Alpa Vinyl Fencing

SAFETY — Wearing safety glasses when cutting is required when using any power tools. Wear gloves to avoid cuts or scrapes when handling individual components. Use proper lifting procedures when handling any product or packaged product. Follow proper operating procedures for all tools, ladders, and equipment. Always call for ground locates before digging — Call Before You Dig.

CHECK LOCAL BY-LAWS — Always check local by-laws before starting any fencing project. Fences and posts must not be installed contrary to local building codes and by-laws. Privacy fence screens installed on balconies must not be used as guard rails — they are not considered structural. If installing as a privacy screen on any end of a deck above 23-5/8" from grade, use the Alpa Structural Railing as a guard rail in front of the privacy screen. See the Alpa Structural Railing Installation Guide or call Alpa Outdoor Products technical support for further inquiries.

TOOLS REQUIRED — Power drill with #2 type A bit (4" length or longer); 3/8" × 4" concrete bit (for Wedge-All concrete anchor applications); 1/8" × 6" wood bit (for lag screw applications); measuring tape; 3' to 4' level and carpenter's square; chop saw (10" blade, 60 teeth recommended); skill saw (hand held); ground auger; wheelbarrow (if using ground auger); shovel (if using ground auger or mixing cement); safety glasses and gloves.

POST INSTALLATION — Three options: (A) Steel pipe — drive steel pipe into ground 4 feet or below frost zone using a post pounding machine; mainly for professional contractors. (B) 4×4 pressure-treated lumber in concrete — traditional method; accuracy in post spacing and plumb alignment is critical. (C) Sono-Tube/Concrete with steel post insert (recommended) — allows tolerances in post placement; the steel post insert and base plate can move slightly to achieve correct spacing and alignment; best option for wood decks and concrete balconies. For wood substructures (Option C): use 4 × 3/8" × 6.0" zinc-plated hex-head lag screws with washers; pilot holes at 60–70% of lag shank depth. For concrete: use 4 × Wedge-All 3/8" × 3-3/4" fasteners with washers, torqued to 30 ft/lbs; minimum 3" embedment depth and minimum 3" from any edge.

MOUNTING BRACKETS TO POST — Option 1 (Vinyl U-Mount Bracket — all styles): determine desired fence height and mark a level line on the post; set height to allow a minimum 2" to 3" gap above grade; fasten U-Mount Bracket to post using 2" colour-matched screws, 2 screws per connection, typical 12" O.C. spacing. Option 2 (Alpa Metal Hanger — full-privacy styles Cape Cod, Carriage, and Carrington only): mark the centre line of the post and the desired fence top height; mark the post 1/8" above that height (top of hanger position); align and fasten the left and right hangers to the post; fasten Vinyl End Strip-F centred on post with screw port side onto post. Allow ¼" extra space between posts when using the hanger option.

INSTALLING FENCE PANELS — Option 1 (U-Mount Bracket): attach a U-Mount Bracket flush to the top of the fence panel on the side opposite to the post, slide the panel into the bracket already on the post, slide the panel between posts for a snug fit, level the top of the fence, and fasten brackets to post with 2" screws and to fence panel with ¾" screws. If using the optional Metal U-Fence Stiffener, slide it into the fence panel crossbar (top or bottom) before connecting to posts — applies to both Option 1 and Option 2. Option 2 (Alpa Hanger): lift the full panel and place it in the seat of the hangers; fold the hangers to the face of the fence crossbars and fasten with ¾" colour screws; fit Vinyl End Strip-M in line with Vinyl End Strip-F and pressure snap into place so both sides fit snug against the fence panel board. Stagger fence panel height to grade as needed to avoid large gaps between the bottom of the panel and the ground.

GATE INSTALLATION — Required clear opening between posts = gate width + 1¼" (example: 39" standard gate requires 40¼" clear opening). Reverse door swing is optional. It is recommended to have the post and hinge connection set to a non-movable structural support. For brick wall connections: use 39" steel post inserts; rip out the back of the vinyl 4×4 post sleeve 2¼" at centre to allow the sleeve to slide over the wall-mounted steel post; fasten with a minimum 3/8" × 3" anchor bolt and washer. For siding or stucco walls: consult your supplier or Alpa Outdoor Products technical support — ensure the steel post inserts can be attached to the building structure itself, not only to the facing finish of the wall.

POST CAP INSTALLATION — Place the vinyl post cap over the top of each post. Optional: run a bead of silicone on the inside under the cap and push down over the post for a more secure fit.

MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY — This is a maintenance-free product made of weatherable vinyl and does not need to be painted. PAINTING THE PRODUCT WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. The fence panels have been tested for wind resistance and blowout under uniform loads. Failure to follow the installation instructions set forth in this guide may result in deficiencies in the final assembly and will VOID the warranty.