Fence Specification Help

[MarkV]

Hi all, I need some help. A logging crew working next to my MIL's property removed 660' of fence during their logging operation. Unfortunately we have not been able to resolve the issue over the last four months and it now looks as if we will are going to court. I am hoping someone has a source showing the proper specifications for a replacement fence.

The original fence was 6x6 wire four foot tall with a single strand of barb wire roughly 8" above the wire fencing. It is mounted on "T" posts with wooden posts at intervals along the way. The section in question is a straight run without corners.

Does anyone know of documented standards showing post spacing, wooden anchor post spacing, tensioning standards, the proper depth a "T" post should be sunk, standard terminology or anything else related. We are trying to get our documentation prepared for the court hearing.

Thanks for the help.

MarkV

 

[chucko]

I would think that a good discription of what was there would be all that it needed. Does not matter what should be there it matters what the took or and the fact they sould replace it as it was. But then I am not a judge or lawer

 

[Western]

I agree with chucko.

You could check your state agricultural web site, also TSC has some fence building "tips" on their web page. I know the Texas ag site has fence building tips. I don't know of any "specific" fencing guides, it's all up to the owner installer.

I think you may have to also sue the land owner possibly, but they may let him assume only your half was destroyed if you share the fence. You also may possibly bring up the expense of a survey to correctly place the fence in its proper position??

I think I would go for the "like it was" as good or better idea. Have you spoke with the land owner??

 

[MarkV]

I would think that a good discription of what was there would be all that it needed. Does not matter what should be there it matters what the took or and the fact they sould replace it as it was. But then I am not a judge or lawer

You make the pivotal point Chucko. We would be happy to have the 30 year old fence that was there. It was overgrown but in fine shape to mark the property line. No one is trying make money off the replacement. The issue is how do you replace a 30 year old fence, of like quality, that someone removed without permission. The loggers feel like the fence installers, 3 local estimates, are too expensive, yet are offering no alternatives. This is month 4 of this rural living experience.

MarkV

 

[jayste]

Sounds to me like old "Daddy Big Logs" hasn't built fence in awhile. Fencing material has taken a huge jump in the last few years. A $30 roll of 4pt. barbwire of a few years ago is over $50 now. T-posts have almost doubled as well. I'm sure that field fence has done the same. Of course they might just be stalling...because they can and probably already have lawyers on the payroll.

Jay

 

[MarkV]

I think you may have to also sue the land owner possibly, but they may let him assume only your half was destroyed if you share the fence. You also may possibly bring up the expense of a survey to correctly place the fence in its proper position??

I think I would go for the "like it was" as good or better idea. Have you spoke with the land owner??

Western, that has been discussed. It is our fence and we can show that. We live in a small community. My MIL knows everyone after 83 years. It would be hard for her to sue a neighbor. The loggers did the damage, were permitted by the county, and are our focus at this time.

MarkV

 

[MarkV]

Sounds to me like old "Daddy Big Logs" hasn't built fence in awhile. Fencing material has taken a huge jump in the last few years. A $30 roll of 4pt. barbwire of a few years ago is over $50 now. T-posts have almost doubled as well. I'm sure that field fence has done the same. Of course they might just be stalling...because they can and probably already have lawyers on the payroll.

Jay

Yep, you got it the same way I see it. I am sympathetic. Lumber and pulpwood prices are way down here and mills are closing. Loggers and timber buyers have a lot of overhead and they are struggling. It is getting harder to sell at all, yet, make a profit. I can relate but that is not my problem. It does not excuse taking down an 1/8 of a mile of fence to make your skidding easier.

MarkV

 

[dmccarty]

See if you can find the fence specification that your state DOT uses for fences along highways and such. Years ago I somehow found the spec that the NC DOT uses.

Later,
Dan

 

[MMagis]

I think what it comes down to is that there is no right or wrong way to build a fence, so I’m not sure you’ll find any published “specifications”. Maybe a company that puts in “Lifetime” fencing could give you their specifications. The bottom line is they should replace what they removed. I’m guessing they haven’t priced woven wire fence lately. If they had, maybe they wouldn’t be so quick to tear fences down. Unfortunately, your scenario is all too common, and they just assume they can get away with it. Good for you for standing up to them.

 

[dave1949]

If you end up in court, I think a judge would be most swayed by those estimates - after all, it costs what it costs. Assuming the estimates are for replacing what was there before - which is the remedy any judge should award you.

Also, it is not being a good neighbor (your MIL's neighbor) to let you fight it out with the loggers. That isn't right. They should be stepping up to the plate.