Author: Kurt Browning

The Basics of Fence Installation

Kurt Browning

Fence Installation Charlotte NC is a complex job that requires special tools. Consult your local Handyman to determine the specific materials required and to understand the local rules & regulations about fencing height, material type, and placement.

Fence Installation

Setting posts is an essential first step, laying the foundation for stability and alignment throughout the construction process. Using a level is important to guarantee posts are perfectly placed and level.

The first step in fence installation involves putting the foundational posts in place. This will help ensure a strong, stable structure that can withstand the pressure of horizontal rails and vertical planks. Posts are typically set in concrete footings, which can provide an extra layer of strength and protection against frost heaving. The location of the post hole should be carefully assessed to avoid pipes or other obstructions and also to determine the appropriate depth based on local climate conditions and soil analysis.

Once the site has been cleared and the ground prepared, it’s time to dig the holes for the fence posts. This is an important step because the location of each post will determine how much tension is placed on that section of the fence. For example, a corner post will be subjected to the most strain because it will support the fencing in two different directions. These posts need to be set at a deep enough depth to resist shifting over the course of freeze-thaw cycles.

Depending on the type of fence you are installing, posts can be set in concrete or in gravel footings. If the latter option is chosen, it’s often recommended to add a bit of concrete mix to the bottom of the hole and use a tamping tool to pack it down firmly. This will prevent the post from settling and weakening over time.

Using a string line is essential for ensuring that the posts are all straight, even and properly spaced as planned. Some fence installers may choose to invest in lasers or other expensive tools for this purpose, but a simple string and a level can serve just as well in many cases. Having a straight-looking fence is important because it will not only provide a more attractive aesthetic, but it will also minimize potential issues down the road caused by an unbalanced or unstable structure. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to select cedar posts for their fences, as these materials are naturally resistant to bugs and rot. However, if the fence is to be used in a garden area it may be a good idea to consider metal posts because they don’t leach chemicals into the surrounding soil.

Horizontal Rails

Fence posts anchor the structure, but horizontal rails add strength and support. Rather than a vertical up-and-down appearance, horizontal fences have rails at the top and bottom that allow for a more contemporary look with the added benefit of preventing sagging over time.

Adding a top and bottom rail also makes your fence safer and more attractive, making it more difficult for kids and pets to climb. The rails can be either solid or woven depending on your design. For example, basket-weave fencing has open spaces that admit breezes but limit visibility while a closed louvered fence provides privacy and interesting shadow lines.

For a standard wood fence, install the top and bottom rails at least six inches above ground level to keep them away from moisture that can cause decay and to make it easier to trim grass or roots. For a component fence, use a mason’s line to mark where to install the rails. When the concrete has cured, install the rails (also called stringers). If your site is sloped, you’ll need to cut stringers shorter to follow the ground contour.

Start by fastening a 1 x 3 center board in each bay between the rails. This will provide stability and keep the woven fence boards from shifting or warping. If you’re installing a louvered fence, alternate the placement of the louvers (also known as louver stops) on the flat rail frame to create an open or closed style.

Fit the top and bottom rails onto the crossbar or fence post. Using a marking tool, denote the rail placement ensuring that the pre-punched swivel holes are directly opposite one another (Figure 2). Then, build the rail frames, tack on the infill and then toenail the infill down. If you’re installing a butted or through rail fence, tack on spacers between the butted or through rails and alternate with butted or through rails every other board. This will limit the side-to-side pressure on the fence boards and prevent sagging.

Vertical Planks

Once the foundational posts are in place, the fence begins to take shape as rails and panels or pickets are affixed. It’s at this stage that attention to detail is crucial, as these aspects define not only the functional strength of the fence but also its overall appearance. Taking the time to ensure that each plank is properly leveled and attached to the rails will result in a smooth, consistent look throughout your fence installation.

While a wood fence is an excellent way to secure property boundaries and create privacy, it’s important to know the proper construction techniques. This includes examining property titles to determine whether the proposed fence abuts any easements and observing any zoning restrictions regarding fencing setbacks from your home’s exterior. You should also be sure to discuss the fence’s placement with your neighbor to ensure that you’re not building on their land.

A reputable and trustworthy fence contractor will provide clear, detailed estimates outlining the costs involved in your project as well as a projected timeline for completion. In addition, they’ll be able to answer any questions or concerns you might have about your fence installation.

The best way to determine if a fence company is a good fit for your needs is to contact them for a free consultation. A good contractor will be happy to discuss your project with you and help you come up with a design that suits your space.

If you’re interested in becoming a fence company manager or owner, consider attending a training course offered by AFA. These courses offer valuable information that can help you manage your team, increase sales and profits, and build lasting customer relationships.

A fence is a significant investment, and regular inspections are essential to maintaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. By identifying and addressing minor issues as soon as they arise, you can save yourself from costly repairs down the road. Our annual inspections typically include checking for loose nails, damaged planks, and any signs of rot to ensure that your fence continues to perform at its best.

Attaching Panels

When building a fence from scratch, it’s important to use quality lumber that has been treated with preservatives or a sealant to protect it from the elements. It’s also a good idea to stain or paint the wood once it’s dry. Staining helps preserve the timber and makes it easier to clean, which reduces the risk of mold growth and bacteria.

One way to save time during the fence installation process is to erect fence panels, which are pre-assembled and ready for you to install. When doing this, it’s crucial that you follow all the instructions and use all the necessary tools.

When installing a wooden fence panel, start by securing the bottom of the panel to the ground using galvanised clout nails or fence clips. Then, raise the panel 50 to 75mm above the ground by attaching it to temporary bricks. This will help prevent the fence from rotting from the bottom up. When it comes to securing the rest of the panel to the batten framing, use a spirit level to make sure it’s perfectly horizontal before hammering in the nails.

Once the posts are erected and the fence panels are in place, you’ll need to add blocker boards underneath the panel to stop the soil from sagging. This will ensure the fence remains strong and stable over a long period of time. For maximum protection against rot, it’s a good idea to use pressure-treated wood for the blocker board material.

While working on your fence, always be aware of any underground utilities that may be in the vicinity. If in doubt, it’s best to hire a professional service that can mark out the area of your proposed fencing site with a taut string and use a cable avoidance tool to dig the post holes without damaging pipes or cables.

If you decide to use fence panels for your fence, you’ll need to plan how many of each type you’ll require and take into account gates. Once you’ve done that, dig the post holes according to the length of your fence and allow plenty of room for the gate. You can speed up the process by using a post hole digger, which makes the job much faster.

Moving Tips – How Movers Load and Unload Your Belongings

Kurt Browning

Look for movers that are members of reputable moving associations or van lines. This shows commitment to quality, and it also means they have access to larger infrastructure like warehouses and trucks.

Movers

The packing process is one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive parts of a move. Professional movers are trained to work efficiently while protecting your belongings. They typically pack room by room, starting with non-essential items and moving on to the more important ones. Contact Moving Companies Meridian for professional help.

They use quality boxes and specialty packing materials, such as bubble wrap, batting, and packing peanuts, to keep your belongings safe. For furniture and large appliances, they may also use moving blankets and custom crating to further protect them during transport.

As a homeowner, you can help the packing process by clearly communicating your expectations and priorities to the team. You can also be available to make decisions on item placement and organization once your things are packed. By being a proactive participant, you can transform the packing process into a smooth and efficient transition into your new home.

During the packing process, you can expect to be contacted by a team leader, who will be your point of contact for questions and concerns. You are welcome to stay in the house and supervise the work, but it is usually not necessary to hover over the movers.

Prior to your moving day, it is a good idea to start assembling high value inventory lists, a list of any items that require special handling, and a general list of what you have in each box. You can create these lists on paper or by using a digital app. You can then refer to these lists when the movers arrive. This will ensure that your valuables are properly cared for and that nothing gets lost or misplaced during the move.

It is also a good idea to clear a path for the movers, so that they can move your things in an orderly and efficient manner. This includes clearing walkways and removing artwork, clocks, or shelving from the walls. It is a good idea to clean your home and dust the furniture before movers arrive as well. If you have pets, be sure to remove their bedding, scratch posts, and litterboxes before movers come.

The last thing you want to do before the movers arrive is to have open food containers lying around. This is a hazard and could attract pests and cause spillage during the move. You should also make sure that your refrigerator and freezer are empty before the movers arrive, as these will be loaded first.

Full service movers not only pack your things for you, but they can also unpack them when they get to your new home. This can save you a great deal of time and energy. They can also take care of disposing of all the cardboard and packing materials from the boxes they have packed up for you. If you are having your home professionally cleaned after the move, you can have them handle this for you as well, so that your new home is pristine and ready for you to enjoy. This is a great way to eliminate the hassle of dealing with all the mess of a move yourself!

Loading

Loading is one of the most important steps in the moving process, especially when it comes to ensuring safe and efficient transportation of your belongings. Efficient loading strategies can greatly reduce the overall moving duration and cost of your move. In addition, they can minimize the risk of damage and ensure a smooth transition to your new location.

Movers utilize a wide range of tools and equipment to expedite the load-up process. For example, they utilize hand trucks, panel movers, furniture sliders, and ramps to make heavy-duty moves more manageable. Moreover, they perform pre-unloading safety inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

A key aspect of the loading process involves strategically arranging furniture and boxes within the truck to maximize space utilization. Movers also use proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries. This is particularly essential when handling large and heavy items. They lift with their legs and use body momentum to minimize strain on their backs. This helps to prevent musculoskeletal injuries such as muscle spasms and lower back pain.

Prior to starting the load-up process, movers assemble all necessary materials and tools including furniture blankets, packing tape, strong boxes, and labeling markers. It is also helpful to have more hands on deck during the loading process, especially for heavy-duty moves. Having more people to assist with the loading and unloading process can save time and money, and it can also help reduce the risk of injuries during the move.

Once all boxes and furniture are packed, movers begin by loading the largest and heaviest pieces of furniture first. They then stack other items on top of them, distributing the weight evenly to avoid overloading the truck. They also place delicate and non-stackable items in the empty spaces to fill gaps and ensure stability during transit. For extra security, movers may use ratchet straps, ropes, or bungee cords to secure the items.

Loading unique and specialty items like grandfather clocks, china cabinets, gun safes, and pianos requires specialized training and expertise to ensure their safe transport. After a base layer of furniture and boxed items, movers can start loading other items like bicycles, lawn mowers, and gardening tools. Finally, they can finish the load with miscellaneous items such as ladders and play sets.

Once all items are loaded, movers can hit the road and safely drive to their destination. During the drive, they should take care around corners and over bumps to avoid damaging their possessions. They should also check the truck periodically to ensure that all straps are tight and secure. They should not exceed the weight limit of the vehicle, which can cause damage or injury to occupants. In case of any problems, they should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.

The Importance of Concrete Repair

Kurt Browning

Concrete Repair Bismarck can greatly extend the life of a structural concrete product and provide safety, longevity and beauty. Repairing concrete is not a simple task, though.

Concrete Repair

More repairs fail from improper surface preparation than from any other cause. In addition, all common repair materials must be properly cured. Proper curing prevents moisture loss and drying shrinkage cracking.

A critical step in concrete repair is preparation. This is largely a matter of cleaning and ensuring the surfaces are in good condition before applying any materials. Concrete that is dirty or contaminated will not bond properly with the new material. Dust, oil, and existing paint must be removed using physical methods such as sandblasting or grinding to ensure a fresh surface for the repair material to adhere to. It is important to allow sufficient time for this step to be completed.

It is also important to use a product that is appropriate for the application and service environment. Often, this involves evaluating a variety of products to determine which one is best suited for the project and the contractor’s level of expertise. Other factors to consider include ease of use and environmental considerations.

In general, the surface of concrete that is to be repaired must be saturated with water. This allows the repair materials to hydrate and bond with the concrete. It also prevents the concrete from robbing water from the new material. This can cause a weak bond or an improper cure. Typically, the surface must be brought to a “saturated surface dry” (SSD) condition after cleaning and profiling. This is achieved by lightly dampening the surface.

When repairing concrete, it is vital to use a product that is rated for the application and service environment. This helps to ensure that the finished product will last as long as possible. It is also important to evaluate the performance of the repair material against the requirements set forth by the engineer.

It is also important to evaluate the condition of the existing concrete to ensure that it will support the repairs. Generally, this requires the use of a tensile pull-off test to compare the tensile strength of the repaired area to the tensile strength of the existing concrete. If there is a significant difference, it is likely that the concrete needs further conditioning before the repair can be considered satisfactory. This will require additional cleaning or the use of an alternative repair method.

Repair Materials

Concrete structures are subjected to a range of stress conditions, including mechanical loads, temperature extremes and chemical attack. It is vital that the correct repair material is selected to ensure maximum service life. In addition to strength and durability, other important factors include low drying shrinkage, permeability, coefficient of thermal expansion and chemical properties.

Many different repair materials are available, but it is important to select one that is compatible with the existing concrete and will withstand the environmental conditions to which the structure will be exposed. The selection process should also consider the cost of the repair material.

Portland cement mortar or grout is the most commonly used repair material for concrete structures. This material is easy to use and has a relatively low cost. Other types of repair materials include geopolymer, micro-fiber composite and fly ash. Geopolymer is a type of pozzolanic material that is created by combining a volcanic ash or other finely ground natural mineral with calcium oxide (commonly known as lime). This results in a highly reactive material that has good adhesion to concrete.

It is important that the surface of the existing concrete is prepared correctly to ensure a high quality bond with the repair material. This includes removing any damaged or deteriorated areas of the existing concrete and making sure that the substrate is clean and dry. In addition, the concrete should be cured before the application of the repair material.

There are several tests that can be performed to determine the quality of the bond between the repair material and the existing concrete. These tests include flexural bond strength testing, pull-out test, shear tests and slant shear test.

It is essential that the permeability of the repair material be low to prevent the penetration of aggressive substances such as carbon dioxide, water and industrial gases and vapours. This will protect the existing reinforcement from corrosion. It is also important that the permeability of the repair material is similar to that of the existing concrete to avoid creating excessive pressure at the interface between the repair material and the concrete substrate.

Repair Methods

Many different repair methods are available for concrete, and a suitable method must be selected based on the type and cause of the damage. For example, if cracks are caused by settlement of the structure, a surface repair method will only provide temporary relief and is unlikely to prevent further settlement. If the cracking is due to drying shrinkage, on the other hand, a surface repair may help stabilize the cracks.

The proper preparation and application of the concrete repair material is critical to achieving long-term durability. This includes thoroughly cleaning the area to be repaired, removing all loose and deteriorated concrete, and preparing the remaining concrete for bonding by spraying or brushing with a water-based solution or a water-based bonding agent. It is also important to select a repair material that will provide good adhesion to the existing concrete, and one that has very low shrinkage. The low shrinkage helps to minimize differential shrinkage between the new and existing concrete, which can lead to debonding of the repair material and failure of the repair.

Another popular method for repairing concrete is patching, which involves putting a fresh layer of new concrete or a specialized concrete patching compound over the damaged surface. Various concrete patching products are available, including traditional concrete mix, polymer-modified cementitious patching compounds, and fast-setting hydraulic cement. Whether using traditional or specialized repair materials, it is important to thoroughly clean the repaired surface before applying the patching material and to tap the patching material into place to remove air bubbles.

It is also important to consider the environmental impact of the repair method selected. All repair methods should be designed to minimize the use of natural resources and GHG emissions over the life-cycle of the concrete. This is particularly important for structural repairs, which must ensure that the repaired structure can withstand the expected loadings and withstand environmental effects, such as corrosion of steel reinforcement and abrasion of concrete surfaces.

The drilling and plugging method for repairing cracks in concrete consists of drilling a hole the length of the crack, then filling it with grout or epoxy. This creates a “key,” locking the crack and preventing additional movement of nearby concrete sections. This technique is most effective for dormant cracks, but can also be used on active cracks if the proper sealant is selected.

Post-Repair Maintenance

The importance of proper maintenance can’t be overstated. Regular inspections should be conducted to detect any early signs of damage and to prevent minor issues from escalating into major ones. Routine cleanings should also be performed to remove harmful substances that can accelerate the deterioration of concrete structures. Sealing concrete with protective coatings can prevent moisture penetration and other elements that can weaken it.

Concrete repair should always take into consideration the environment, as weather changes can significantly impact the durability of concrete surfaces. Chemical reactions, such as the oxidation of steel reinforcement within concrete, can also contribute to its deterioration. Additionally, physical stress can put a strain on concrete surfaces, leading to damage that requires repair.

Regardless of the cause, all concrete surface damage should be repaired in a timely manner. Putting off repairs can make an already difficult job much more complex and expensive, and it can lead to further damage to the concrete surface that could compromise its structural integrity.

The safety of a building’s occupants is another important factor to consider when it comes to concrete repair. Cracked or damaged concrete poses tripping hazards that can be dangerous to people, especially children and the elderly. Immediate concrete repair can help ensure that these hazards are mitigated and that the safety of all occupants of a property is not compromised.

A well-maintained concrete structure can also increase a building’s value and help maintain its resale value, as potential buyers or renters will be more interested in a property that is well-cared for. Concrete repair that is carried out in a timely manner can greatly enhance a property’s curb appeal, further boosting its desirability.

When it comes to concrete repair, it is essential that the right materials are used and that the repair process is executed properly in order to achieve long-term durability. To this end, it is recommended that the right products be used from the start of a repair project and that any potential problems are identified as early as possible to prevent them from escalating. When choosing a concrete repair product, it is also necessary to consider the ease of use and the level of technical expertise required. Some repair products require specialized equipment and extensive knowledge, while others can be applied by any person with minimal experience.