FAQs Page
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite combines wood fibers with polymers, so it won’t rot, splinter, or need painting/staining like wood. When installed per the guide, manufacturers warrant material performance for decades.
Properly installed systems are built for decades of service; many brands back materials with long warranties (often ~20–25 years). Always check your product’s specific warranty.
Quality composite is engineered to resist warping and fading, provided installation follows the guide (correct fasteners, spacing, and support).
Yes. You can step panels (stair-step look) or rack/follow grade. Whichever method you use, measure post spacing horizontally (not parallel to the ground) so panels fit correctly.
FAQs
Installation Questions
Follow your system’s spec. Many composite systems use 6 ft (72 in) on center, but always confirm with your product.
Set posts below your local frost line; guidance in cold regions is to dig at least 5 in (≈125 mm) below frost depth to resist heave. A common rule of thumb is bury ⅓–½ of the above-ground post height.
On slopes you can step (keep rails level; posts step up/down) or rack (rails follow grade). When laying out, measure horizontal spacing and reduce spacing on steeper sections if your rail/panel length requires it.
Yes—composites expand/contract with temperature. Typical guidance is a small expansion gap at board ends (e.g., ~¼ in inside aluminum channels) or ~2–5 mm between boards depending on the system and climate. Check your brand’s spec.
Depends on mix and weather:
Standard concrete: wait ~24 hours before loading posts.
Fast-setting mixes: initial set in 20–40 min, but allow several hours before applying load.
Always follow your bag’s data sheet and local conditions.
Place gravel at the hole bottom for drainage and slope finished concrete away from the post so water sheds—key for long-term stability
Yes—use rated base plates/anchors on solid concrete and follow the hardware manufacturer’s load and edge-distance specs. (If you’re mixing surface-mount with in-ground posts, keep panel spans per spec and brace gates well.) General practice; confirm with your system’s guide.
Often yes. Many municipalities require a fence permit, and you (or your contractor) should call the local utility-marking service before digging so underground lines are flagged.
