Do Vinyl Fence Posts Need Aluminum Inserts? (Explained)

When installing vinyl fence posts, many experts recommend putting an aluminum post sleeve on the inside of the 4×4 before driving it into the ground. This sleeve will prevent you from damaging your fence post with a sledgehammer and will also help keep it in place while you pound it down. However, some people think that the sleeves are unnecessary and only cause problems due to their size and shape.

Why Do You Need Aluminum Inserts For Vinyl Fences?

Vinyl fences are an excellent way to add privacy and decoration to your yard. They’re typically made with a long PVC pipe that is wrapped in vinyl and then welded together. One of the most common problems with vinyl fences is the saggy middle of the fence along with the post.

This problem can be solved by installing aluminum inserts for vinyl fence posts. The inserts provide a sturdy surface for the fence to rest on, so the vinyl material doesn’t droop downwards.

Also, the aluminum inserts act as a middleman between the vinyl fence and the wood posts. They are attached to the vinyl panel with screws and then slide down onto the post. The aluminum inserts improve the stability of the fence, which is a common concern for homeowners who install vinyl fences.

Who Uses Vinyl Fence Posts With Aluminum Inserts?

Many people use vinyl fence posts with aluminum inserts because it saves time and money in the long run. Aluminum inserts are more expensive than traditional steel posts, but they are faster to install and require less maintenance in the future. They also won’t rust or rot as steel posts do, so your fence will last longer.

A vinyl fence post with aluminum inserts can create a sturdy barrier between your property and your neighbor’s, which is important to have in the suburbs. You’ll find that many of these types of fences are installed in front yards and backyards where they serve as a great decorative touch as well as a way to delineate property lines.

Aluminum inserts are also an affordable way to repair a damaged vinyl fence. They are not permanent, so you can remove them and store them in the garage when not in use.

This is a much better option than paying someone to repair your fence every time it gets damaged. The inserts will be very helpful when the fence needs minor repairs from normal wear and tear or after being damaged by storms.

How to Install a Vinyl Fence Post With An Aluminum Insert?

A vinyl fence post with an aluminum insert is an excellent way to provide your garden or yard with a durable and aesthetically-pleasing boundary. Here is the way to install a vinyl fence post with an aluminum insert.

1. Dig a hole that is the same depth and size as the aluminum insert.

2. Place the aluminum insert into the hole, with the top facing outwards, and fill the hole with concrete, water, sand, or soil.

3. Insert the vinyl fence post into the aluminum insert and drive firmly in place. You can purchase vinyl fence posts with an aluminum insert from a local fencing company. Alternatively, you can make your own by cutting a length of PVC pipe to the correct height and inserting an aluminum rod into the end.

Read More:

• Do you put Concrete Inside Vinyl Fence Post?
• How to Install Pre-Assembled Vinyl Fence Panels?
• Can you paint a vinyl fence?

Do You Need Aluminum Inserts Or Not For Vinyl Fences?

When it comes to aluminum inserts for vinyl fences, you may want to consider the following:

1. If the vinyl is less than 5 years old, the manufacturer should provide a warranty for deterioration.
2. If the vinyl has been exposed to high amounts of sun and heavy wind, aluminum inserts would help prevent further damage.
3. Aluminum inserts are necessary if there are pets in the yard those chew on things.

Aluminum inserts are not necessary for vinyl fences that have not experienced any of these problems.

Best Vinyl Fence Post Aluminum Insert

5X5 Vinyl PVC Aluminum Inserts by Eastern Aluminum

These 5X5 Vinyl PVC Aluminum Inserts are used to reinforce PVC posts, gates, signs, mailboxes, bollards, and more. With the aluminum stiffeners in place, your post will be much stronger and less prone to bending or sinking over time.

To Wrap Things Up!

Inserts are made from a variety of materials including plastic, aluminum, or wood. The type you choose will depend on the type of fence you have and how often it needs repairs. Wood inserts will be more expensive than plastic ones but they can last much longer than other types.

Plastic inserts are cheap and will last the longest with little to no maintenance. Aluminum inserts are also cheaper but will need to be replaced more often because of corrosion issues. But you will be able to install them much faster than other types.