INFINITY ALUMINUM INSTALLATION GUIDE

Transcription

1 1 INFINITY ALUMINUM INSTALLATION GUIDE Revised 01/17

2 2 PLEASE NOTE All installatins have a varying degree f uniqueness t them. The fllwing instructins are meant t be general guidelines. If yu are installing yur fence in a different manner r have any questins that this guide des nt answer, please cntact us via phne r . Yu can als view helpful installatin techniques in ur Vide Library and Blg within the Knwledge Center f ur website ( Befre Yu Start... 3 Mark Yur Fence Layut... 3 Obtain a Fence Permit (if Required)... 3 Have Yur Utilities Marked... 3 Gather the Required Tls... 3 Purchase Cncrete and Miscellaneus Supplies... 4 Determining Yur Pst Hle Placement... 5 Run Yur String Line... 5 Determining Pst Spacing fr Panels and Gates... 6 Fence Panel Pst Spacing... 6 Walk and Driveway Gate Pst Spacing... 7 Digging Yur Pst Hles... 9 Installing the Fence Panels and Psts Determining Pst Type Setting Yur Fence Panels and Psts in Cncrete (Standard Pst Installatin) Installing Yur Psts n a Surface (Specialized Flange Pst Installatin) Installing Flange Psts t the Surface Installing Aluminum Fence Panels with Optinal Swivel r Wall Brackets Wall Brackets Swivel Brackets Trimming a Fence Panel Installing Fence Panels in a Slped Yard Installing The Pst Caps Installing Walk Gates and Driveway Gates Determine Yur Gate Hardware Install the Gate Hinges Safetech Self-Clsing Hinges J-Blt Hinges (5.5 and 7 ) Install the Gate Latch Safetech Cbra Latches Safetech Pl Latch Lcinx Latch Gravity Latch Drp Rd (Duble Gates Only) Prject Cmpletin and Maintenance n Yur Fence and Gates... 28

3 3 Befre Yu Start Befre yu get started with yur installatin, ensure yu have dne the fllwing items first: Mark Yur Fence Layut In preparatin fr installatin and fr permit apprval purpses (if required), yu will want t mark the utline f where the fence will be installed. This can be dne with a string line, marking spray paint r flags. If yu are installing ver r n cncrete, yu can mark the utline with chalk. Obtain a Fence Permit (if Required) Call yur lcal Building/ Engineering Department and ask if a permit needs t be btained. Obtaining a fence permit typically requires filling ut a frm, paying a small fee and having a lcal inspectr take a lk at where yur fence is ging t be installed based n yur marked layut. Have Yur Utilities Marked Even if yu are nt required t btain a fence permit, call t have yur utilities marked. It is imprtant t knw what s buried belw befre yu begin digging pst hles. Simply dial 811 and they will get yu in cntact with yur lcal utility prvider t cme ut and mark any buried lines at n charge. They will typically cme ut within hurs and will mark any buried utilities with flags r spray paint. Yu can visit fr mre inf n hw the prcess wrks. Gather the Required Tls T install yur Infinity Aluminum fence, yu will typically need the fllwing tls: String Line Shvel and Pst Hle Digger (manual r pwered) fr Pst Hles Tub, Wheelbarrw r Pwered Mixer fr Cncrete Measuring Tape Level Rubber Mallet and Regular Hammer Hacksaw r Sawzall fr trimming panels (if necessary) High Speed and Quality Drill r Pwer Driver Center Punch Scket and/r wrench set fr installing supplied gate hardware Caulk Gun

4 4 Purchase Cncrete and Miscellaneus Supplies The fllwing building materials will need t be purchased frm yur lcal hardware stre unless they are nted as ptinal: NOTE If yu are using ur specialized flange psts, yu will nt need t purchase cncrete r gravel. Cncrete Mix Any standard cncrete mix will wrk. Yu can utilize reinfrced r fast setting cncrete if yu like, but it is nt required. The number f cncrete bags required will vary based n the size and length f pst being buried. Yu can find cncrete calculatrs nline t help determine hw many bags yu will need. Yu will need t knw the fllwing t utilize the nline calculatrs: Size f yur psts Diameter f the hle (usually 3x the pst size) Depth f the hle Number f psts Large Size Gravel (ptinal) While this is ptinal, adding gravel t the bttm f yur pst hle will allw fr drainage f misture and less chance f pst heaving/ sinking due t freezing grund r excessive water. It is als beneficial t use if yu accidentally ver dig the depth f a pst hle. High Visibility Spray Paint This will be used when marking where t dig yur pst hles as yu determine their lcatin in the layut. Steel Rebar r Wd Stakes These will be tapped in grund and yur string line wrapped arund them when marking yur layut fr installatin.

5 5 Determining Yur Pst Hle Placement Run Yur String Line If yu ran a string line when yu marked the fence layut initially, yu can skip this step. The purpse f the string line is t make sure all f yur psts remain in a straight line as yu install the fence. Purchase a string line that is bright and easily visible. This can cmmnly be fund at any lcal hardware stre, but any string that will be easily visible and able t pulled taught will wrk. When tapping yur rebar in grund and running yur string line, keep in mind that the string line shuld be the utside edge f yur pst and NOT the center f the fence line. Fr crners and ends, have the rebar be a ft r mre utside the fence layut. This will ensure that the string is yur guide and the rebar is nt in yur way when yu dig the pst hle. Figure 1 Example f a String Line Layut

6 6 Determining Pst Spacing fr Panels and Gates Nw that yu have yur string line run fr guidance, yu need t determine hw far apart yur psts will be spaced. This will vary based n whether a full fence panel, trimmed fence panel r gate is ging in-between tw psts. NOTE If yu are utilizing ur specialized flange psts, see the measurements discussed n pages Fence Panel Pst Spacing Our Infinity Aluminum fence panels cme in 6 and 8 widths depending n the grade, but vary slightly due t different cmpnent sizes. 6 Wide Traditinal Grade Aluminum Fence Panels: Physically 72.5 wide, but that includes the 3/4 prtin f the rail that slides inside the pst. 71 f fence panel will be visible between the psts when installed. The n-center pst measurement is 72 when installed. 6 Wide Signature Grade Aluminum Fence Panels: Physically 73 wide, but that includes the 3/4 prtin f the rail that slides inside the pst f fence panel will be visible between the psts when installed. The n-center pst measurement is 74 when installed. 8 Wide Signature Grade Aluminum Fence Panels: Physically 95 wide, but that includes the 3/4 prtin f the rail that slides inside the pst. 95 f fence panel will be visible between the psts when installed. The n-center pst measurement is 96 when installed. The easiest way t determine where yur pst will g is t use the n center measurement fr yur fence panel as nted belw. This measurement is basically the dead center f where the pst will be installed. Traditinal 6 Fence Panels 72 n center pst measurement Signature 6 Fence Panels 74 n center pst measurement Signature 8 Fence Panels 96 n center pst measurement Based n yur n center pst measurement, begin marking yur pst hles in the grass (spray paint wrks fr well fr this). Start in a crner r at the end f a run. Mark the end r crner, measure ut yur n center pst measurement and mark again in the grass. Cntinue ding this until yu have marked where all yur pst hles will need t be dug up in the layut.

7 7 Walk and Driveway Gate Pst Spacing Since gates cme in multiple widths and with ptins fr hinge and latch hardware, we will need t determine the n-center pst measurement fr ur gates individually. Befre yu can calculate the ncenter pst measurement fr the gate, yu will need t nte the fllwing items: The width f the gate The width needed fr the hinges The width needed fr the latch First, let s determine which style f hinge was supplied in yur rder. If yu are unsure which hinge yu have, yu can refer t yur itemized invice r refer t Figure 3 belw. Once yu knw which hinge yur gate is utilizing, nte the single (ne leaf) r duble (tw leaf) gate width measurement in Figure 2 belw: Hinge Name Use Adjustable Single Gate Width Duble Gate Width 5.5" J-Blt Hinge Walk Gates Yes 3" 6" 7" J-Blt Hinge Driveway Gates Yes 3" t 4" 6" t 8" Self-Clse Hinge* Walk Gates N 3/4" 1.5" Figure 2 - Hinge Width Table * NOTE Cvers all mdels f self-clsing hinge. Figure 3 5.5" J-Blt Hinge 7" J-Blt Hinge Self-Clsing Hinge

8 8 Next, let s determine which style f latch was supplied in yur rder. If yu are unsure which latch yu have, yu can refer t yur itemized invice r lk in Figure 5 belw. Once yu knw which latch yur gate is utilizing, nte the width measurement in the Figure 4 belw: Latch Name Key Lckable? Target Width Between Munting Pints Gravity Latch N 1" Safetech Cbra Latch* Yes 3/4" Safetech Pl Latch Yes 3/4" Lcinx w/ Ext Kit Yes 1/2" Figure 4 - Latch Width Table Figure 5 - Lcinx Safetech Cbra Gravity Latch Safetech Pl Latch Nw that yu have all f yur width measurements (gate, hinges, latch), we are ging t add all f thse tgether plus the width f ONE pst t get the n-center pst measurement: Gate Width + Hinge Width + Latch Width + 1 Pst Width = Gate Pst On-Center Using that equatin, let s calculate the gate pst n-center measurement fr the fllwing situatin: 48 Wide Single Gate (ne leaf) 3 fr 5.5 J-Blt Hinge 1 fr Gravity Latch 2 Psts Being Used 48 Gate + 3 Hinge + 1 Latch + 2 Pst = 54 On-Center fr Gate Psts

9 9 If yu were installing a duble walk gate r duble driveway gate (tw leafs make up the ttal width) then yu wuld need t use duble gate width hinge measurement in the Figure 2 table since yu will have tw sets f hinges instead f ne. Let s lk at that same equatin with a duble gate: 10ft (120 ) Arched Duble Driveway Gate (tw 5 leafs) 8 fr 7 J-Blt Hinges (4 each side f the gate) 1 fr Gravity Latch 4 Psts Being Used 120 Gate + 8 Hinges + 1 Latch + 4 Pst = 11 1 (133 ) On-Center fr Gate Psts If the hinges r latch yu are utilizing can wrk at multiple widths (adjustable), yu want t utilize the middle number f the adjustment range s that yu have left/ right adjustment available t yu. Digging Yur Pst Hles Once yu have marked the n-center pst spacing fr yur fence and gates psts thrughut yur entire layut, its time t start digging pst hles. These instructins apply t either manually digging yur pst hles r using pwered equipment. Begin with an end r crner pst in yur layut. The n-center lcatin yu marked shuld be the center f yur hle. Dig utwards frm there. Yur psthle shuld be situated s that when yu place the pst in the center, its uter edge is tuching against the string line. Figure 6 - Pst Hle Shuld be Psitined s That The Centered Pst Will Cntact Yur String Line

10 10 Be sure t dig yur pst hle as straight dwn as pssible. If yu live in an area that freezes heavily in the winter, digging a pst hle that is wider at the tp than the bttm can allw fr heaving f the pst in deep freeze cnditins. The rule f thumb is that a pst hle shuld be rughly three times the diameter f the pst yu are setting. S if yu were setting a 2x2 pst, the hle shuld be at least 6 acrss (2x3 = 6). A wider hle will nt hurt anything, but it will require mre cncrete. Befre digging yur pst hle, be sure t accunt fr the height f the pst that needs t remain abve grund. T determine hw much pst yu need abve grund vs buried in grund, take the fllwing int cnsideratin: The height f yur fence panels Hw much f a gap yu want under each panel fr grass trimming/ landscaping (ideally 1-3 ) The style f fence panel being used (flat tp r finial tipped) EXAMPLE - Let s say we have a 4 tall fence panel style with finial tips n tp, 6 lng psts and we want a 2 gap at the bttm f the fence. Yu wuld set yur pst s that 4 2 was sticking up abve grund and yur pst hle was 1 10 deep (4 2 abve grund buried = 6 pst length). Once yu have determined the depth f yur pst hles, it s time t start digging. Be sure t check yur pst hle depth and width as yu g. Keep lse dirt away frm the tp f yur hle. Yu can utilize a flat bject at the tp f yur pst hle and a tape measurer t mnitr the depth as yu prceed. If yu accidentally dig t deep, add gravel (nt lse dirt) t the bttm f the hle. It can actually be beneficial t ver dig yur pst hle by 2-3 inches and add gravel at the bttm, but it is nt required. The gravel will allw fr water t drain away and unlike lse dirt it will nt cmpact ver time. It als makes fine tuning yur abve grund pst height much easier. Installing the Fence Panels and Psts Yur aluminum fence panels and psts will be installed tgether and set in cncrete at the same time. Befre yu begin mixing cncrete, yu will want t familiarize yurself with the different pst types and set them by the pst hles in yur layut. NOTE If yur prject requires ur flange pst inserts, wall brackets r swivel brackets; be sure t read all f the sectins befre marking r cutting anything. Installatin measurements will differ if using any f thse three specialized pieces f hardware.

11 11 Determining Pst Type As yu begin unpacking yur aluminum psts, yu will ntice they have ruted punches in different lcatins n the face f the pst. The lcatin f thse punches will determine what kind f pst it is and where it will be used in the layut. See Figure 7 fr an example f what the ruted pst punch will lk like. Figure 7 - Ruted Pst Punches There are 5 types f aluminum fence psts determined by the lcatins f the ruted pst punches and the thickness f the pst: End Pst Has ne punched pst face. Used where a fence terminates r ends. Crner Pst Has tw adjacent punched pst faces. Used where tw fence panels cme tgether at a 90-degree angle in the crner f a layut. Line Pst Has tw perpendicular punched pst faces. Used in the middle f a fence run with a panel n each side running in a straight line. Gate End Pst Has ne punched pst face. Same as an End pst, but has thicker walls and will be nticeably heavier than the ther psts. Used n each side f a gate

12 12 Blank Pst Has n punched faces. Nt typically used in mst installatins. Blank psts are nrmally nly used in special situatins such as severe grade where the fence panel will be secured with a bracket instead f sliding int a pst. It is a nticeably heavier like the Gate End pst. Figure 8 shws where the punches are lcated n each pst type if yu were lking dwn the tp f a pst. End Pst Crner Pst Line Pst Gate End Pst Blank Pst Figure 8- Pst Punch Lcatin By Type Once yu have determined yur pst types, place them arund yur layut next t the pst hles they crrespnd with (crner psts next t crner hles, line pst next t line hles, etc.). This will help prevent accidentally using a pst in an incrrect lcatin (such as using an End pst fr a gate instead f a Gate End pst). Setting Yur Fence Panels and Psts in Cncrete (Standard Pst Installatin) With yur psts lcated arund the layut, begin mixing yur cncrete. We recmmend fllwing the manufacturer s mixing guidelines and NOT using the dry bag methd f placing dry cncrete mix in the grund and puring water n tp. Yu want t mix yur cncrete t a thick cnsistency. The cncrete shuld rughly have the cnsistency f chunky peanut butter s that it will hld the pst upright in the hle withut additinal supprt. Once yur cncrete is mixed, start n a crner r end in yur layut and fill the pst hle 1/2 way up. Take yur pst and push it int the cncrete at the center f the pst hle. Take ne f yur fence panels and insert the hrizntal railing int the ruted pst punch. Push the fence railing in until the indentatin stps the rail frm ging any further. Refer t Figures 9, 10 and 11.

13 13 Figure 9 - The Fence Railing Will Insert Int the Ruted Pst Punch Figure 10 - Insert the Fence Rails Int the Pst Until the Indentatin Stps It Frm Ging Further

14 14 Figure 11 - Example f a Fence Rail Fully Installed Int the Pst IMPORTANT The aluminum fence panels have screw heads visible n nly ne side f the fence railing. Make sure yu rient the fence panels the same way thrughut yur installatin s that all the screw heads either face inward r utward f yur prperty. Once the fence panel is installed int the pst finish filling the pst hle with cncrete. Stp abut 2-3 frm the tp f the hle. This way yu can back fill the remainder with dirt later n s grass can grw back. Mve t the next pst in line and repeat the same prcess f putting the pst and cncrete in the hle befre inserting the ther end f the fence panel rails int the next pst. Make sure yu dn t frget abut yur under panel gap. Yu can place a piece f wd the same thickness as yur gap under yur fence pickets t keep it elevated t the prper height.

15 15 Figure 12 - Use a Piece f Wd Under Yur Fence Panel t Preserve Yur Desired Under Panel Gap Once yu have bth ends f a fence panel supprted by a pst, use yur level t make sure its plumb n bth faces f the pst (inside and utside) and is cntacting yur string line. Cntinue this prcess until yu have hung all f yur fence panels. IMPORTANT Make sure that yu g back and check that everything is remaining level and plumb as yu prgress thrugh the fence pst and panel installatin. Since it is installed while the cncrete is still wet, any shaking r jstling f the fence culd cause the psts t mve slightly and n lnger be level and plumb. While the cncrete is still wet, use a rubber mallet t tap and adjust yur psts in place if anything has shifted. Once yur cncrete has begin t set up, fill in the remaining 2-3 inches f yur pst hles with dirt. Mund the dirt abve the yard line s that yu d nt end up with a depressin arund the pst nce the dirt settles. The final step will be t secure yur fence panel rails t the pst permanently using the supplied selftapping screws. The number f self-tapping screws used per panel will be based n the number f hrizntal rails n yur fence panel. Each rail will have a screw drilled int bth ends. S if yu had a fence panel with 3 hrizntal rails, yu wuld need 6 self-tapping screws (2 per rail x 3 rails = 6).

16 16 Place the self-tapping screw against the pst in a psitin that is rughly a 1/2 up frm the bttm f the rail and rughly 3/8 f an inch in frm the edge f the pst s the screw will g thrugh the pst and int the fence railing tying everything tgether. Slwly begin running the drill until it gets a bite int the metal then speed up the drill t drive the screw in. Be careful t nt ver tighten the screw and strip ut the threads in the hle. If yu are having difficulty getting the self-tapping screw t drill int the pst, a small center punch tl can help. Put it against the pst where yu want the screw and give it a slid tap with a hammer. The indentatin it leaves will help the self-tapping screw t bite int the pst metal and begin drilling in. The final prduct shuld lk like Figure 13. Figure 13 - Self-Tapping Screw Installed Int Pst and Rail Installing Yur Psts n a Surface (Specialized Flange Pst Installatin) If yu are utilizing ur specialized flange psts fr installing the fence n tp f a surface (such as a pati, pl deck r wall tp) yu will use the same pst spacing as utlined n page 6. If yu are using blank psts r munting t a wall, BE SURE t accunt fr the ¾ f rail that sticks ut n the end. Yu will need t either trim that ¾ end ff r accunt fr it in yur measurements. Yu will need t supply the hardware fr attaching yur flange psts t the surface. We d nt supply that hardware. Hwever, the ptins are all smething yu can find at yur lcal hme imprvement stre. T get the best recmmendatin frm yur lcal stre, let them knw what type f surface yu are munting the pst t, hw deep/ thick it is and hw tall the fence is. They are likely ging t recmmend ne f the fllwing:

17 17 Tapcn Gd fr wall tps r thinner surfaces Cncrete Wedge Anchr Gd fr thicker cncrete slabs (4in r thicker) Wd Lag Gd fr wd deck r pati surfaces The aluminum fence system utilizes a flange pst insert. Yu will need t trim yur psts t yur desired height befre inserting the flange. Befre cutting yur pst, be sure t accunt fr the height f the pst with the height f the fence panel and the gap underneath. If yu had a 6ft tall fence, 8.5ft pst and wanted a three-inch gap under the gate, yu wuld cut the pst dwn t 6 3 befre inserting the flange. Befre yu insert the flange, tighten the adjusting blt until the tw halves are almst tuching r until there is sme resistance when yu try t insert the flange int the pst. With the flange inserted int the pst tighten it dwn until the flange cannt be pulled ut f the bttm f the pst. Figure Aluminum Flange Insert The hles n the aluminum flange inserts are 3/8. We recmmend using 5/16 r 1/4 sized hardware. This will allw fr a little wiggle rm and easier installatin while still fitting prperly. Installing Flange Psts t the Surface While at the stre, yu will need t make sure yu get a gd masnry drill bit that is sized the crrect width and length t match yur hardware. While yu can use a standard drill, we recmmend purchasing r renting a drill with a hammer-drill actin. The hammer actin will make drilling g much faster and smther int cncrete, brick r masnry wrk. Set yur psts arund yur layut at the prper spacing. Fr any ends near a wall, be sure t take int accunt the flange that sticks ut n each side. As yu set yur psts, be sure t check they are standing level. Yu may need t shim under the flange t get the pst level if yur surface is nt level. Metal washers make fr gd shims. With yur psts laid ut, use smething t mark the hles n yur surface that yu will be drilling. It is best t prceed ne pst at a time. Mve the pst ut f the way and drill yur surface t the prper depth per the hardware yu are utilizing. Be sure t vacuum ut the hle befre yu install the hardware. Yu may want t set the pst back in place as yu drill each hle t ensure things are remaining lined up.

18 18 With the hles drilled, set yur pst back in place and tighten it dwn with yur hardware. Be sure t check fr level n bth the inner and uter face f the pst after yu tighten it dwn. Adjust as necessary. Install yur fence panel in the punches, mve t yur next pst and start the prcess again. Be sure t check the distance between each pst as yu mve thrugh the layut t ensure nthing has shifted. Remember that when spacing flange psts yur n-center measurements may vary (see pages 6 and 16) based n yur installatin. IMPORTANT The aluminum fence panels have screw heads visible n nly ne side f the fence railing. Make sure yu rient the fence panels the same way thrughut yur installatin s that all the screw heads either face inward r utward f yur prperty. Installing Aluminum Fence Panels with Optinal Swivel r Wall Brackets If yur prject is utilizing wall r swivel brackets fr installing the fence panels against a pst r ther surface, yu will need t factr in the differences in pst spacing and installatin. Wall Brackets If yur prject calls fr the use f wall brackets, yu will need t pay attentin t the spacing between yur psts r surfaces. Wall brackets are ften used t attach the fence directly t yur hme r t pillars/ clumns. The wall bracket will fit ver the fence panel hrizntal railing with the munting tab typically facing dwn. Yu will need t prvide the munting screw frm yur lcal hardware r hme stre based n the material yu are attaching t (brick, wd, stne, etc). On yur fence panel, there is a 3/4 ntched sectin n each end. Be sure t take this 3/4 n each side f the pst int accunt when spacing yur psts/ pillars. Yu can elect t trim that ntched sectin ff r leave it. Just be sure yu measure ut the actual length f rail (with r withut the indentatin) yu are installing befre determining yur pst spacing. Figure 15 - Wall Bracket

19 19 Swivel Brackets Swivel brackets are used when a panel needs t be angled ff f a pst rather than installed directly int the punch. The swivel brackets will allw a wide range f mtin with its spherical jint. The flat prtin f the bracket ges against the pst and the cup piece will have the panel rail inserted int it. Use the standard aluminum fence screws prvided t attach it t the pst. If yur swivel bracket is ging against a punched pst, yu shuld psitin the bracket t cver the punched hle n the pst. Care will need t be taken t figure ut the between pst measurement with use f the swivel brackets. The 3/4 ntched sectin f rail is usually trimmed ff each end f the panel when using the swivel brackets. The amunt f extra spacing required fr the swivel bracket will depend n the angle yu are installing Figure 16 - Swivel Bracket the fence panel. Be sure t test ut the angle and make yur measurements befre yu dig any pst hles. The swivel brackets can add anywhere frm 3/4 t 1.25 t each side f the fence panel (1.5 t 2.5 if used n bth sides). Trimming a Fence Panel Its fairly typical that at least ne fence panel will need t be trimmed fr width in yur layut. This culd be due t gate placement r cming t the end f a run. Trimming fence panels fr width is an easy prcess. We recmmend using a simple hacksaw since it has the mst cntrl. Yu can als use pwer tls t cut the panel t width, but be sure t have anther persn hld bth sides f yur cut as vilent shaking f the panel by pwer tls like reciprcating saws (sawzalls) culd damage the panel. Determine the panel width yu need. Measure alng the hrizntal rails and mark where the cut needs t be made. If yur measurement lands n a picket, yu may need t trim frm bth sides f the panel t line everything up. An ptimal cut will be ne that yu can make up against a picket. This preserves the spacing between the pickets and gives a cleaner lk t the installatin. If yur cut needs t be tighter, make sure yu at least have 1.5 f rail sticking ut frm a picket. After marking the lcatin, use yur selected tl and cut thrugh the hrizntal rail. Befre yu can install the cut end f the rail, yu will need t ntch the lwer crner f the rail s it can fit inside the pst punch. Yu need t ntch a 1/4" tall x 3/4 deep sectin f the rail ut.

20 20 Figure 17 - Ntch Lwer Prtin f the Cut Rail 3/4" x 1/4" The ntch can be made with a hacksaw r Dremel type tl. Be sure t file r grind dwn any burrs r edges frm the cuts. Test fit the rail int the pst. If it fits, apply tuch-up paint t the bare metal and install the panel after it dries. Final installatin f the cut panel will be the same as a regular full size panel. Installing Fence Panels in a Slped Yard There is usually sme slpe t a yard that may need t be cmpensated fr during installatin. While there is n reasn that the yard needs t be ttally level underneath the fence, yu may want t adjust the fence installatin s that its aesthetically pleasing t yu r tight enugh at the bttm t keep animals in r ut f the yard. The aluminum fence panels can be racked t fllw grade. What this entails is essentially pushing dwn n ne end f the fence panel and up at the ther end. This will angle the rails s they are n lnger perpendicular t the pickets, but instead angled while the fence panel pickets remain upright.

21 21 Figure 18 - T Rack a Fence Panel, Push Up n One End and Dwn n the Other If yu need t rack a fence panel, it shuld be dne as yu install the fence panels and psts, but BEFORE yu put the self-tapping screw thrugh the pst int the rail. The aluminum fence panels will rack between 8-10 per panel. S fr every 6 r 8 fence panel width, yu will be able t cmpensate fr a rise r drp f Figure 19 - Aluminum Fence Panels Racked t Fllw Grade Dwn

22 22 If yu have mre than 8-10 f drp per 6 r 8 fence panel yu will need t address it in ne f the fllwing ways: Leave a larger gap under the fence. Backfill the area with sil r landscaping stnes. Utilize specialized swivel brackets t munt the fence panel utside f the pst punch. Installing The Pst Caps This step can be dne befre r after installing the fence and gates. Part f yur rder in the install kit is a tube f exterir rated adhesive. Yu will need a caulk gun t apply the adhesive. Sme f ur cast pst caps still have a small hle n them as shwn in figure 20. We n lnger utilize that methd f installatin fr the pst caps. That small hle will nt be used. Screws were nt prvided in yur rder t secure the caps in that manner. With the caulk gun, apply a bead f the adhesive n the underside inner lip f the cap n all 4 sides as shwn in figure 21. Yu want the adhesive riented s that when yu press the cap n the pst, the adhesive will smear and make cntact with the pst. Yu want enugh adhesive n the surface t make sure it will cntact the pst, but nt s much it spills ut when yu install the cap. If yur cast irn cap has the screw hle in the base, be sure t nt put adhesive ver r near the hle s that it des nt cme ut f that hle when yu press the cap n. If yur cast caps d have the hle, be sure yu rient all yur caps n the psts s that the hle is facing in the same directin. Figure 20- This Hle in the Casting is nt Used fr Installatin Figure Apply Under the Cap

23 23 We d ur best t estimate hw many tubes f adhesive will be needed fr yur prject. If yu find yurself needing mre, any exterir rated adhesive that will bnd with metal will wrk. These can be fund easily at any hardware r hme imprvement stre. Just make sure they are exterir rated. Curing time fr the adhesive will vary depending n the temperature when it was applied. It culd dry in a cuple hurs r may take a cuple days. Be sure t wipe any excess adhesive ff yur pst and cap befre it dries. Installing Walk Gates and Driveway Gates IMPORTANT Gates can exert a lt f leverage frce n cncrete pst ftings. Make sure yur pst have fully dried and cured befre hanging yur gates. Cnsult the cncrete manufacturer fr drying/ curing time required befre use. NOTE - The fllwing steps cver installing a walk r driveway gate utilizing ur gate hardware and installing the gate n psts. If yu are utilizing ther gate hardware r munting the gate t a surface ther than ur psts (such as a wd pst r masnry pillar), please cnsult yur Irn Fence Shp salespersn fr assistance n installatin. Determine Yur Gate Hardware We ffer several ptins in hinges and latches fr ur walk and driveway gates. Cnsult figures 22 and 23 belw t determine which hinges and latches yu are utilizing: Gate Hinges Figure " J-Blt Hinge 7" J-Blt Hinge Self-Clsing Hinge

24 24 Gate Latches Figure 23 - Lcinx Safetech Cbra Gravity Latch Safetech Pl Latch Install the Gate Hinges There is n standard spacing fr where the hinges need t be munted vertically n the gate frame and pst. Yu generally want t install them a third f the way frm the tp and bttm f the gate frame s that they are nt t far inward r utward. When determining hinge placement n the gate frame and pst, be sure t accunt fr the gap at the bttm f the gate. There is n standard bttm gap height, but yu want t ensure the gate can freely swing all the way pen and shut withut cntacting the grund. S lng as the area arund the gate is flat, mst installatins will match the bttm gate gap with the bttm gap f the fence panels. S if yur fence panels are munted 2 ff the grund, yu can munt yur gates with the same bttm gap. Make sure that yur chsen hinge munting lcatin will nt interfere r cme in cntact with any hrizntal rails r decrative features f the gate. Safetech Self-Clsing Hinges If yu are utilizing Safetech self-clsing hinges, cnsult the installatin instructins included in their package. J-Blt Hinges (5.5 and 7 ) Installatin f the j-blt hinges is the same whether yu are using the 5.5 fr a walk gate r the larger 7 versin fr a driveway gate.

25 25 The flat plate part munts against the pst and the threaded J-prtin with the tw adjusting nuts will be munted thrugh a hle yu drill in the gate frame (see Figure 24) Figure 24 An Installed J-Blt Hinge. The Gate is n the Left and the Pst is n the Right Side Determine the munting lcatin f yur J-blt hinge in relatin t bth the pst and gate frame. Mark yur pst and gate frame fr drilling. Be sure t measure and line up yur drilling pints as bth the gate frame and pst will be drilled n tw sides f the pst and the hles need t be level. Use the supplied drill bit (r a quality cbalt tip) t drill yur hles in the pst first. Clean any burrs in the hle and apply a small amunt f tuch-up paint t the hle. Munt the flat prtin f the j-blt against the pst using the supplied hinge hardware kit blts. These will be the silver blts f varying length in the clear bag. (NOTE Yu will nt use all f the blts in the bag. There are enugh blts fr a set [tw] f the j-blt hinges and in every length t accmmdate pst sizes frm 2 up t 6 ).

26 26 When installing the j-blt hardware, put a small smear f grease n the underside f the blt and washer that will make cntact with the pst. The grease will lubricate the cntact pints n the hardware and pst s that the pst finish is nt marred r stripped when the hardware is tightened dwn. With the j-blt hinge munted n the pst, lift yur gate up t ensure yur marked lcatin n the gate frame still lines up with the bttm gap and tp f gate as yu planned. If everything lks gd, drill the gate frame. Clean up any burrs and put a sht f tuch-up paint in the hle. Take the uter (at the end f the threads) adjusting nut ff the threaded prtin f the j-blt. Feed the thread thrugh the hle yu just drilled in the gate frame and then re-thread the nut n the utside t secure the threaded prtin t the gate frame. Use the tw adjusting nuts t mve the gate frame left/ right if adjustments are necessary. NOTE If yu are installing a larger gate, the threaded prtin f the j-blt and the backing plate will separate s that yu can install them separately. Yu wuld then lift the gate up and insert the male prtin f the j-blt hinge back int the female prtin. Just be careful nt t lse the ball bearing that is dwn in the grease f the munting pint. Install the Gate Latch Figure 25 - The J-Blts Will Separate at the Swivel Pint There is n specific place yu need t munt the latch n yur gate. Mst latches are nrmally munted in the height range.

27 27 Safetech Cbra Latches See the installatin instructins included with the latch Safetech Pl Latch See the installatin instructins included with the latch Lcinx Latch See the installatin instructins included with the latch Gravity Latch The clasp prtin will g n the pst (in a duble gate setup it will g n the adjining gate half in the center) with the larger padlck hle facing the bttm. Use the smaller supplied self -tapping screws t munt the clasp prtin t the pst. The latch will install as shwn in Figure 26. The arm will g n yur gate frame while the clasp r catch ges n yur pst. Line it up t intercept the clasp and affix t the gate frame using the smaller self-tapping screws prvided. The arm will be clse t the edge n the Traditinal grade 1.5 gate frames, but they will fit. If yu are cncerned abut fitment, yu can pre-drill a smaller pilt hle t lcate the self-tapping screw when attach the arm. Drp Rd (Duble Gates Only) Figure 26 - Latch n Pst (left) Arm n Gate (right) If yu have a duble gate t be manually pened, yu will need t install a drp rd n ne r bth leafs t keep it the gate statinary in the center. D nt rely n a latch alne t hld a duble gate shut. Munt the drp rd brackets n the inside (prperty side) f the gate frame using the supplied hardware. Install the brackets s that the curved part f the drp rd can rest n the tp bracket with the rd als in full cntact with the grund.

28 28 If yu are munting ver grass drive a small piece f pipe ne size larger than the drp rd int the grund as a mre slid stp fr the rd. If the drp rd is being installed ver cncrete, yu will need t drill ut a small hle in the cncrete with a masnry bit t give the drp rd a place t catch. Yu can als epxy a small piece f pipe in the hle that the rd will fit int t prevent the cncrete chipping arund the hle frm use. Prject Cmpletin and Maintenance n Yur Fence and Gates Be sure t fill ut yur warranty sheet and r mail it in t us. After installatin, g back and tuch up any scuffs r scratches that ccurred in shipping r installatin using the supplied tuch-up paint. If yu nly need t make minr tuch-ups and are cncerned abut ver spray frm the can, yu can simply spray sme f the paint int the cap f the can (r similar plastic cntainer) and use a small brush r Q-tip fr mre precise tuch-ups. Inspect yur fence yearly fr any damage that went t bare metal. If yu find areas with damaged finish dwn t bare metal, simply use a wire brush t clean the area f dust/ dirt and then use satin black paint t tuch the area up. If yu have gates, grease r il the hinges as needed. Key lckable latches may require a sht f graphite every cuple f years t ensure cntinued smth peratin.