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WARNING!
If filling 2 adjacent posts with concrete, a drain
MUST be drilled in bottom rail (through all
internal ribs & stiffener) to let water out of rail.
Failure to do this will result in the bottom rail
being damaged by freezing water in the winter.
When mixing concrete for gate posts it is
important to get a good consistency, too thick
and the concrete will not form properly as it is
rocky and doesn’t fill into the post properly, too
soupy and the concrete will run down the rails
and not be strong enough as the concrete is
diluted with water (many put tape on the end of
the rails that insert into gate posts to prevent the
concrete from flowing back into the rail).
Once you have the right consistency, pour the
concrete inside the post and fill the post with
concrete. Typically installers use a large cup or
funnel. Concrete will likely spill down the side of
the post during this stage of the installation.
Concrete can be wiped off easily if done before
the concrete is allowed to cure. Typically we let
the concrete dry a little on the outside of the post
as we have found it wipes off easier with a dry
cloth. If the concrete is on the vinyl for extended
period the concrete can be difficult to remove.
When concrete is wet and with the help of a little
water the concrete will wipe off with a cloth or a
sponge.
Let the concrete in the post cure prior to hanging
the gate. Cure time varies from geographic
location and time of year. During summer
months in most locations, this can be the next
day. During winter months we have seen this
time vary from 1-4 days.
Alternative concrete products may be used such
as quick curing concrete to speed up this
process. Another option is to use a metal
stiffener inside of the gate post in lieu of
concrete. We have these available and can see
them as requested.
Once the concrete has cured, the gate can be
attached to the hardware by adjusting the hinges
to the desired gate width and holding or blocking
the gate up at the desired height and screwing
the hinges to the gate. (See Figure 8.14)
Secure the hinges to the gate with the provided
screws and adjust the hinges to make sure the
gaps on both sides of the gate are equal and the
gate is level and swinging properly.
Attach the latch to the gate. The latch pin should
fit loose into the latch.
Secure Caps:
Glue caps onto top of post with PVC glue,
making sure not to spill or drip glue onto the
fence, as certain glues will sometimes yellow.
Enjoy your fence; see maintenance instructions
as to proper maintenance care for your vinyl
fence.
