Caps on fence posts: purpose and installation

14-07-2018

Fence

The design of any fence involves placing support pillars at a certain distance. They are the basis of the whole structure and perform the functions of bearing elements. At the same time they use special caps for fence posts, which can be both decoration elements and protection from precipitation.

The variant of the simplest caps made of painted galvanized

Types and installation

There are several main functions that these devices perform. That is why in the market of building materials you can find many of their models and designs, although some builders prefer to make caps on fence posts with their own hands.

Variants of fence strips and umbrellas with an indication of typical sizes

Moisture protection

This appointment caps considered the main. The device protects the unclosed top of the column from various precipitations, which over time even high-quality cement is destroyed.

Some types of these devices are installed in the process of erection of the pillars and the fence itself. To do this, they have special grooves that are embedded in the brickwork.
There is also a cap on the fence posts, which has a footprint size, a little wider than the top of the column. Therefore, it is simply mounted on top and fixed with special pins, hammering them into the hole on the device and laying.
If you use poles made of shaped pipes or other metal, you can use a special cap, which is fixed with a clamp.

Tip! Before proceeding to the design of the fence, you need to find out which caps are available in the nearest stores and, based on their size, make the design.

A variety of devices for the tops of the pillars

Full protection

Some builders, making a cap on the fence post with their own hands, prefer to install it along the entire length of the structure.

For this use galvanizedwhich is cut into long strips with a width equal to two estimated ramps.
After that, bend the resulting segment in width with an angle of 45 degrees, getting a kind of cap on the fence post, which can cover the whole span along its length.
It can be fastened using impact dowels with special caps or slate nails.
After that, the metal is painted, thus obtaining protection for the entire length of the fence (read also the article “Installing the fence from the netting of a chain-link with your own hands”).

Tip! Recently, in stores you can find ready-made devices of this type, having various methods of fastening. However, their price will be slightly more expensive than the material that will be used for independent production.

Detailed photo of the organization of protection from moisture along the entire length of the fence

Decorative value and lighting

The second purpose, which have caps for fence posts associated with the appearance. The fact is that they create a pretty good appearance of the whole structure, and given the large number of different colors and reliefs, they allow you to create simply amazing products. Concrete caps on the fence posts are very popular.

Diagram of the typical installation of electrical circuits inside the column

Separately, it is worth noting that there are special caps on the posts, which have special openings for the exit of the light, which is emitted by a lamp mounted on the fence.

There are also very specific models, the design of which involves a built-in lighting device, with its own lamp and cartridge.

To install them, you must first hold the cable to the pillars, which can be placed in their cavity inside. It is important to remember when you make a fence with your own hands, so that you do not have to make holes later.
Then connect the lighting device to the system. It is well worth it, to isolate the connection, even if ceramic devices are used.
Next, install the cap on the fence post, fixing it in accordance with the selected model.

Tip! It is best to connect the lighting in two circuits, organizing the connection through one pole to separate switches. So you can control the level of light and save electricity.

Service

Conventional metal caps made of painted galvanized, practically do not need any care. They perfectly tolerate any weather, and even a slight mechanical effect. However, after 5-7 years, you can paint them as a prophylaxis or to give a fresh appearance.

If the product is not made of metal and is equipped with holes for lamps, then it requires additional maintenance. Periodically it is necessary to wipe the protective glass, removing dirt and dust, and you can tint the cap in accordance with the idea of the appearance of the whole structure.

From this it follows that the metal product is more practical, and its price is much less than that of the ceramic cap. That is why most builders prefer to choose this type of device.

Pick-up umbrellas with built-in lighting

Conclusion

After reviewing the proposed video, we can conclude that the value of umbrellas for fence posts should not be underestimated. These one of the cheapest intake devices allow not only to protect the building, but also give it a stunning appearance. Moreover, thanks to them, it is possible to organize good perimeter lighting, which is sometimes extremely necessary.