging out a hole that is even across the width and deep enough to secure the post. Avoid using your shovel to do this job, since a post hole digger will do the job much better. You can purchase one at your local home improvement store if you do not own one. Before you start digging, you must know how wide and deep these holes must be.
For the width, dig a hole that is three times as wide as the post you are burying. For the depth, it should be between ⅓ and ½ the length of the post that sticks out above the ground. For example. A post that needs to be 4 feet above the ground and is 2"x2" will need a hole 6" wide and a little less than 2 feet deep. You'll likely find that digging out a narrow hole is tough, so it will end up being a bit wider. That's okay, but understand that it will require more concrete than necessary when you go to secure the footing in place.
Once the hole has been dug out, you can tamper down the dirt to prevent it from crumbling inward later on.
Post Installing
A good technique to mix the concrete is to do it in the hole, not in another container before hand. This is also when the post will be set in its place. Expect this job to require a second person to help, since one person will be responsible for holding the post, and the other will mix the concrete.
Follow the directions provided with the concrete to achieve the proper mix to water ratio. Pour the mix directly into the hole, then add the water. By mixing the concrete in the dirt, you'll help the post create a strong bond with the concrete, which will make your fence stronger as a result.
Don't feel confident in your ability to set the post footings for your fence? Know that you can always reach out to a local fencing contractor to handle the installation for you. It's the best way to ensure the installation is done correctly.
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