Installing a privacy fence?

Question

We have heard/read that it is no longer suggested to put in concrete/quickcrete when installating a fence (only in the holes were the posts will be placed). We heard that over time it corrodes the hole, is this true? It was also suggested to just put gravel in the hole instead. What is the correct way, we can seem to find a straight consistent answer anywhere! Also what is the typical wait time for a utility company to come out and mark lines where we can not dig?

Answer 1

Depends upon the type of fence, but normally post holes are dug about 18 to 24 inches. It depends upon the frost line in your area. (you don't want the posts to be heaved up from the ground due to frozen ground). Then you place your post in the hole and add about 4 inches of gravel in the hole (this provides for good drainage and keeps the water away from the post/concrete). Next pour concrete or quickcrette or whatever type of concrete you plan to use. Fill the hole with concrete all the way to the top. Once you're to the top, use a trowel and press the concrete down . Build up the concrete at the post and slope it slightly downwards so water will drain away from the post.

Now, to do otherwise, such as using only gravel, will create the potential of the post shifting, leaning etc. I don't think adding concrete to the hole encourages corrosion; in fact, I think it would help reduce since the post is embedded in the concrete. I would go with thstandard process I outlined above.

I don't know where you're located so utility companies will vary. I live in a small town and they will usually respond the same day if I call in the morning. Good luck

Answer 2

The concern with concrete is if you set the fence post in concrete so the bottom of the post is covered by the concrete. This can allow water to run down the post and sit, causing the post to rot prematurely. The fix for that is to set the post on gravel, bringing the gravel up a couple of inches, then putting down the concrete. Also, if you don't mind how it looks, bringing the concrete out above the ground and sloping away from the post will help keep some of the water out.
As far as digging, usually you can make one call to a central number to have all underground lines marked. You usually tell them when you want to start and they send someone out before that date to mark the lines. They should be able to do that in a week or less.

Answer 3

The utility companies usually respond with-in 72 hrs.

Assuming you are using a 4" X 4" X 8' PT fence posts @ 8' on center, The average setting depth of posts is about 1 : 3 or 1" in ground for every 3" above...

I think your concern is the possibility of "rot" around the post @ concrete stabilizing ballast, "Postcrete", Try this place posts ends in green garbage bags before setting into holes and place "Postcrete" about them cut bags off at surface after back filling the holes, make sure the " Postcrete" extends to about 6" below surface to enable adequate soil coverage about post for grass growth, this will give you something to "whipper snipper" later...

I like "Superspikes" but the fence never is quite as stable in the long term over long spans...

Hope this helps, oh! ya make sure to use "end cut" on all non-factory cuts to PT wood...

GOOD LUCK and GOOD BUY

Answer 4

Well, dumping quickrete/concrete in the hole will not "corrode" the hole. sure there is always the chance that if this concrete is going to have the potential for water to flow over it you risk erosion around the concrete, but that would be very minor. Using concrete will make sure your fence stays up and is maintained properly. Gravel just presents the opportunity for the fence post to shift and alter your fence completely, should to neighborhood kids decide not to even remove the fence post since it isnt anchored in place.

Concrete all the way.

Answer 5

yes it has been said that the chemicals in concrete will rot the post faster than just tamping dirt tightly around it. i myself choose not to use concrete, it's too stinking exspensive and if you ever decide to change it ,it's alot easier to do without all that rock attached to it. just be sure to put far enough in the ground you avoid freeze and thaw. obviously the smaller the hole in diameter the better when using dirt alone.

Answer 6

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