Installation Guide

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FENCE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR USE OF
THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OR USE
OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
WEARING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, THE WARRANTOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Care and maintenance
COMMON MAINTENANCE CONCERNS
The continuous changes in weather conditions are extremely
harsh on your fence. Your maintenance plan must be geared to
combat the problems caused by water absorption and water
loss, mildew growth, and discoloration of wood due to the sun's
ultraviolet rays. All of the maintenance concerns discussed
be low are weather-related. The degree to which your fence
is af fected by them depends on many factors. These factors
include general climate conditions (such as normal precipitation,
humidity, etc.) and location in your yard (with regard to direct
sun expo sure, foliage coverage, etc.). If your fence is built using
pressure-treated lumber, it is im portant to note that the pressure
treatment does not increase the likelihood that your fence will
develop these natural defects to any greater degree than the
same material left untreated. These weather-related defects are
beyond the control of the pressure treatment process.
NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOD
We cannot control the occurrence of the natural characteristics
of the wood, which may include raised grain, splitting, warping,
shrinking, swelling or twisting. Continuous water absorption and
water loss in the wood used for your fence will cause its natural
defects to surface. A well-maintained fence will still experience
some of these natural defects. However, the ex tent can be
significantly reduced through a maintenance plan.
To effectively combat these maintenance con cerns, it will be up
to you to follow a preventative maintenance plan.
Your initial maintenance plan should be determined by water
absorption and loss, mildew growth and UV discoloration.
• First-year maintenance: Reapply cleaner/brightener as
described in initial maintenance, and as called for by the finish
of your choice (paint, stain or waterproofing sealer).
• Future periodic preventative maintenance: Depending on the
location of your fence with regard to direct sun exposure,
foliage, coverage, etc., it may be sufficient to clean/brighten
and recoat every two years. A power washer may be necessary
to properly clean your fence.
Gate installation
Finishing your fence
• Determine the swing direction of the gate (left or right-hand open).
• Mount hinge hardware to gate frame at the proper height,
pre-drilling all screw holes.
• Mount gate to gate post, pre-drilling all screw holes.
• Check for full gate swing clearance
• Mount latch hardware, pre-drilling all screw holes.
Applying a protective finish is recommended to prolong the life
of your fence. The type of finish will be determined by the look
desired, as well as the species of wood used. There are three
options in finishing treatments: stain, paint and waterproofing
sealer. Clean your fence with a cleaner/brightener that contains a
mildewcide, prior to applying your finish.
• Stain provides a durable finish coat while maintaining the natural
look of wood. A semitransparent stain is recommended for new
fences; it gives an even appearance and hint of color while allowing
the grain to show through.
• Paint adds color as it protects and seals the fence. The color can
easily be coordinated with your home. Clean, dry and prime with
oil-based primer prior to painting the fence. A durable exterior latex
paint is recommended.
• Waterproofing sealer is best for woods that are not naturally
resistant to decay and exposure to weather. The sealer helps
prevent rain and moisture from soaking into the wood. Add a
UV stabilizer to slow the discoloration process.