Natures Composites Modern Horizontal Privacy Perimeter Fence Installation Guide

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Natures Composites Modern Horizontal Privacy Perimeter Fence. The fence is designed for durability and aesthetic appeal, offering a sustainable outdoor living solution.

Product Specifications:

• Nominal Size: 3.5 ft. Height x 6 ft. Width (39 in. x 69 in.)

For more information, visit www.naturescomposites.com or call (307) 338-2608.

Components

Before You Begin

Verify Underground Utilities

Use 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 property boundaries to avoid encroachment and comply with legal requirements.
2. Consult Local Building Codes: Review local codes and obtain necessary permits before starting installation.
3. Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment: Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and work boots.

Tools Required

Tools for Preparing the Fence and Post Burial:

• Tape Measure
• Post Hole Digger & Shovel
• Post Bubble Level (for 90-degree alignment)
• Level and String Line
• Wheelbarrow
• Stakes or Markers
• Torx T20 Bit (for composite screws)

A power tool is recommended for fastener installation.

Fence Location

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

Gate Spacing: For a gate, use two NC 5x5 Commercial Posts. Space them 58" apart (outside to outside). For added strength, insert a 4x4 treated wood post inside each composite post.

Understanding Your U-Posts

The NC patented Universal Post System uses a single, versatile U-channel post for all configurations, simplifying ordering and installation. Each NC panel system includes two U-channel posts with features for smooth installation:

• Board Stop: A pre-installed board stop on each post maintains correct spacing between boards and aligns the last board for Top Cap installation.
• Grooves at the Top: Posts have grooves to accommodate the Top Cable Assembly.

Ground Clearance:

• 2" Ground Clearance
• 3.5" Ground Clearance

Surface Mounting vs. Burial:

Fences are engineered for maximum stability when buried. If in-ground installation isn't possible, posts can be surface-mounted using common bracket systems. For surface mounting, consider using RPBZ ZMAX Galvanized Retrofit Post Bases or NC Commercial-Grade Posts with E-Z Base Black Powder-Coated Post Bases. Inserting a 4x4 pressure-treated wood post inside the bracket and composite post enhances stability. Securing the fence to an adjacent structure also helps minimize movement. Note: Surface mounts may void the warranty for structural issues.

Painting: Painting is not advisable. Natures Composites products come pre-finished and are designed to maintain their appearance without painting, staining, or sealing. Occasional cleaning with soap and warm water is recommended.

Prepare Your Posts

For Multiple Panel Sections:

Note: Bolt posts together before burial to ensure proper alignment and simplify installation.

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

The NC system uses a versatile U-channel post. Use the provided 5 composite screws for assembly. A Torx T20 Bit and power tool are recommended for secure assembly.

• Line Sections: Install two U-channel posts back-to-back.
• Corner Posts: Install two U-channel posts adjacent to each other, ensuring correct orientation.
• Start/End or Gate Posts: Install a single U-channel post.

Screw the Adjacent U-Channel Posts Together

For maximum stability when placing panels next to each other, screw the posts together using four #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (F).

1. Place the first screw (F) toward the top of the inside of the U-Post (A), below the siding top cap routing.
2. Place the second screw (F) toward the bottom of the U-Post (A), just above the grade line.
3. Place the other two screws evenly between the top and bottom screws.

Precise Post Spacing for Installation

NC Top Cable Solution

The NC Top Cable Fastener ensures precise post spacing during installation.

1. Precise Post Spacing During Installation:
   • The Top Cable system uses two H-type fasteners and a 69-inch cable to connect posts, ensuring correct spacing for fence panels.
   • Install the Top Cable before burial: Insert H-shaped fasteners into U-shaped post grooves. Spread posts until the cable is fully extended, keeping posts aligned and spaced at 69 inches.
2. Maintaining Post Alignment During Curing:

   Keep the Top Cable Fastener in place throughout concrete curing to maintain post alignment and spacing. The Top Cable Fastener is crucial for the free-floating board system, allowing boards to move without binding.

   • If Spacing is Too Short: Boards will not fit correctly.
   • If Spacing is Too Wide: Boards may become loose.

Post Installation

1. Dig Post Holes to the Correct Depth: Dig 12-inch diameter holes at least 25.5 inches deep for stability when burying posts 25.5 inches. This leaves 3.5 inches of clearance above ground (24") and 2 inches of clearance above ground (25.5").
2. Add Gravel for Drainage: Pour 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of each post hole for drainage and stability.
3. Set the Posts in Concrete: Monitor two critical factors:
   • Precise Post Spacing: Use the NC Top Cable Fastener to ensure posts are spaced at 69 inches. Ensure the Top Cable (D) is fully extended before pouring concrete. Keep the Top Cable (D) tensioned during curing to prevent misalignment.
   • Ground Clearance: Use the Post Depth Stick (H) to ensure correct burial depth for intended ground clearance (3.5 inches if in the bottom cavity, 2 inches if in the top cavity). Lower the post until the Post Depth Stick touches the surface. Ensure posts are at a consistent depth and aligned horizontally using a Post Bubble Level.

Board Installation

1. After concrete has set, proceed with fence board installation.
2. The Hollow Tongue and Groove Boards (B) are pre-cut to the proper post spacing.
3. Install Boards (B) with the tongue facing up and the groove facing down. Insert one end into a post channel, then rotate the other end down until it slides into the other post's channel. Push the first board down until it rests against the Board Stop Assembly (E).
4. Install subsequent boards by repeating step 3, pressing each groove onto the previous board's tongue. DO NOT USE A HAMMER to force boards into position, as this can damage the composite boards.
5. Remove the Top Cable Assembly from the posts and install it into the Top Hollow Tongue and Groove Board.
6. Install the remaining board, except the Top Board with the Top Cap Assembly.
7. Install the Top Board with the Top Cable Assembly: Rotate the Top Cable Bracket perpendicular to the board. Slide the board with the cable assembly down the U-Channel Post until the bracket aligns with the routed space. Continue pressing the Top Board down until its groove engages the previous board's tongue.

Top Cap Install

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

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

Adjusting Fence Length

The composite fence can be cut like wood using standard wood-cutting tools. To adjust length:

1. Remove the bottom cable by cutting it at the board stop.
2. Cut the panel to the desired length.
3. Adjust the Top Cable Assembly: Cut the top cable to the desired length. Remove and replace the top cable bracket.
4. Reattach the shortened cable using an aluminum ferrule and stop set, crimping it with a hammer. This maintains proper spacing and stability.