MODERN SEMI-PRIVACY HORIZONTAL FULL SIZE FENCE

INSTALLATION GUIDE

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Our products and/or processes are protected by the following patents, as well as other patents that are pending: US 11,053,707; US 12,110,703; US 12,084,880. For any further information or questions please visit www.naturescomposites.com or call us at (307) 338-2608.

COMPONENTS

*please note hardware kit is included in-between U-Posts in box

Diagram showing fence panel assembly with posts labeled A, top caps B, top cable C, post depth stick D, boards E, and spacers F. Screws G are shown connecting posts. Board stop H is also indicated.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Verify Underground Utilities

Use aids such as local building departments, utility companies, or utility location services to ensure the area is free from underground lines or hazards.

1. Locate Property Lines
   Ensure the fence is installed within your property boundaries to avoid encroachment and comply with legal requirements.
2. Consult Local Building Codes
   Review local codes to ensure the fence and gate installation meets all requirements. Obtain any necessary permits before starting the installation.
3. Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment
   Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and work boots to avoid injuries during installation.

FENCE LOCATION

1. Mark the Fence Layout: Use stakes and a string line to outline the fence location. The string helps ensure the fence remains straight during installation.
2. Locate Gate Placement: Mark the post hole locations for gate posts according to the gate installation instructions.
3. Mark Corners and Ends: Identify the locations of corner and end posts.
4. Mark Intermediate Fence Posts: Posts should be placed no wider than 69 inches (5.75 feet) between posts for each fence panel.

Diagram illustrating fence panel spacing: 69" Fence Panel, 69" Outside to Outside, with Board Stop Cable Assembly connecting posts.

TOOLS REQUIRED

Tools for Preparing the Fence and Post Burial

• Tape Measure
• Post Hole Digger & Shovel
• Post Bubble Level (for ensuring posts are vertically aligned at 90 degrees)
• Level and String Line
• Wheelbarrow
• Stakes or Markers
• Torx T20 Bit (for fastening the self-drilling composite screws provided by NC for both securing the posts and attaching the post cap)

We recommend using a power tool ? for both operations to ensure proper installation of the fasteners.

Understanding Your Posts

The NC patented Universal Post System is designed for maximum flexibility. Unlike traditional systems that require specific post types (start/end posts, line posts, and corner posts), the NC Modern system uses a single, versatile U-channel post that can be adapted for any configuration, simplifying the ordering process and providing flexibility during installation.

Each NC panel system includes two U-channel posts, designed with features for smooth installation:

• Board Stop: Each post comes with a pre-installed board stop. This helps maintain the correct spacing between boards and ensures that the last board is aligned correctly, leaving just enough room for the installation of the Top Cap.

Diagram showing a post with a board stop, indicating 2" and 3.5" ground clearance.

• Grooves at the Top: The posts have grooves at the top to accommodate the Top Cable Fastener during installation. These grooves also serve as the attachment points for the Top Cap, which finalizes the installation and gives the fence a finished look.

Diagrams showing the Top Cable and Top Cap components.

Prepare Your Posts

For Multiple Panel Sections:

• Note: When installing multiple panels, bolt the posts together before the burial process. This ensures proper alignment and simplifies installation.

Procedure for Line Sections, Corner Posts, and End/Gate Posts:

The NC system uses a patented design with a versatile U-channel post. The 5 composite screws provided should be used to assemble the posts in the desired configuration. We recommend using a Torx T20 Bit and power tool for faster, secure assembly:

• For Line Sections: Install two U-channel posts back-to-back to seamlessly connect panels.
• For Corner Posts: Install two U-channel posts adjacent to each other, ensuring correct orientation for corners.
• For Start/End or Gate Posts: Install a single U-channel post at the start, end, or gate section.

Screw the Adjacent U-Channel Posts Together

If you are placing panels next to the other, it is important to screw the posts together for maximum stability. Use the included four #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (G) to secure the U-Post (A).

1. Place the first screw (G) toward the top of the inside of the U-Post (A). Make sure it is below the siding top cap routing!
2. Place the second screw (G) toward the bottom of the U-Post (A) just above your grade line.
3. Place the other two screws evenly between the top and bottom as pictured on the right.

Diagrams illustrating different post configurations: Line Post, Corner Post, End Post. Another diagram shows screws G being used to connect U-channel posts A.

Precise Post Spacing for Installation

NC Top Cable Solution

Another patented feature of the NC system is the Top Cable Assembly (C), which ensures precise post spacing during installation.

1. Precise Post Spacing During Installation
   • The Top Cable system (C) consists of two H-type fasteners and a 69-inch cable connecting them. This ensures the precise spacing required for the fence panels to function properly.
   • Install the Top Cable before the burial process: Insert the H-shaped fasteners into the grooves of the U-shaped posts. Spread the posts apart until the cable is fully extended. This keeps the posts aligned and properly spaced during this critical stage. The posts are spaced at exactly 69 inches.
2. Maintaining Post Alignment During Curing
   The Top Cable Fastener should remain in place throughout the concrete curing process. This keeps the posts aligned and properly spaced during this critical stage.
   Note: The Top Cable Fastener is essential for maintaining the correct spacing for the free-floating board system, allowing the boards to move slightly without binding or falling out.
   
   • If Spacing is Too Short: Boards will not fit correctly between the posts.
   • If Spacing is Too Wide: Boards may become loose and potentially fall out of the channels.

Post Installation

1. Dig Post Holes to the Correct Depth
   Dig 12-inch diameter holes at least 25.5 inches deep to ensure proper stability when burying posts 25.5 inches.

Diagram showing post hole dimensions: 24" (3.5 inch clearance above ground), 25.5" (2 inch clearance above ground), 8"-12" diameter.

1. Add Gravel for Drainage
   Pour 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of each post hole to improve drainage and ensure long-term stability.
2. Set the Posts in Concrete: Two Critical Factors to Monitor
   When setting the posts in concrete, monitor two critical factors to ensure the correct installation:
   
   3.1 Precise Post Spacing:
   Use the NC Top Cable Fastener to ensure posts are spaced correctly at 69 inches. Before pouring the concrete, ensure that the Top Cable is fully extended to lock the posts in place at the correct distance, allowing proper fence panel installation. Keep the Top Cable tensioned throughout the curing process to prevent any movement or misalignment of the posts.
   
   3.2 Ground Clearance:
   Ground clearance is essential for the proper function and appearance of the fence. The NC system includes a Post Depth Stick, which provides a visual guide to ensure posts are buried to the correct depth, allowing for the intended ground clearance: If the Post Depth Stick is installed in the bottom cavity, the ground clearance will be 3 ½ inches. If installed in the top cavity, the ground clearance will be 2".

Diagrams illustrating post installation with ground clearance and the use of the Post Depth Stick (D) and Board Stop (H).

1. Maintain Proper Post Alignment and Spacing
   Keep the Base Cable Assembly taut to ensure the posts remain correctly spaced. Additionally, continue to use the Top Cable Fastener to maintain proper post alignment during the curing process.
2. Allow the Concrete to Cure
   Allow the concrete to cure for 24-48 hours before proceeding with installation.

Fence Board Installation

The NC system comes pre-assembled with a Board Stop (H), which ensures correct spacing for the boards.

1. Install Bottom Square Edge Board (E)
   • Hold the bottom board at an angle and insert one end into the U-shaped post. Rotate the other end into the opposite post.
   • Push the board down until it rests against the Board Stop Assembly.
2. Install NC Spacer with Velcro Dots
   • After you add the first board, attach two Velcro dots (J) to the unfinished side of one NC Spacer (F).
   • Position the spacers so it is properly touching the Square Edge Board (E) and secured in place within the U-channel Post (A).
   • Repeat on both sides.
3. Continue Adding Square Edge Boards and Spacers with Velcro Dots
   Repeat the process with each Square Edge 1x6 Board, using the spacers to maintain alignment.

Diagrams illustrating fence board installation with spacers and velcro dots.

1. Install the Top Cable (C) Inside the Top Cavity of the Last Board
   Before installing the last board, insert the H-shaped fasteners attached to the Top Cable (C) into the top cavity of the board. Once secured, slide the last board into place.
2. Ensure Proper Space for Top Cap Installation
   After the last board is installed, ensure a proper gap for installing the Top Cap (B).

Top Cap Installation

1. Slide the Top Cap (B) into the Top Cap Routed space on the top of the U-Channel Post (A).
2. Fasten the Top Cap (B) using one of the provided 1-5/8 Torx Composite Screws (I) with a Torx T20 Bit and power tool.
3. Repeat for both U-Channel Posts (A).

Diagrams showing the installation of the Top Cap (B) onto the U-Channel Post (A) using a screw (I).

Our products and/or processes are protected by the following patents, as well as other patents that are pending:US 11,053,707; US 12,110,703; US 12,084,880

For any further information or questions please visit www.naturescomposites.com or call us at (307) 338-2608.