What Causes A Fence To Wobble Or Sway In Concrete?
What Causes A Fence To Wobble Or Sway In Concrete?
There are various reasons why a fence will shake or oscillate while in concrete. Correction of this problem depends on the reason. The most commons ones are;
- Wind, rain, and cold temperatures: A fence is fully exposed to the elements in your location. Wind and rain can loosen the soil surrounding the post. Furthermore, cold temperatures can cause the earth to bulge (frost heaving). These factors might cause the post to shift from its fixed position and wobble.
- New concrete damage: If a newly built fence is exposed to any of the aforementioned weather conditions before the freshly poured concrete has had a minimum of 24 hours to cure, the concrete may become damaged, misshaped, or loosened from its adhesion around the post.
- Rot and infestation: Wooden fences must contend with the additional loads of rot, dry rot, and insect infestations.
- Post-impact damage: Any post that is struck with some kind of force might be removed from its footing, cracked, or weakened.
- Inadequate installation. Unfortunately, improper installation is often a primary source of fence wobbling.
Unfortunately, some fence installers, whether they are homeowners, friends, or professionals, will install a fence post that is not recommended by the manufacturer or is not in accordance with standard building principles.
Some people claim to have been installing fences for years and insist that fence post holes only require one bag of 50lb concrete. Others claim to have learned from a credible source that concrete isn’t required at all and that a post may be erected with only soil, rock, or coarse gravel.
These installation methods may be long-lasting if done correctly. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all installation solution for all types of soil and terrain.
Are Lightweight Concrete Fence Posts Any Good?
Yes, lightweight concrete fence posts are a good choice for a variety of reasons. Lightweight Concrete fence posts are a popular choice for both property owners and installers.
They are easy to install: Simply drive the posts into the ground, and attach the fence panels using the two slots either side. They are also lighter than conventional concrete posts, making them easier to move and install.
They are resilient against severe weather conditions: lightweight concrete posts are not susceptible to rust, rot, or decay, making them a good choice for areas that are subject to heavy rain or snow.
They are compatible with concrete gravel boards: lightweight concrete posts can be used with concrete gravel boards, making them a good choice for areas with rough terrain.
How Do You Remove An Aluminum Fence Post In Concrete?
A heavy-duty hammer drill attachment may be used to remove this sort of fence post by cutting through the metal at its weakest point—the top edge—and freeing it from being locked in place inside the concrete. Here’s how to remove an aluminum fence post from concrete:
Step 1: Establish The Concrete.
First, you must know what sort of concrete you have. Then, cut the perimeter of the fence post using a masonry blade saw. You want to make sure you’re cutting through concrete, so marking your cuts will come in handy. If you’re not sure if you cut all the way around the perimeter, make another pass with the saw.
If not all of it is removed, the new concrete will seep out of the hole. Furthermore, depending on the kind of concrete you use, you may have to remove more concrete. This is because not all types of concrete are built in the same manner, resulting in varying amounts of penetration.
Step 2: Get Ready.
After you’ve driven the fence post through the concrete, you may start preparing to pour cement. Begin by removing any clutter from your work area. Wear protective clothes to protect yourself from the cement. Finally, assemble all of the tools you’ll need so they’re easily accessible when you begin filling the hole. Follow the directions on the package to make your cement.
Pour it then into the hole surrounding the fence post. Fill the hole gradually until it is flush with the earth. Once the cement is in place, smooth it out with a trowel. When the cement has dry, apply dirt or mulch around the base of the fence post to help it stay in place.
Third, mark a line with a ruler on the fresh concrete that will be poured into the hole. The closer your fresh concrete is to the fence post, the better it will sustain your fence.
If your fence is modern, you will most likely need to remove the top of the post. This may be accomplished using a Sawzall, chisel, and masonry hammer.
Before you begin your task, mark the area surrounding the fence post that you wish to remove using chalk.
Step 3: Get Rid Of Extra Concrete.
The next step is to remove any excess concrete around your fence post so that it does not collapse when wet. Chip away the extra concrete using a hammer and chisel.
Use a crowbar to break up any concrete that has dried and solidified against the fence post. Finally, use an ice pick or screwdriver to remove any big bits of concrete that have protruded from the hole, but take care not to do so too rapidly or aggressively.
You don’t want to harm your concrete or pierce the fence post. If you require a hammer, you may use a paddle hammer, but bear in mind that this can blunt the hammer’s head. However, this will assist with how to remove an aluminum fence post placed in concrete.
Step 4: Pour The Cement.
Now that your home is totally prepped, it is time to pour your cement. Your fresh concrete will keep your fence post solid and prevent it from bending in the wind or drooping into soft ground.
Furthermore, you may pour cement straight into holes that are deep enough to sustain the whole height of a fence post without the need for extra support.
If you wish to pour concrete into a hole that isn’t deep enough, you’ll need to use a rod or stick to drive the concrete down. After the concrete has been poured and hardened, smooth off the top using a finishing trowel. A broom can also be used to clear any excess dust or dirt from the area.
The next step is to remove any excess concrete from your fence post. If the concrete around the post is higher than the ground, chip away at it with a chisel and hammer until the post is the same height as the ground.
Step 5: Clean Up The Surface And Tools.
When you’ve finished your project, clean up all of your equipment and supplies as soon as possible. This will keep them from rusting in the rain or drying out in the sun. Use water or mineral spirits to remove any cement from surfaces that aren’t intended for this function while cleaning.
