Here’s how ground conditions can affect your fence installation process.
When you’re thinking about installing a fence, you probably think about how tall you want it to be, what kind you like, and how much material you might need. However, many other factors contribute to a successful fence installation. One of these is the condition of the soil where the fence will be located. Here’s how ground conditions can affect your fence installation process.
Hard Soil
Most fence companies base their prices on auguring holes, either using a skid steer or bobcat attachment, or a handheld auger. Some might opt for post pounding. Both of those require the ground to be reasonably soft.
While a few small rocks won’t make a significant difference, having large rocks, buried concrete, or rugged ground that is difficult to dig through will prolong the fence installation, resulting in higher costs.
Collapsing Soil
On the other hand, if the dirt is too loose, very sandy, or tends to cave in for some other reason, your fence will also cost more. Post holes that collapse in on themselves are a problem and may require things like cardboard forms to keep their shape. This, along with extra time for digging, will result in additional costs.
High Water Table
If your fence line is on a site with a very high water table, that can affect the excavation of your fence post holes, too. In fact, in some cases where the water table is extremely high, traditional footings may not be effective, and you may need to consider alternatives such as screw piles.
Buried Service Lines
In most cases, your fence contractor will need to check for service lines before installing your fence. But if there are a lot of services (gas lines, power lines, etc) under your fence, it might be dangerous or even prohibited to dig along that fence line at all.
That might mean that you need to have the holes hydrovacced, or that you can’t use buried fence posts at all. In that case, a fully above-ground fence panel on that section of fence can secure your fence line without any danger.
Consult Your Fence Installation Contractor
If you’ve already conducted locates or had a geotechnical study done, sharing that information with your contractor can help eliminate hidden costs. Alternatively, you could ask them to provide pricing for a few additional digging scenarios if you suspect this might be an issue. Factor that into your budget, and make sure you contact a professional fence company.
Hercules Fence takes pride in the wide range of options we offer for residential fencing. Select from chain link or custom wood fences, as well as ornamental aluminum or steel fences. If you prefer galvanized and vinyl-coated chain link options or the durability of PVC vinyl fencing, Hercules has just what you need.
Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach Has Everything You Need!
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry. We can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences, and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that best suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700. Contact us on our website to learn more about fall and winter fence construction! In addition, you can keep up to date with offers and information.
