Vinyl Fence Post Is Not Long Enough For Frost Line

It sounds like the post hole wasn t dug deep enough and below the frost line.

Vinyl fence post is not long enough for frost line.

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. For a six foot tall post therefore. Frost heave is a condition that happens when water freezes in the soil and then the soil thaws out.

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. Install a vinyl fence. The bottom of the concrete needs to be below frost depth so dig at least an additional 6 inches or so. Vinyl fences last practically forever with no maintenance whatsoever.

As the temperature drops over the winter the ground freezes and all the water in it expands and pushes against things like fence posts. Setting post holes correctly is essential to creating a solid foundation for your fence. Dirt then slips in beneath the concrete. Add to favorites reading time.

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. Unfortunately you can t just lower it. The hole depth should be below the frost line. Add a few more inches of gravel then concrete.

Vinyl fences come either panelized or as board and rail systems. Tie mason s string to the batter board to mark the line where the edges of the posts will be set. The bottom of the post hole below frost depth should have a few inches of gravel an then place the post. 12 inches for a 4 inch by 4 inch post.

When installing fence posts it is vital that you set the posts properly to prevent frost heave. The process is then repeated next winter raising your fencing a bit further. Typically this means to a depth of 30 inches 24 inches for post 4 inches for gravel and 2 inches below ground level. To fix the problem you ll need to dig out the fence post and make the hole deeper.

The resulting pressure literally heaves the fence posts out of the ground over time. If you re thinking about a new fence consider this. Common fence installation problems include not setting post holes deep enough not factoring sloped ground into the design and utility line damage during excavation. 5 minutes fence post depth size and anchoring systems can make or break your fence line.