B1220 - Fence erection

Operational Details
Fence erectors may specialize in agricultural, residential, commercial or industrial fencing. Agricultural fencing consists of setting wooden or metal posts, metal fencing or wire. Barbed wire fences are still erected, using hand tools such as sledge hammers, cutters, snips and fence stretchers. The wire is strung onto tamarack posts that are driven into the ground by a hammer or axe. Gates are assembled on site by the contractor. It can include drilling holes and pounding the posts into the holes, using a tractor mounted post pounder, or a pounder that is gas driven and is operated by one or two people. Wooden corrals and cattle chutes may be built from dimension lumber, or posts which are nailed to pressure treated posts that are placed in the soil. Chain link fences may be erected in agricultural or commercial applications. Steel posts are set into concrete, which is poured in each hole. Gates are usually prebuilt by the factory.

Chain link or barbed wire fencing is popular for security and safety. These fences may be built high and are used to enclose things such as; equipment, dangerous chemicals, dangerous areas, high voltage power stations, gas plants, oil refineries and wells. This type of fence is stretched or pulled into place by a winch or a puller and fasten with “U” shaped metal staples.

The majority of residential fencing is made out of wood. Wooden fencing is erected using handsaws, or skill saws to cut the boards into predetermined lengths. The post holes are drilled either by a hand operated post hole digger, or by a power-driven auger. 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s’ are used for top and bottom railings and the boards are either nailed, glued or screwed to the railings. Some onsite cutting, staining or painting may be required. Vinyl (PVC) fences are made from a resilient, plastic-based substances. PVC installation involves digging post holes, usually by auger (handheld or commercial), then ready-mix cement is prepared and tamped into the holes to secure the post. Rail brackets are secured to the posts using screws and then panels are slid into the brackets and also fastened with screws. Chain link fencing may also be installed in residential areas. Residential fence erection may include the building of gates and trellises on site.

Typical equipment used for these activities includes post-hole auger, bobcats, mixers, hand tools, winch, saws and steel/wire cutters.

This is a labour intensive industry and is undertaken by workers who are semi-skilled. Wooden decks may also be built on an incidental basis; however, this is usually done by residential renovators and handymen services.

SIC Codes
000000092 - Fence erection