Vinyl Fence Post Is Not Long Enough For Frost Line

5 minutes fence post depth size and anchoring systems can make or break your fence line.

Vinyl fence post is not long enough for frost line.

The bottom of the concrete needs to be below frost depth so dig at least an additional 6 inches or so. For a six foot tall post therefore. The resulting pressure literally heaves the fence posts out of the ground over time. Unfortunately you can t just lower it.

The bottom of the post hole below frost depth should have a few inches of gravel an then place the post. The hole depth should be below the frost line. Setting post holes correctly is essential to creating a solid foundation for your fence. It sounds like the post hole wasn t dug deep enough and below the frost line.

A properly set fence post avoids the possibility of frost heave. Typically in part to ensure that posts lodge below the frost line experts call for a hole deep enough to submerge the bottom third of the post below ground. Like wood fences they look great as long as you set the posts plumb and in a straight line. Your fencing is raised as a result.

To fix the problem you ll need to dig out the fence post and make the hole deeper. Add to favorites reading time. The trouble begins when frost starts to heave your concrete upward using the tops of those v shaped concrete footings to grip them since the tops form a lip. Dirt then slips in beneath the concrete.

If you re thinking about a new fence consider this. When installing fence posts it is vital that you set the posts properly to prevent frost heave. Install a vinyl fence. Despite what some people believe making a long lasting fence is not always as simple as sinking a post in the ground and moving on to the next post.

The process is then repeated next winter raising your fencing a bit further. Common fence installation problems include not setting post holes deep enough not factoring sloped ground into the design and utility line damage during excavation. Vinyl fences last practically forever with no maintenance whatsoever. Frost heave is a condition that happens when water freezes in the soil and then the soil thaws out.

As the temperature drops over the winter the ground freezes and all the water in it expands and pushes against things like fence posts. Add a few more inches of gravel then concrete. Typically this means to a depth of 30 inches 24 inches for post 4 inches for gravel and 2 inches below ground level. Vinyl fences come either panelized or as board and rail systems.