How to Specify a Modular Fence System in Architectural Plans

FenceTrac’s modular fence system is classified under CSI Section 32 31 00 (Fences and Gates) in the MasterFormat specification framework. Specifying it in architectural plans requires a structured product section that defines the frame material, infill type, post dimensions, panel sizes, powder coat finish, and fastener schedule. For commercial projects, the specification should also reference wind load engineering and, where applicable, ASTM E84-24 Class A fire rating for the aluminum infill configuration.

The Short Answer

To specify FenceTrac in a set of architectural plans, create a product specification under CSI 32 31 00 that covers frame material (G90 galvanized steel), infill product and dimensions, post size, panel height and width, finish color, and fastener types. Reference ASTM E330 for wind load testing and ASTM E84-24 for fire-rated configurations. FenceTrac provides stamped engineering drawings and product data sheets upon request to support the specification package.

Fire Rated Metal Fence Front

Where Modular Fencing Fits in the Specification Framework

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) organizes building products into numbered divisions. Fencing falls in Division 32, Exterior Improvements, under Section 32 31 00: Fences and Gates.

Within that section, modular fence systems like FenceTrac occupy a distinct category from chain link (32 31 13), wood fencing (32 31 19), and ornamental metal fencing (32 31 26). The modular system’s combination of a steel structural frame with interchangeable infill boards does not fit neatly into a single conventional subcategory, which is why the specification needs to describe the system architecture explicitly.

If your firm uses a three-part specification format (General, Products, Execution), the FenceTrac system maps cleanly to each part. General covers submittals, quality assurance, and warranty. Products covers materials, dimensions, and finishes. Execution covers installation, post footings, and field quality control.

Fencetrac Complete Kit

Key Specification Elements for the FenceTrac System

Every architectural specification for a modular fence system should address the components below. These are the details that contractors need to price, procure, and install the system correctly.

Frame Material and Dimensions

The FenceTrac frame uses G90 galvanized steel throughout. Horizontal top and bottom rails are 3-inch channels, available in 6-foot or 8-foot lengths. Vertical side channels are 2-inch channels, available in 4-foot, 6-foot, or 8-foot heights. All frame components receive a powder-coated finish after galvanizing.

Specify the steel as “G90 galvanized steel per ASTM A653, powder-coated” in the materials section. This gives the contractor and plan reviewer an unambiguous material reference.

Infill Product and Dimensions

The specification must name the infill product because it determines the fence’s performance characteristics, warranty, and appearance.

For LuxeCore aluminum-core composite infill: boards are 5-7/8 inches wide by 6 feet long, tongue and groove, 1 inch thick. Material composition is an aluminum structural core with cellular PVC and an ASA (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile) outer layer. Available colors: Black Onyx, Harbor Gray, Timber Brown, Tropical Teak.

Luxecore Composite Fence Sample Kit

For UltraBlend PVC infill: boards are 5-7/8 inches wide by 6 feet long, tongue and groove, 1 inch thick. Material composition is PVC encased in ASA. Same four color options.

Ultrablend High Quality Tropical Teak PVC Planks

For aluminum infill boards: three sizes are available (5-7/8″ x 6′ tongue and groove at 1″ thick, 2-7/8″ x 6′ square edge at 7/8″ thick, and 5-7/8″ x 6′ square edge at 7/8″ thick). Material is 6063-T5 extruded aluminum. Standard colors: Black, White, Silver, Bronze.

1x6 Inch Tongue and Groove Aluminum Plank

Posts

FenceTrac posts are G90 galvanized steel, powder-coated, available in three sizes: 2.5-inch square (residential standard), 3-inch square (commercial standard), and 4-inch square (heavy commercial and gate applications). Total post length varies by fence height: 7 feet for a 4-foot fence, 9 feet for a 6-foot fence, 12 feet for an 8-foot fence.

The specification should state post size, total length, and mounting method (embedded in concrete or surface-mount base plate).

Fencetrac Complete Kit

Fasteners

Side channels attach to posts with self-tapping screws. Top and bottom channels connect to side channels with 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 inch carriage bolts. The specification should include a fastener schedule that lists each connection type, fastener size, and spacing. Typical carriage bolt spacing is at 6 inches, 18.5 inches, 29 inches, 42.25 inches, 54.25 inches, and 66.25 inches from one end of the panel.

Finish

Standard powder coat colors for the frame and posts are Black, Bronze, White, and Silver. Specify the color by name and note that the finish is applied over G90 galvanizing for corrosion resistance. The powder coat and galvanizing combination is covered under the system’s 20-year warranty.

Ultrablend PVC Privacy Timber Brown Fence Gate

Engineering References to Include

Commercial specifications should reference applicable test standards so the plan reviewer and building official can verify compliance.

Standard Applies To FenceTrac Test Report
ASTM E330/E330M-14 Structural wind load (uniform static pressure) QAI Report MED-2058a, tested to 55.0 psf design load
ASTM E1886-02 Missile impact and cyclic pressure QAI Report MED-2058a, Large Missile Impact Level D
ASTM E84-24 Surface burning characteristics (fire rating) QAI Report QA-3344-R2, Class A (Flame Spread 0, Smoke Developed 35)

For projects that require site-specific wind load calculations, FenceTrac provides stamped engineering drawings prepared for the project’s geographic wind speed, exposure category, and terrain. The engineering fee is quoted separately from the fence system price.

For fire-rated configurations, specify the aluminum infill option and reference the ASTM E84-24 Class A test report. The fire rating applies to the assembled system with aluminum boards, not to the composite or PVC infill options.

Sample Specification Language

The following is a simplified example of how to structure the FenceTrac product section within a CSI 32 31 00 specification. Adapt it to your firm’s template and the project’s specific requirements.

Section 32 31 00 – Fences and Gates

Part 2 – Products: Manufacturer: FenceTrac Fence Systems, Tulsa, OK. Frame: G90 galvanized steel per ASTM A653, powder-coated. Horizontal channels: 3″ wide, 6′ or 8′ length. Vertical channels: 2″ wide, height to match fence height. Posts: G90 galvanized steel, 3″ x 3″ square, powder-coated, length per project fence height. Infill: [LuxeCore aluminum-core composite / UltraBlend PVC / 6063-T5 aluminum], tongue and groove, 1″ thick, color [specify]. Fasteners: 1/4-20 x 1-1/2″ carriage bolts at corners, No. 10 x 5/8″ self-tapping screws at post connections.

Part 3 – Execution: Set posts in concrete footings per manufacturer’s recommendations and stamped engineering drawings where provided. Hole diameter: 4x post dimension. Concrete: minimum 3,000 psi (4,000 psi for wind-rated applications). Verify post plumb before concrete sets. Allow minimum 48 hours cure time before attaching frame components.

Concrete Per Fence Post Diagram

Submittals and Support Documents

FenceTrac supplies the following documents to support architectural specifications. These are available by request through the specifications page or directly from FenceTrac’s commercial sales team.

Product data sheets cover frame dimensions, material grades, infill board dimensions, and available colors. Test reports from QAI Laboratories cover wind load (ASTM E330), missile impact (ASTM E1886), and fire rating (ASTM E84-24). Stamped engineering drawings are prepared per project for site-specific wind load and footing design. Shop drawings and cut sheets are provided with each project order.

Warranty documentation confirms the 20-year system warranty on frame and posts, plus the Limited Lifetime Warranty on LuxeCore and UltraBlend infill boards.

Related Questions

What is CSI Section 32 31 00 for fencing? CSI 32 31 00 covers all fence and gate products within Division 32, Exterior Improvements. It is the correct section for specifying FenceTrac in a commercial or institutional project.

How do I request engineering documentation for a commercial fencing bid? FenceTrac provides stamped engineering drawings for projects that require wind load compliance or building department review. The documentation is prepared by a licensed engineer and references the project’s specific site conditions.

What materials qualify for fire-rated fence applications? The aluminum infill configuration carries an ASTM E84-24 Class A fire rating with a Flame Spread Index of 0 and a Smoke Developed Index of 35. This is the configuration to specify when the project falls within a fire code jurisdiction.

See Also

Advantages of a modular fence system for commercial properties for the operational and cost arguments that support modular fence specifications. View FenceTrac specifications for downloadable product data sheets and architectural support resources.

Get a Quote for Your Commercial Fence Project

FenceTrac ships fence systems nationally and has been manufacturing engineered fencing in the USA since 2012.

Every system carries a 20-year warranty and is engineered for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

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