Fence height measurement and survey

Under heavy clay soil, the depth of every post hole must extend well below the local frost line. Proper installation methods discussed at edmond fence contractors barcentralenyc ensure that a cedar privacy fence stays level over time. Local contractors in Edmond, OK must account for these specific ground conditions during the initial layout.

Verticality and Plumb Verification

A fence line looks straight only if every post is perfectly vertical. We use a heavy spirit level or a line level to check the plumb of each post before the concrete footing sets. If a post leans even a fraction of an inch during the pour, the entire run will look crooked once the rails are attached. For a shadowbox style build, maintaining that verticality is even more important to keep the gaps consistent. We check the plumb on two sides of the post to ensure it does not have a tilt in any direction.

Height Measurement and Grade Changes

The total height of a fence is measured from the finished grade to the top of the highest rail or picket. In Edmond, OK, many yards have significant slopes. We do not simply follow the ground down in a straight line, as this creates gaps under the bottom rail. Instead, we step the fence sections to maintain a consistent height above the soil. This process requires checking the elevation at each post location relative to the property benchmarks. We use a transit or a laser level to find the zero point before any digging starts.

Structural Support and Footing Depth

The strength of a vinyl or aluminum system depends on the stability of the base. For heavy materials like pressure treated pine, the concrete footing must be wide enough to prevent the post from shifting under wind loads. We dig the hole wider than the post diameter to allow for a proper bell shape at the bottom of the hole. This prevents the post from sinking. Every post cap must be seated firmly to prevent water from entering the end grain of the wood.

Gate Alignment and Hardware Tension

A gate is the most common point of failure in any fence installation. The weight of the gate pulls on the hinge, which can cause the post to lean over time. We reinforce the gate post with extra concrete to handle that lateral pull. Before the final latch is installed, we check the swing clearance to ensure the gate does not drag on the ground. Adjusting the hinge position is necessary if the gate hardware does not align perfectly with the strike plate.

Material Specifics and Finishing

Different materials require different measurement tolerances. A composite panel is heavier than a standard picket fence and needs more frequent post spacing. If using wood, applying a sealer or a stain immediately after installation protects the material from the Oklahoma sun. We check the grain direction and the moisture content before the first coat of sealer is applied to the boards.