Very often you can see fences that eventually began to sag, twisted or even fell. As a rule, there is only one reason - there is no foundation for the fence, which is very important, because. this is a building structure that needs a reliable and durable foundation.
The role of the foundation
Why do we need a foundation for a fence? After all, you can simply dig the pillars into the ground and not perform such laborious work that accompanies the arrangement of the foundation. Yes this is true. But the foundation is the strongest foundation that will help any structure, including the fence, stand for many years. Aesthetics is also important. All fences that are mounted on a solid foundation look much nicer. Another advantage that gives the foundation for the fence is the protection of the site from external melt water. Thanks to such a fence, the site and everything that is located on it will be protected from harmful effects even in the spring snowmelt.
How to make a foundation for a fence with your own hands
It is necessary to start this event with planning and marking. The first step is to mark the territory. To do this, first, corner beacons are set around the perimeter of the site in the form of pegs or something similar. Then you need to pull a rope or fishing line between them. It will not be superfluous to reconcile the measured territory with the cadastral plan for the land in order to prevent a mistake in your direction or to avoid subsequent proceedings due to encroachments on someone else's or public area.
Next, we proceed to earthworks. Along the exposed markings, it is necessary to dig a trench. What should be its depth and width? It all depends on the type of fence you are going to build. If you will make a foundation for a corrugated fence, then it makes no sense to fence a powerful option, because. such a fence is quite light, which means that the load on the foundation will be small. Another thing is when the plans are to build a massive fence, for example, brick or stone in the English style. Then an easy option is clearly not enough, in this case it will be necessary to build an impressive foundation for the future structure. So, we dig a trench that will be optimal for the future fence.
When the trench is ready, you should make a sand cushion. To do this, sand 15 centimeters thick is poured into the ditch, after which it is carefully compacted. If there is no special tool available, then you can compact the sand using an ordinary chock, to which nails orhandles from ordinary bars 5x5 are screwed with self-tapping screws.
Next, you need to make a reinforcing mesh, more precisely, to tie. The process is carried out using ordinary copper wire.
Next, you need to make the formwork. It can be made from any suitable material. To save money, you can use the slab, which is given away for free at many sawmills. Most often, the formwork is made from edged boards, then a fairly even foundation is obtained, and the price of the formwork is not too high. But for those who want to get a perfectly flat surface, you can use plywood for formwork.
The final chord is left - this is the filling. The ideal option would be when it is performed at a time, then the result will be a reliable monolithic slab.
That's it. The foundation for the fence is almost ready, it remains only to let it dry and gain strength, after which you can proceed with the further construction of the fence.
