How to Build a Fence for Hurricane Winds

Locate exactly where the fence will be constructed. Measure and record each side of the fence. Draw a schematic map to represent the fence. Include the recorded measurements.

Bring your map to a fencing supply store that sells chain link fencing materials. Show a sales associate the representative map and ask for a complete materials list and price. Pay for the materials and arrange a scheduled delivery.

Take measurements to determine where the posts will be installed. Tie a string line between two stakes that represents a straight line exactly where each face of the fence will be located. Using a tape measure and marking paint, spray a mark every 8 feet for shorter fences. The spacing between posts for longer fences can be up to 10 feet. These marks will become post holes for both terminal and line posts.

Dig the post holes for the terminal posts at each mark using post hole diggers. Holes must be 22- to 28-inches deep. The diameter of each hole must be 10 inches wide at the top and 12 inches wide at the bottom.

Set the terminal posts. Measure and mark each terminal post at 62 inches with a crayon. Mix each bag of concrete in a wheelbarrow with water. Mix the concrete with a mason's hoe. Place the terminal post in the hole perfectly level using the line level while barely touch the string line. Pour the concrete in the hole around each post until the hole is full. Make sure the crayon marking on the terminal post is flush with the top of the concrete. Test and correct the post to make sure it is still perfectly vertical and barely touching the string line. Allow the concrete to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Draw a string line between the terminal posts for each face of the fence. Make sure the string is tight and tied 4 inches below the top of each terminal post. The second string line should be used as a guide for setting the height of each line post.

Dig the post holes for the line posts at each sprayed mark on the ground. Holes must be 18- to 22-inches deep. The diameter of each hole must be 8 inches wide at the top and 10 inches wide at the bottom.

Set the line posts in concrete in the same manner as the terminal posts. Make sure each line post is level and barely touching each string line. Both string lines serve as a guide for keeping the line posts straight and ensuring an appropriate and consistent height above the ground between the terminal posts.

Slip one brace band and three tension bands on each terminal post.

Place one post cap on top of each terminal post.

Attach the top rail. Place an eye loop on top of each line post. Slide and connect the top rail sections through each eye loop along each face of the fence over the line posts. Connect the ends of the rail to the terminal posts with end rail caps. Using a reciprocating saw, cut any excess top rail. Each rail end cap is secured to the terminal post by a brace band tightened with a carriage bolt and nut.

Roll out and lay the fabric along the fence line. Insert a tension bar through the last link of the fabric on one side of the fabric. Stand the fabric up and lean it against the fence. Loosely tie the fabric to the top rail with tie wires. Secure the tension bar to the tension bands using carriage bolts and nuts. Make sure the head of the bolt faces outside of the fence.

Stretch and fasten the fabric to the unsecured opposite end of each face of the fence. Insert an extra tension bar into the fabric 3 feet from the unsecured end. Hook a fence stretcher to the extra tension bar. Using a come-along between the fence stretcher and the terminal post, stretch the fabric until it's tight enough to barely squeeze the links together with your hand. Insert a final tension bar to the end of the fabric and fasten to the second terminal post. Cut away any excess fabric.

Tie the tightened fabric to the top railing and line posts every 12 inches before removing the fence stretcher and come-along.