How to Take Apart a Vinyl Fence?
If your vinyl fence has been damaged or worn out, you might need to take it apart. The best way to do this is to hire a professional. Luckily, you don’t need a lot of tools to get the job done. There are just a few simple steps you’ll need to take.
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First, you’ll need to remove the top rail. This is usually fastened in place with screws. You’ll need to use a drill/driver with a Phillips head bit to do this. Before you begin, make sure you have a pair of leather gloves on hand. These will help protect your hands from the hot metal of the fence.
Once you have the top rail out, you’ll need to remove the horizontal rails. Some vinyl fences have tabs that hold the horizontal rails in place. These are harder to work with than the rails without tabs. However, if the tabs are not a problem, you’ll be able to remove the horizontal rails easily.
After removing the horizontal rails, you’ll need to cut the end caps off. Cut them off at an angle to create a smooth transition into the fill. It is important to make this step before you start the rest of the repair process.
Next, you’ll need to sand the fence. Sand the edges with medium grit sandpaper. Do not use a power sander to sand the fence. This can lead to more damage than necessary.
Now that the fence is clean, you can move on to the actual repair. Spray foam can be used to fill the holes. Make sure the filling dries before you move on to the next step.
When you’re ready to replace the panel, slide the new one in and fasten the screws. You’ll need to ensure the alignment of the panels is correct. If the fence doesn’t line up properly, you might need to trim some of the inside edges. Using a utility knife, you can trim along the inside of the fence.
For large holes, you can fill them with expanding insulation foam. You’ll need to allow the foam to expand. As soon as the foam dries, you’ll need to cut the excess foam out of the hole. Let the foam dry for at least an hour before putting it in place.
You’ll also need to sand the repaired area with fine grit sandpaper. This can be difficult to do with a sander, but it is an essential step. Using the right sandpaper will ensure your fence has a smooth finish.
After the repairs are complete, you’ll need to paint your fence. Choose a color that matches the fence. Plastic body filler can be used to fill the holes. Apply it with a putty knife and let it dry. Remove the excess with fine grit sandpaper. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lastly, paint the plastic body filler with a plastic paint. You can also use an Auto-Body Filler to repair your fence. This product is strong and works well with vinyl fences. Keep in mind, however, that the color of the Auto-Body Filler won’t match the fence.
