Community Chat

[Mom2Dogs]

I was not sure where to post and thought maybe garden may not get enough response.

We have a 6' vinyl fence that covers our entire back yard.  It is probably 12ish years old there is nothing wrong with the fence...it is the installation.

I am getting quotes because it will not stay in the ground, we think the last contractor (who is no longer around) did not dig deep enough to pour the concrete...that is why it will not stay level, it looks pretty bad.

I am getting quotes for repair, one contractor wants to install a totally new fence I am not sure that is necessary.  I  think we could reuse the panels but would need new posts.  Other contractors never suggested that idea,...although I have not seen their quote in writing so not sure what their plan is.

I looked at the big box stores for ideas of a new fence, panel prices are all over the place - does anyone know why such a cost difference between companies for the same size panel and design?  I am thinking of calling Lowes just to ask, if I can get someone on the phone.  

Any replies appreciated...sorry this is so long! 

[Imaoldhippie]

Its anyones guess why prices vary so much.  Did the contractor who suggested replacing the whole fence give you a reason?

Did any of the contractors give you any idea why your old fence wont stay upright?

Remember if you go to Lowes they hire subcontractors for the installation and that cost will be hidden in the price or tacked on to the bill as labor.

I think you need to contact the companies you have already got quotes from and ask these questions and make sure you get quotes in writing.

[RespectLife]

@Mom2Dogs 

That happened to our vinyl fence at our last home.  Looked like a roller coaster in some areas.

As you said, installer did NOT dig deep enough or use proper amount of concrete for the posts.  We live in a seasonal climate and the bitter cold can cause it to heave.

We had estimates to repair and ALL said they could reuse the panels but we'd need all new posts.

It was almost as much as getting a totally new one because of the labor to take down along with costs of new posts.  No guarantees if any would break in the process.

No guarantees about color matching as the fence had been out in the elements for years.

This was 8 yrs ago though...maybe prices have come down?  COUGH, COUGH

Most of the bad parts were at the bottom where it heaved.  We put in landscapng all along the bottom to just cover it.

If you can get a Lowe's associate on the phone...and one that has ANY clue about fencing...then you are the luckiest woman in the world.

Good luck!!!

[We rescue cats]

@Mom2Dogs if you get the proposals in writing pay attention to the depth they are using for the posts, and make sure that it exceeds your frost line depth. Folks shook their heads when our builder went to 40" for our deck, after 30+ years our deck and fences have not shifted. We just removed the fence that stood around the former pool area  and it was a lot of digging for that team!

[CelticCrafter]

@Mom2Dogs it could be because of the age of the fence being out in the elements and it may be brittle from the changes in temperatures.

[Mom2Dogs]

@RespectLife   You had the same issue we have, but our fence is really high in places..higher than what is allowed by our city.  I don't know if they saw the fence they would force us to fix it or not.

I did call LOWES, she tried to be helpful but was not at all.  I looked at specs on panels, some are a tad thicker but there is no industry standard on thickness from what I understand.

My husband is going to see red - a new fence is not in the budget.

@Imaoldhippie   I always get written quotes and I prefer independent contractors (local).

[Mom2Dogs]

@CelticCrafter. The fence is not that old - the product is good - I am sure it is because of the lack of depth of the  posts.  

[Mom2Dogs]

@We rescue cats   Hmmm, we thought 3' was deep enough.

[We rescue cats]

@Mom2Dogs depends on your frostline, ours is 30-36", you can check yours, just google Frostline depth and your zipcode.

[Fressa]

We have an older vinyl fence. Our patio yard is rocky and clay soil so it was a challenge to get the proper depth for the posts. The vinyl that we selected was a thicker vinyl that had a 20year guarantee. I had never heard of thickness variety in fence panels.  There must be some truth to this because the fence held up to trees falling on top of it during some nasty storms. 

My one question I would ask the fence rep would be if they would be digging in the same post hole and what extra charge for hitting rock. If they have to dig in a new area then what happens to your fence panels made for the current area? 

I would get a few estimates from both indepentents and Lowes, etc. See what selections and warranties they have.  

Good luck.