Knowledge Builders

can you build a fence on top of a retaining wall

by Prof. Kip Leffler II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fences can be added in front, behind, or on top of a retaining wall. In most cases, retaining walls do not provide much security. Adding a fence allows you to enjoy the look of the wall and the safety provided by the fence.Sep 11, 2021

How to install a wood fence on a retaining wall?

  • Use a taut string and stakes or a snapped chalk line to help you create a straight line.
  • If you need to extend your wall with another post to create the final 3 feet (0.91 m) then do so.
  • Space your posts 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm) apart for load-bearing walls, which are walls that support something aside from their own weight such as a roof.

How to install chain link fence next to retaining wall?

  • Lay the chain link mesh on the ground outside the fence.
  • Weave the tension bar through the links at the end of the mesh.
  • The bar makes the end of the fence rigid and provides something to attach to the posts.

How to attach fence posts to a wooden retaining wall?

  • Check posts for level and plumb before nailing.
  • Use the 4 pound sledge to hammer 60d wall tie nails through the top of the post into the course below.
  • Install the wall tie nails every 16 inches.
  • Install full length posts to complete the course cutting only the end post.

How to attach a fence panel to a wall?

  • We placed our adhesive on the back of the boards in a long, wavy S pattern.
  • Firm even pressure and a little wiggle as you push it onto the wall should do the trick.
  • If you can, use a nail gun to further anchor your boards to the wall.
  • Place your spacers.

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Can I attach a fence to a retaining wall?

A retaining wall can be a solid foundation for a fence. If you're using stone or concrete, the fence can usually be bolted right to the top of the wall. In the case of poured concrete, you can install the fence posts in the wall as you pour the concrete. This is a very strong way to do it.

How do you build a fence on a concrete retaining wall?

0:041:14How to Build a Fence on a Concrete Block Retaining Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSleeves should be at least one inch larger in radius than the fence posts. To allow for mortar orMoreSleeves should be at least one inch larger in radius than the fence posts. To allow for mortar or grout if the fence is at least three feet behind the wall generally.

Can you put a fence on top of concrete?

When installing a fence on an existing concrete pad, some fence installers prefer to core drill through the concrete and set posts the traditional way – embedded in concrete underground. Using a rented core drill, you can drill a hole through your concrete slab for each fence post.

Do you need a fence around a retaining wall?

Retaining walls are built where you need to “retain” an area of soil that is at a higher elevation than the protected area below. Sometimes after building a retaining wall. Property owners need to build a fence on top of the wall as a safety or security measure.

What do you do with Gap between fence and retaining wall?

The first thing to know here is that You should fill up the gap between the fence and the retaining wall. Also, if left unfilled, it should not be more than 10mm as it can cause waterlogging or even other damage. After clearing the debris, you can fill epoxy in the gap, which is simple.

How do you install a fence on top of a brick wall?

0:007:03Install a Fence On a Wall | The EASY Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese are thunderbolts or masonry screws 150 mil bolts m10s now you all you have to do to use theseMoreThese are thunderbolts or masonry screws 150 mil bolts m10s now you all you have to do to use these is pilot hole through into the concrete.

How do you build a wood fence on a concrete slab?

0:361:37How to Install a Fence on Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see them - right there - right there and I used a rotary hammer to drill holes into theMoreYou can see them - right there - right there and I used a rotary hammer to drill holes into the concrete. And then insert the posts install the posts.

How do you attach a wood fence to a concrete post?

1:344:29Attach Wood to a Concrete Post (SUPER STRONG HOLD!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are a few ways to do this but i find the easiest and the strongest. Way is to just use masonryMoreThere are a few ways to do this but i find the easiest and the strongest. Way is to just use masonry screws i'm using a torx. Head high strength masonry screw seven millimeter by ninety millimeter.

Should pressure treated fence posts be set in concrete?

At Hercules Fence, we hear the same questions over and over, perhaps none more than “Should my Fence Posts be set in Concrete?” The simple answer is yes. It doesn't matter if it is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a professional installation, wood fence or vinyl fence, your fence posts should be set in concrete.

How close to a retaining wall can I build?

As far as the distance between the retaining wall and your house foundation is concerned, the general rule seems to be that the further away it is, the better. A geotechnical expert said that the setback could be anywhere between 3' and 15'. This will depend on the building codes in a given area.

How far down does a retaining wall go?

about 4 to 6 inchesThe trench should be deep enough to bury at least half the height of your first course of blocks as they sit on a 2- to 3-inch base of gravel. Depending on the size of your blocks, this depth will be about 4 to 6 inches. The trench should be twice as wide as a single block.

How deep is a retaining wall?

The general rule of thumb is to bury about one-eighth of the height of the wall. For example, if your wall will be three feet (36 inches) tall, the first course of blocks should start five inches below soil level. The gravel base should start three inches below this.

How do you install a wooden fence on concrete?

0:311:30How to Install a Fence Post onto Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMark for drilling holes with a pencil or a quick blast of the drill. Remove the base and then drillMoreMark for drilling holes with a pencil or a quick blast of the drill. Remove the base and then drill into the concrete using a hammer drill. And masonry drill bits.

How do you build a fence on a concrete slab?

Building a fence on a concrete slab is easy....Step 1: Stretch a Chalk Line Across the Slab. ... Step 2: Draw a Perpendicular Line. ... Step 3: Mark the Screw Hole Position. ... Step 4: Drill Holes. ... Step 5: Drive a Screw Into the Hole. ... Step 6: Bore Bolt Holes to the Fence. ... Step 7: Bolt Remaining Posts.

How do you attach a wood fence to a block wall?

0:168:29Build a privacy fence on top of a block wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'm going to drill all those out first before I cut any wood. Since these blocks are five and aMoreAnd I'm going to drill all those out first before I cut any wood. Since these blocks are five and a half inches wide I made a mark here on my speed square at 2 and 3/4. So I'm going to mark 2.

How do you install chain link fence on top of concrete?

Most chain link posts can be installed by actually pouring the cement in the hole first and then 'sticking' the post in the wet cement. Simply push the post into the cement mix in the center of the hole. Set terminal posts as tight to the string as possible without touching the string.

When Is It Necessary To Build A Fence On Top Of A Retaining Wall?

There are a few reasons why you should construct a fence on top of your retaining wall. We’ve already discussed security and privacy. Another reason you might want a fence on top of your wall is to give your landscape a unique aspect, add security, or provide an extra barrier for your property. Is it necessary to have a fence on top of your retaining wall in some situations?

How Close To A Retaining Wall Can I Build A Fence?

In some cases you can build a fence right up to a retaining wall. Although in most cases it’s recommend you stay a few feet off. Consult an engineer to be sure. They’ll examine the wall and tell you if the top can withstand the extra force brought on by the new fence.

Can A Fence Be Used As A Retaining Wall?

In most cases a fence should not be used as a retaining wall. Fences are not designed to withstand the lateral forces created by earth, water and soil. But, if designed and built the right way, a fence could retain a small amount of dirt using a kickboard.

How far behind a wall should a fence be installed?

The best way to install a fence in this situation is to have it installed 3 feet behind the wall block. Even fence installers will have a challenging time installing the fence directly unto the block.

What is a retaining wall?

What’s Considered A Retaining Wall? A retaining wall is a structure built from different types of materials which has the main purpose of retaining the soil behind it. Here are examples of retaining walls using Textured Easy Lock Block.

What happens if you don't notify your neighbours?

If you fail to notify your neighbours and start building your fence anyway, your neighbour will have the right to file a complaint against you. A fine of up to $10,000 may be charged.

How high should a fence be on a wall?

If your wall has a height of 200-400mm, then the fence can be built directly on top of the wall. Have your fence post pass through your wall blocks and secure them with concrete.

Do fences have to be overturned?

All fences have the ability to resist some type of load. One advice we always give to people is to remember that a fence will add additional overturning force to their wall. This means that there’s additional weight to your retaining wall since fences can be overturned by strong winds.

Can you build a fence on top of a retaining wall?

Building a fence on top or behind a retaining wall is rather easy despite how intimidating it may sound.

What is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a barrier designed to hold soil in its place behind the wall. Used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, a retaining wall can be created from several different types of materials, including poured concrete, treated timbers, stacked blocks, bricks, rocks or other materials used to create a rigid structure that holds an area of soil together.

Why do you need a fence on top of a retaining wall?

Keep in mind. That the ground level above a retaining wall and the ground level below the wall are at different elevations.

What is the height of a fence on a retaining wall?

In fact, International Building Code 1015.2 requires guards (a fence) on any retaining wall over 30″ tall. Installing a fence on top of the retaining wall can help provide a safe area above the fence.

What is a sleeve it fence?

The Sleeve-it system provides a method for installing the fence much closer to the wall.

Can you anchor fence posts to concrete?

If you have an existing poured concrete retaining wall. Then you may be able to anchor the fence posts directly to the concrete. Fencetrac fence posts are optionally available with metal base plates. These plates will have typically four holes drilled into them, where you install the anchor bolts. In this case.

Can posts be fabricated with side mounting plates?

Posts can fabricated with side mounting plates.

Can you pour concrete above a retaining wall?

You could pour concrete higher than you need it above the retaining wall to create a fall barrier. But you’d prefer to have a fence instead. Adding a fence can allow for an extra pop of color, while still providing you with safety and privacy.

Check A Local Council For Permission

Check with your local government to see if permission is required if this is your first time. It’s vital to note that the change in ground level is what’s being measured. The real height difference from the ground must be less than one meter if you wish to build a tiered retaining wall. Otherwise, you’ll need to get permission for your wall.

Ways To Build A Fence On A Retaining Wall

Fences are frequently erected on top of retaining walls. Surface mounting, face mounting, embedding a fence, and employing a post-in system are all options for adding a fence to your wall. The approach you choose may be determined by the strength of your retaining wall, the material you used to construct it, and the height of your fence.

Build A Fence Yourself

Every fence can withstand a certain amount of weight. Remember that a fence adds additional overturning force to your wall, which we always tell folks. Because heavy winds can blow over fences, adding additional weight to your retaining wall.

Final Words

You may add a fence to your retaining walls, and many people do. Fences can be built above, in front of, or behind a retaining wall. Adding a fence to your home can improve its safety, security, and privacy. If you are putting a fence on top of an existing wall, you must consider the integrity and strength of the existing wall.

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1.How To Build A Fence On Top Of A Retaining Wall (Do This!)

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Url:https://www.fencetrac.com/retaining-wall-fence/

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27 hours ago Various international building codes state that you need to have a fence on top of a retaining wall if your wall has a height of more than three and a half feet. This height requirement is stated …

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Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPcEVQfI50

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