How to Install Metal Panel Fencing?
If you’re thinking of installing a metal panel fence, you’ll want to ensure your posts are plumb, level, and properly placed. This will save you headaches in the long run. It also makes the fence easier to install.
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First, mark where the panels will go with a pencil. If your fence will be installed on a slope, you may need to cut the bottoms of the panels. Also, you’ll need to determine whether you need to trim or notch your blank posts. To make the process easier, you may wish to predrill holes in the blank posts.
Next, you’ll need to decide on the type of brackets you want to use. There are a wide range of styles from light to heavy duty. You may find that you can purchase them online or at a home and garden store. When selecting a bracket, make sure it’s strong enough to support the panels. A weak bracket can break over time.
Once you have a few brackets selected, the next step is to secure them to your fence posts. The most common types of brackets are wood screws and metal screws. Metal screws are perfect for attaching wood to metal. They are easy to use and work well when attaching square panels to square posts. However, for more complicated applications, you may prefer to use self-drilling screws. These screws have sharp points on the back side.
After securing the brackets to your posts, you can start the installation. Depending on the type of fence you’re building, you may need to drill holes in the metal flanges of your posts. Or, you may need to drill holes in the top and bottom of each panel.
In most cases, your fence panels will be supplied with bolts and screws that can be used to secure the panels to your posts. Your brackets will need to be sized for the panels and posts. If you have brackets with a narrow diameter, you’ll need to pre-drill holes for the screws. Otherwise, you may find it hard to slip the brackets over the posts.
Before you begin installing the fence, you’ll need to make sure your post is plumb, level, and in line with the string. You’ll want to check with a level after each shovel or if the area isn’t level. Make sure the posts are at least four inches inside the property line.
You should also make sure the post is aligned with other posts. This is easiest if you have a helper. But if you’re working alone, it can be more difficult to ensure that your fence is straight.
If you’re installing a U-Channel or T-post, you’ll want to choose a bracket that matches its shape. Some square posts need a different type of bracket than round or round/square posts.
If you’re installing a corrugated metal panel, you’ll need to install the top and bottom sections in order to keep them flat. For corrugated panels, you’ll need to install the top panel so that it overlaps the bottom one by a rib.
