Driving Steel Posts? Right for You?

There is a new approach with which some fence companies are experimenting.  It involves installing fences on small steel posts that are driven into the ground.  It effectively eliminates the standard concrete footing and is fast and cheap, but homeowners may be surprised to learn the consequences of this short-sighted method.

The image on the left shows a steel post inserted into the ground and then a PVC post sleeved over the top (other fence products may be installed similarly).  The image on the right shows the leaning fence after just a few years.  The benefits of this method are heavily weighted in favor of the contractor: it is faster, cheaper and has easy clean-up.  But homeowners will be left with an unsightly structure that will have this problem year after year.  

The long term consequences of driving steel posts are substantial: 

• the posts can become loose, wobble and lean 
• the steel posts are undersized to support a normal lateral load (like wind)
• not suitable for rocky, sandy or loose soil 
• not suitable for wet ground conditions
• not recommended by any fence manufacturers 
• not specified in fence manufacturers installation manuals
• may not be covered under warranty

Concrete set posts, on the other hand, are a tried and true method of installing fences in MN.  Some advantages are:

• Provides more strength and stability
• Keeps the fence plumb and straight due to the heavy base in the ground
• Prevents lateral movement and wobble
• Greater wind load capacity
• This is the industry standard and practiced throughout the country
• Preferred method of fence manufacturers
• Proven to withstand Minnesota weather
• Suitable for all soil types
• More predictable performance that homeowners and contractors can rely on 

Experimental methods are a good value if they satisfy short term and long term needs.  As shown above, the driven post method is a risky approach and can lead to problems for which homeowners are not prepared and can't afford. 

For more information and to sign up for a free estimate, go to Midwest Fence

Thanks for reading,

FenceManDan

DuraCedar Posts Last Longer

Don't let this happen to you!  Post failure means fence failure, and post replacement in older fences can be expensive and sometimes not worth the effort.  



Midwest is the only company in the Twin Cities that is taking proactive steps to achieve better results. We expect our posts to last 50% longer than standard.  We are the exclusive dealer of the DuraCedar© Posts.  These posts have built-in protection to resist post decay and rotting.   Your new fence will last longer with these posts!

Thanks to a new natural wood preservative and other strategic installation techniques Midwest can provide the best value for all of our cedar customers. It is the smart choice for a great look and better performance. Ask for DuraCedar© today!

As always- Free Estimates and no obligation.

Thanks for reading,
FenceManDan
651-451-2222

Midwest Fence website