Guide For Installing Vinyl Fence Over Existing Posts

Every homeowner has a dream. A fence that will make their property feel like home. But not every homeowner knows how to install one on their own.

The truth is, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to installing vinyl fencing. Some homeowners end up paying contractors hefty prices for installation services they could do themselves if they had the knowledge and right tools needed for the job.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to provide you with all of the information you need in order to install your very own vinyl fence over existing posts without spending too much money.

How to Build a Fence with Existing Posts?

If your existing fence needs replacing but you don’t want to spend a fortune on new fencing material, you might be tempted to try building a fence over existing posts.

To build a fence over existing posts, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1) Determine the height of the posts.

2) Measure out the length of your desired fence.

3) Ensure you have enough posts for stretching wire tight across your entire yard (minimum is 5 posts). If not, you’ll need to buy more or replace current posts with stronger ones.

4) Start stringing wire by tying it onto each post until you have completed one row. Ensure that the wire is being stretched tightly so that it will support additional rows of fencing material. Also, ensure that there are no large gaps between wires within a row.

5) With every new row, tie two ends together around one post, then stretch another piece of wire between this tied-together line and an adjacent post directly opposite it (for one side of the panel).

6) Continue this process until you have created your fence.

7) You can now attach fencing material to both sides of your fence by weaving it through the rows, making sure that it is tight enough so as not to sag or otherwise weaken.

8) Staple any loose ends onto the top, bottom, and middle of every post along the length of the fence.

You might also want to consider having vinyl fencing panels with caps attached instead of stringing wire. It’s easy to do with just a few tools: straight edges, pliers, and an electric drill with screwdriver head attachments.

Here are simple instructions on how to make caps for your posts using vinyl panels.

– Measure the height of each post. Cut panels to this size.

– Wrap caps around posts starting at top, bending over to the bottom, stretching around sides to a 45-degree angle, and back up to the top.

– Drill screws through the panels into posts.

Remember that if you are working with an existing fence, you’ll need to make sure that your posts are sturdy enough for new fencing panels.

Can you Install a Vinyl Fence with a Metal Post?

It is not advisable to install a vinyl fence with a metal post because it will be too heavy for the frame and may cause damage.

One way to solve this problem is by adding additional framing below the rail. Make sure that it also has sufficient load-bearing capacity by installing all of the above mounting rails before you lay your vinyl fence panels into place. If your existing posts are made out of concrete or steel, you can use them for this purpose.

How to Install Vinyl Fence Over Existing Metal Posts?

In order to install a vinyl fence over an existing metal post, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1) Install posts in holes, leaving 5 to 6 inches above ground level. Be sure to install fence post anchors when you are doing this step.

2) Use concrete reinforcements to provide the fence with extra support and durability.

3) Add the new posts and install them at least 12 inches into the ground. Be sure to screw the caps and plates on tightly so your fence will be sturdy and secure.

4) Fill in with dirt and create a mound around the post base. This will make it easy to cut the next fence rail you require. Add rocks if desired.

5) Prepare for the vinyl installation by cutting fence panels to size. Measure the distance between posts using a measuring tape. Cut fence rails to the desired length and install them on top of concrete reinforcements or mounds.

6) Attach paneling by aligning panel openings to mounting rails on posts, then slip-clipping rail clamps over post flanges. Apply pressure until clips automatically lock into place.

Read More

• How to prevent mold on vinyl fence?
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How to Attach a Vinyl Fence to a Wood Post?

Attach a vinyl fence to the wood post by drilling a pilot hole through the vinyl and, from below, attach a hardware chain or metal clips with screws to hold it in place.

Here is the step-by-step process for attaching a vinyl fence to a wood post:

STEP 1: PREPARE POSTS FOR FENCE INSTALLATION

– Alternatively, you can purchase “L” brackets to attach the fence to the wood post.

– Use a round file to remove any sharp edges on the top of the posts where they meet together.”

STEP 2: MEASURE AND MARK THE POSITION OF THE FENCE ON POSTS FOR DRILLING HOLE.

– Measure and mark position for fencing with pencil or pen at each end of each fence section.

– Measure your post spacing to determine how far apart to place the holes at each end of the fence sections.

– Space posts are approximately 10″ apart for 4×4 posts or 12″ apart for 6×6 posts.

STEP 3: DRILL HOLES IN POSTS FOR ATTACHING TO THE FENCE

– Using a 1/8″ drill bit, drill holes through posts at marked locations.

– Drill holes about 3/4″ deep into the posts.

– If posts are not marked, determine proper spacing for fence sections before drilling any holes in posts.

STEP 4: PREPARE FENCE FOR INSTALLATION ON DRILLED POSTS

– Place the fence onto posts and layout vinyl pieces on top of each section that will be joined for seams.

– Overlap the edges of each section by at least 6″ to make it easier to match the seam pattern when you are not able to match up exact ends when butting sections together.

STEP 5: ATTACH FENCE TO DRILLED POSTS

– Drill holes for attachment of clips or hardware chains using 1/8″ drill bit.

– Position fence sections on top of marks on posts and attach the fence to the drilled holes with metal clips, and clamping screws.

STEP 6: TIGHTEN METAL CLIPS OR CLAMP SCREWS TO SECURE FENCE ON POSTS.

– Using a screwdriver tightens metal clips or clamp screws to secure fencing on posts.

STEP 7 – IF NECESSARY, USE A STEP STOOL TO ATTACH ENDS OF FENCING TOGETHER OVER SEAMED SECTIONS.

– This is optional but it does help to hold the vinyl in place while you line up the ends for attachment.

How Can you Install Vinyl Fences Over Existing Chain Link Posts?

In order to install a vinyl fence over existing chain link posts, you will need to buy new pots and set these into the ground. The reason for this is that vinyl will not “stick” to the current posts. Vinyl is also very heavy and it should be installed on its own posts at least 20 inches deep.

Here are the steps to install vinyl fence over existing chain link posts:

1) Remove or cut away any hardware and attachments from the chain-link posts.

2) Clean off surface rust with sandpaper and/or a wire brush and remove all debris.

3) Coat post with primer, then paint the desired color on PVC vinyl fences only.

4) Using special bonding adhesive for vinyl fences, attach rails at top of vinyl fence to end of the post (minimum 12″ overlap).

5) Install the base cap over the top of PVC fence rails attached to an old post.

6) Place included short cap spacer on top of the second pole connected to old post so it sticks about 2-3″ out from metal railings at the bottom edge. Place a long cap spacer next to the last pole connected to the old post (must be longer than the short spacer).

7) Cut the vinyl fence to the desired length. Attach rails on new posts to the pre-installed railings on old posts with vinyl fence adhesive or screws (minimum 12″ overlap).

8) Install end caps on the end of each PVC fence section. When finished, remove old posts.

Can you Mix Vinyl and Wood Fencing?

The short answer is, “Yes.”

The long answer: Vinyl fence panels are made of extruded PVC. The plastic has elastic properties that allow the panels to expand and contract without breaking, which is why they’re used in driveways that encounter fluctuations in weather.

However, wood posts aren’t as flexible as vinyl fence posts so before you install your new vinyl fence posts on top of your old wood posts it’s important to examine them first for any breaks or cracks.

If it looks like one or more of these issues will come into play with your installation please consider replacing all the existing wooden posts prior to adding the vinyl panels. Or else, there’s a risk of the vinyl fence breaking or cracking in cold weather.

Conclusion

If you are looking to install vinyl fences over existing posts, it is important that the old posts be in good condition or they will break under the weight of the new vinyl.

To make sure your installation goes smoothly, follow the steps we mentioned when installing a vinyl fence on top of an older post. To make the process even smoother, consider purchasing fence installation services. This will ensure that your vinyl fencing project is done properly.