What are Aluminum Fence Panels?

Aluminum fence panels consist of the fence's channels and pickets, which are screwed together. An aluminum fence panel is that part of the aluminum fence that is suspended between posts.

If your property sits on sloping terrain, a different method of installation needs to be employed. This gradient affects the type of posts that should be used, and whether they have been pre-routed to take in rails.

A line post typically has pre-routed holes on sides opposite to one another, and these holes must be lined up in order so that the aluminum fence panels would be perfectly aligned on installation. This method works without a hitch for level ground; however, an uneven terrain would call for "raking." Raking refers to the process of shifting the aluminum fence panels out of the square to conform to the irregular topography.

How to Deal with Inclined Terrain

Ornamental aluminum fence panels can only be "raked" by approximately twelve inches over a six-foot-wide panel. A few models may rake more or less than this amount, while still other styles cannot be raked at all.

To keep a uniform space under the aluminum fence, raking seems to be the preferred method. This process helps keep family pets inside the territory. If the gradient happens to be steeper or the fence style cannot be raked, "stair stepping," or setting the aluminum fence panels at different levels, is necessary. For this method, you must order end posts instead of the usual line posts, as the second set of routed holes should be lower or higher than the first set per post. The second set of holes should be installed according to the desired offset. Similarly, this same principle would apply to a corner post, if a "stair step" must be constructed at the corner.

How to Install Aluminum Fence Panels

Aluminum fence panel installation may not be as difficult as you think. Aluminum fence panels are constructed with aluminum, galvanized, or stainless steel nails or screws. They should also be installed on treated steel posts or fence posts, which have been previously set in concrete footers. Local building practices should dictate the diameter and depth of the concrete footers and postholes. Research about the frost level in your area to be able to determine the ideal depth of footer for your fence.

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