Fence Installation & Materials Flashcards

What is the purpose of a tension wire at the bottom of a chain-link fence installation?

Answer: To keep the fabric from sagging or being pushed up

A bottom tension wire ties the fabric to line posts at the base, preventing animals from pushing under or wind from lifting the fabric.

Which standard governs the minimum grade and use classification for pressure-treated lumber used in residential fencing?

Answer: AWPA U1

AWPA (American Wood Protection Association) Standard U1 specifies use categories and minimum preservative retention for treated wood products.

A customer wants maximum privacy with a wood fence but the HOA limits fence height to 6 feet. What design modification best enhances privacy while staying within limits?

Answer: Install boards with no gap between them (shadowbox)

A shadowbox (board-on-board) design with alternating boards on both sides of the rail provides 100% sight-line blockage with no gaps.

What is 'kerfing' in the context of wood fence installation on a curved path?

Answer: Making partial cuts across boards to allow them to bend around curves

Kerfing involves making a series of shallow parallel cuts on the back face of a board so it can flex and follow a curved fence line.

Which fence material has the highest initial installed cost but the lowest lifetime maintenance cost?

Answer: Vinyl (PVC)

Vinyl fencing requires no staining, painting, or rot treatment and resists insects, making its lifetime maintenance cost significantly lower than wood or metal options.

During a chain-link installation, the knuckle end of the fabric should face which direction?

Answer: Upward at the top of the fence

The knuckled (folded-back) edge is always placed at the top to prevent sharp wire ends from being exposed as a safety hazard.

What is the recommended concrete mix ratio (by volume) for setting fence posts?

Answer: 1:2:3 (cement:sand:gravel)

A 1:2:3 mix (one part cement, two parts sand, three parts gravel) produces approximately 3,000 PSI concrete suitable for fence post footings.