Concrete Footings - Our Advantage

Why is my fence starting to lean?  Why is the top sight line shifting further out of level?  Why are some fence posts pushing upwards out of the ground?  The answer to any one of these questions is that your fence installer chose to cut corners on setting the posts.  Unfortunately this practice is all too common in the industry, and such structural problems only tend to surface themselves well after installer warranty periods have run out.

With our harsh winters, fence posts should NEVER be set in anything less than 4ft+ of solid concrete.  Various modern-day engineered solutions use stake-in systems that are touted to "work better" than conventional concrete-- this is simply not the case, attaching posts firmly above the frost line subjects them to routine shifting.  Numerous seasoned installers may also insist that 36" or 42" is more than adequate-- again this is a false claim, creating a plunger that pushes upwards every time the temperatures drop below zero. Local code for minimum footing types and depths vary from city to city-- however we note that 4ft of solid concrete is the only one that meets ALL jurisdictions requirements (for a reason, it simply is the only one proven to last in our climate).

But why would so many of the area's largest installers insist on these inferior installation methods, risking failures down the line?  It all comes down to the fact that setting posts properly comprises the majority of a contractor's labor cost, thus provides the biggest opportunity for savings in this highly-competitive market, in which most clients seek multiple bids and in the end, typically side with the professional with the lowest cost.

How using 48"+ deep solid concrete footings make for superior fence installations:

• Stability: Concrete footings provide rigidity & prevent fences from shifting or sinking over time. 
• Weather resistance: Concrete footings set to a depth of 48" or more prevent the ground from freezing beneath during extremely cold weather, causing frost heave and the gradual movement of posts over time. 
  
• Rot resistance: Concrete footings are more resistant to rot and decay by encapsulating wooden posts beneath the ground, isolating them from the wet soil. 

Fence post reinforcement is more than just a technical detail, it’s the foundation of a fence that stands strong against time and the elements. As you step back to admire your fence, take pride in the fact that your investment in proper reinforcement has paid off, as a solid foundation is the cornerstone of any enduring and impressive structure.

Here at 414 Fence, we seek out savvy customers who value a quality installation first, thus instead of engaging in the losing battle of lowest-cost, we choose to educate potential clients on the design differences that set our work apart and provide them with more in the end.