All of our standard aluminum fence panels can RACK (see option 2 below), about 5 - 6" per panel.  Therefore, when choosing Option 2, you can easily figure out how many fence panels need to be double/triple punched by dividing the length of the slope by either 6 or 8 (since our fence panels are only available in 6' and 8' widths).  Fence runs with a very slight grade do NOT have to employ either of the following two options.  A slight grade/slope = no more than 5 - 6" of incline or decline per fence panel (see above).  When in doubt, it is better to go ahead and have a panel punched because then you will have the option on-site to rack it OR to install it "straight."

Steeper hills or slopes must employ one of the following two options:
Double punch (to rack) each fence panel needed for any slope over 6" per fence panel...all the way to about 28/30 degrees of slope.  Triple Punch (to rack) each fence panel needed on a slope steeper than 28/30 degrees.  Each and every Stair-Step will need a LONGER (than typical) Blank Post along with Wall Mounts to make this type of connection.

OPTION 1
Typical for residential applications*

Double-punched* or "RACK" your aluminum fence system - The holes where the pickets go through each horizontal rail are over-punched to allow the fence panel to easily flex or "rack" on site during the installation process.  You can get around 28 to 30 degrees when you double punch one of our fence panels.  Have your fence panels tripled punched for steeper slopes.  Make sure to purchase the correct amount of double punched panels. 

You do not need to order blank posts or wall mounts when you "rack" a fence panel.  AND, you cannot double-punch/triple punch fence panels that have ornamental rings between any two horizontal rails (stringers) because those are SET when rings are installed and will prevent the fence panel from "racking." 

Vertical Swivel Mounts will be needed for TRIPLE punched panels only.

OPTION 2
Typical for some commercial applications*

Stair-Step the aluminum fence panels - You need to order one longer post and wall mounts for each step that you take.  Example:  Let's say you are purchasing a 48"high, 3 - rail fence that is going in-ground (as opposed to going on top of a cement/wood deck).  And you have one area where it steps up or down.  In that situation, all of your fence posts will need to be 70"h.  But you will also need to order one BLANK post that is 84"h + 2 sets of 3 wall mounts...for a total of 6 wall mounts. 

Unlike all other fence-post connections (in which fence panels are INSERTED into prepunched holes in each post), in this situation you will MOUNT 2 fence panels TO 1 Blank Post at 2 separate heights.  The Stair-Step option is typically used for commercial applications.  Most (but not all) of our residential clientele tend to choose option 1.  Call for additional information.

 

NOTE: You cannot ADD Rings to fence panels that are going on a slope; fence panels that are double punched or triple punched.  This is because the spacing between the vertical pickets decrease when you rack fence panels.
You can always add rings to designer arched gates.  Arched Gates maintain the same spacing as non-arched gates.

To price and/or add standard panels, double-punched panels and/or triple punched fence panels, go to the product page of the fence panel.  All products may be accessed via their categories located in the left-hand margin of this website.  Once you find your fence panel product page, you can add them to your shopping cart prior to placing your order.

*We can custom fabricate a single-gate or double-gate on an angle.
For more information, see Custom Racked Gate