The Master Halco product line offers fencing solutions, including chain-link and privacy panels. Installation procedures require careful attention to property lines, local regulations, and proper post setting. This article details the installation process based on available documentation, covering layout, post setting, and fabric installation. The documentation emphasizes safety precautions and adherence to local codes.
Planning and Layout
Prior to commencing installation, several preparatory steps are crucial. The documentation stresses the importance of verifying property lines to ensure fence footings do not encroach on neighboring properties. Consultation with a real estate agent’s line plot or a professional surveyor is recommended if there is any uncertainty. Additionally, installers should check local codes regarding frontage locations and allowable fence heights, as a permit may be required. It is also advised to contact local utility companies to identify the locations of any underground cables or pipelines before digging.
The initial phase involves locating property boundary lines and precisely marking the fence layout. Terminal posts—corner, end, and gate posts—should be staked to indicate their positions. When utilizing 8-foot 2 x 4 rails, inline posts should be spaced 97 ½ inches on center, with a tolerance of ± 1 inch. Adjustments to post spacing may be necessary depending on the rails used, fence height, and ground slope. Shorter sections can be incorporated near corners, gates, or buildings to accommodate the overall layout.
Post Installation
Proper post installation is fundamental to the structural integrity of the fence. The documentation details procedures for setting terminal and line posts. Holes for both types of posts are typically dug 10 inches in diameter and 30 inches deep, although these dimensions may vary based on local weather and soil conditions.
For gate posts, a specific construction method is outlined. A gate post is assembled by fastening two PostMaster posts back-to-back using four #12 x ½ inch gate post screws. These screws are placed in each flange, six inches below the upper edge, and two screws are added to the flanges six inches above the bottom of the bottom rail. The assembled gate post is then placed in its hole, ensuring alignment with adjacent posts for proper rail pocket alignment.
After positioning the posts, they must be plumb, square to the fence line, and set to the correct height. Blocking and supporting the posts is essential to maintain their position during the concrete pouring process. The holes are then filled with concrete in a continuous pour, with the concrete mounded at the top to direct water away from the post. A 6-inch gravel base is recommended. If posts are too tall after footing installation, they can be cut flush with the top of the top rail using a hacksaw or reciprocating saw.
Rail Installation
The length of the top and bottom rails should be ½ inch less than the center-to-center measurement of the posts. The Legend notching tool is used to notch both ends of the bottom rail, with one or two notches on each side. When notching, it is important to hold the rail and tool steady to avoid twisting the tool.
Chain Link Fabric Installation
The installation of chain link fabric involves several steps. First, the fabric is unrolled and stood up against the fence frame, with slack removed as the fabric is positioned. The fabric is loosely attached to the top rail with a few fence ties to hold it in place. Enough fabric is separated from the roll to span the opening between the terminal posts.
Excess fabric is removed using pliers by opening the top and bottom loops (knuckles) of a single strand of wire at the desired point of separation and unwinding the strand up through the links. Sections of fabric can be spliced together using a single strand of wire removed from the end of the fabric, winding it down through the links in a corkscrew style. Before splicing, a second strand may need to be removed to provide a proper mesh.
The fabric is then stretched using a fence stretcher. A tension bar is temporarily inserted about 3 feet inside the unattached end of the fabric. One end of the fence stretcher is fastened to the tension bar, and the other end to the terminal post. The fabric is stretched until it has a slight amount of give when squeezed by hand. The temporary tension bar is then removed. The fabric length is adjusted by adding or removing wire as needed, and a tension bar is inserted at the end of the fabric, connecting it to tension bands on the terminal post.
PostMaster+ Installation Methods
The PostMaster+ system offers two installation methods: post-driven and traditional concrete setting. Post-driven posts, when installed properly below the frost line, provide protection against frost heave in areas with frozen ground. Both methods, when executed correctly, contribute to a strong fence foundation. Post spacing may vary based on local conditions and wind exposure.
Specifications
The documentation provides specifications for PostMaster posts:
- Size: 3 ½" x 1 ⁄" (88.9 mm x 44.5 mm)
- Hole Diameter: 0.20" (5.1 mm) at 1" on center (1.54 cm on center)
- Thickness: .120" (3.05 mm)
- Weight: 2.64 lbs/ft (3.93 kg/m)
- Material: G90 Galvanized Steel
- Lengths: 6', 7', 7'6", 8', 9', 10', 12'
Safety Considerations
The documentation emphasizes safety throughout the installation process. Installers must take proper safety precautions and consult with a licensed professional if they have any questions or doubts. It is crucial to ensure that fence footings do not exceed legally established property lines and to check local codes for specifications and permit requirements. Additionally, installers should consult with local utility companies to identify the locations of underground cables or pipelines before digging.
Conclusion
Master Halco fence installation requires careful planning, precise execution, and adherence to safety guidelines. Proper post setting, rail installation, and fabric tensioning are critical for a durable and aesthetically pleasing fence. The documentation highlights the importance of verifying property lines, complying with local regulations, and consulting with professionals when necessary. The PostMaster+ system offers flexible installation options to accommodate various site conditions.