Construction worker and steel bars

Many choose to have professional help when installing their precast concrete fences. It can be an intensive project, and the professionals will likely be able to do it quicker and with fewer headaches. However, if you have the basic skills, it’s not impossible to do it on your own. Here is the best way to install your precast concrete fence.

Planning

Your project needs to start with a planning phase to help it go smoothly. Often this will start out working with the precast concrete fence manufacturer even if they aren’t doing the installation. You will need to decide where the fence will go and map/measure out the fence line. Go over this plan with the manufacturer, and they should help point out any flaws with the project. 

You will need to send over your plans and any other documents to the permitting department and start the process for applying for a permit. Sending over the plans should be done at the same time as your discussions with the manufacturer. Every planning department will have requirements that could change the design of your fence. You will also need to make sure your crew and equipment are all reserved.

Develop your Base

Once you have your permit in hand and your crew and equipment ready, it’s time to start prepping the area. You will want to level out the ground along the fence line. Double-check that everything looks good before the fencing is onsite.

Fence Footings

The fence footings are the support that the rest of the wall will depend on, so they need to be installed well. Drill down holes at a depth and spacing determined by your precast concrete wall manufacturer. Place each footing in the hole and backfill with concrete.

Install Wall Sections

Install the wall sections one at a time. Line up the first section with the supports and attach the wall segment. Once the panel is secure, the rigging used to place the panel can safely be removed. Move onto the next panel and make sure each one lines up nicely with the panel before it. Once all the wall sections have been secured, place the concrete cap over each section to hide the supports. The wall is now complete!

While this installation work is doable, it’s likely one of those projects that are best left to the professionals. The consequences of installation mistakes are big – maybe piles of the broken concrete wall. But sometimes, for financial reasons or other reasons, you have no choice to install it yourself. Here are some last few tips to help.

  1. Find a decent sized crew. This is the time to call in all the favors. While it only takes a few people to install the panels, having a good size crew will help make sure everyone can take decent breaks and isn’t working too hard. This is a big job.
  2. Don’t cut corners on equipment. Beg, borrow, do what you must to get any equipment you need. Not having what you need can make the job impossible.
  3. Talk to the precast concrete manufacturer about hanging out on one of their other jobs. Observe them and get a good idea of how the process goes. If they are trying to win your business, they might be open to the idea. You can pick up some tips to make things more comfortable too.

If you are ready to get started with your precast fence, be sure to contact American Precast Concrete, Inc., today. You can find the materials on our website and if you decide to go with professional installment, American Precast Concrete Inc. can help you find some!