Vinyl Fence Post Is Not Long Enough For Frost Line

As the temperature drops over the winter the ground freezes and all the water in it expands and pushes against things like fence posts.

Vinyl fence post is not long enough for frost line.

For a six foot tall post therefore. Vinyl fences come either panelized or as board and rail systems. The bottom of the concrete needs to be below frost depth so dig at least an additional 6 inches or so. Like wood fences they look great as long as you set the posts plumb and in a straight line.

Typically in part to ensure that posts lodge below the frost line experts call for a hole deep enough to submerge the bottom third of the post below ground. Dirt then slips in beneath the concrete. 5 minutes fence post depth size and anchoring systems can make or break your fence line. Vinyl fences last practically forever with no maintenance whatsoever.

Tie mason s string to the batter board to mark the line where the edges of the posts will be set. Typically this means to a depth of 30 inches 24 inches for post 4 inches for gravel and 2 inches below ground level. The hole depth should be below the frost line. Setting post holes correctly is essential to creating a solid foundation for your fence.

Unfortunately you can t just lower it. Frost heave is a condition that happens when water freezes in the soil and then the soil thaws out. Add a few more inches of gravel then concrete. Common fence installation problems include not setting post holes deep enough not factoring sloped ground into the design and utility line damage during excavation.

A properly set fence post avoids the possibility of frost heave. Despite what some people believe making a long lasting fence is not always as simple as sinking a post in the ground and moving on to the next post. Add to favorites reading time. If you re thinking about a new fence consider this.

Watch the frost line. The process is then repeated next winter raising your fencing a bit further. The trouble begins when frost starts to heave your concrete upward using the tops of those v shaped concrete footings to grip them since the tops form a lip. Your fencing is raised as a result.

To fix the problem you ll need to dig out the fence post and make the hole deeper. 12 inches for a 4 inch by 4 inch post. The bottom of the post hole below frost depth should have a few inches of gravel an then place the post. The resulting pressure literally heaves the fence posts out of the ground over time.