Northern Ohio Vinyl Fence Post Frost Line

Water pipes should always be set below a frost line to prevent them from freezing in the winter.

Northern ohio vinyl fence post frost line. Typically in part to ensure that posts lodge below the frost line experts call for a hole deep enough to submerge the bottom third of the post below ground. Consider the frost line in your area. I have no clue on ohio but in maryland where we get minimal snow its 30 everything i read on line for ohio says 36 advertisement 10 21 2008 03 42 pm. When installing fence posts it is vital that you set the posts properly to prevent frost heave.

As a general rule of thumb you ll need to place at least 1 3 the height of the post in the ground. Dirt then slips in beneath the concrete. All fence posts should be cemented in the ground below frost level. This is assuming that the fence isn t installed in a swamp with a lot of wind.

It s also important that the footings for a building or a deck be well below the frost line so the posts don t shift as the ground freezes and thaws. Trick for preventing frost jacking of concrete and metal posts above the frost line. Frost heave is a condition that happens when water freezes in the soil and then the soil thaws out. For a six foot tall post therefore.

For example a 6 foot tall fence will need at least 2 feet of post in the ground. A properly set fence post avoids the possibility of frost heave. Your fencing is raised as a result. Once your footings are buried below the frost line the ground will act as a barrier to insulate the soil below the footing from freezing in the winter.

Watch the frost line the trouble begins when frost starts to heave your concrete upward using the tops of those v shaped concrete footings to grip them since the tops form a lip. Here in ohio a typical 6 high wood fence would have a minimum 9 diameter x 36 deep hole. Vinyl decks and fence. The resulting pressure literally heaves the fence posts out of the ground over time.

It s important to know the frost line depth for construction purposes. Check your local frost level and dig deeper by at least 6. The depth you are required to set your frost footings will vary from region to region across the country.