I put up a fence last year.I dug the holes, put down gravel and used concrete, however because of the soil, I could only get down a max of 3' is most spots, averaging around 2.5' down per hole. I realize that 4' is best for the frost line here but after that 2.5' to 3' mark I was hitting rock hard clay that a jack hammer and power auger wasn't even touching.
This part of my lawn does have relatively poor drainage. It's sloped but the combination of my neighbours yards sloping into to creates a fairly wet corner where 3 of my posts sit. How can I fix this so my posts will no longer lean? I am open to digging it back up but not sure I can get down far enough with the clay to make a difference.
My 2 thoughts were to dig it up and try and taper the hole out like a big foot for a deck would, or potentially take some long rebar and drive that down into the clay a couple of extra feet (if possible) and reset the post in concrete with the rebar. I am completely open to any ideas because I do not want my new fence to keep leaning and I have to fix it year after year
depending on the slop you will have to dig deeper and use more concrete or it will still come over.
You have to go down 4'.
Or the problem will repeat.
Bring in a large two man auger if you cant get a unit on a machine in. And really work it. If its clay you will get through it.
Hope it works out for you.
You simply have to get the posts down 4'.
Two man auger or hire pros.
If you don't not only will the post lean, but the frost will force the post up (frost heaving) and now your fence will go up and down over its entire length.
This happens often, and is a great "tell" about the man who did the work.
Andrew
www W.PARTEX.ca
Thanks for all the replies.
I actually had a 2 man auger and just could not get down far enough. I thought with the slightly more moderate climate where I am, 3' would be enough but obviously not. I actually wanted 4' but after 14 hours of digging, my friend and I were exhausted.
I'm getting pro's to come into to dig the back part of the fence so I'll get them to fix up the short ones I did and make sure they get down to 4'.
Appreciate all the help!
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