Vinyl fences are becoming increasingly popular with more and more homeowners largely because of their low maintenance and high level of durability. Vinyl fences are mostly made from the same strong material used to make vinyl widows and siding, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in an intricate process using several ingredients designed to ensure strength and quality.
Shopping for Vinyl Fences
It’s wise to do plenty of research before buying any large purchase such as a vinyl fence, comparing prices, options, and learning how to install it properly if you’re planning on tackling the job yourself. Also when shopping for fences, pay attention the gauge or thickness of the vinyl as of course, the thicker the better. Additionally, make it a point to learn the terms of the warranty that comes along with the fence.
Most vinyl fence warranties range from 20 years to a lifetime guarantee and will cover things such as fading, yellowing, and any breaking or cracking, as long as the damage isn’t due to external forces such as being hit by a vehicle or a tree branch.
You’ll also want to decide on the exact style of the fence, with the most popular types being ranch, picket, wrought iron-style, and privacy. It’s also a good idea to see that the fence you purchase contains titanium dioxide, which is needed to prevent fading from the sun’s UV rays.
Other important ingredients to check for besides titanium dioxide are chemicals called impact modifiers. Impact modifiers are rather important as they are used to increase the strength of the vinyl in very cold temperatures.
The Pros of Owning a Vinyl Fence
- Vinyl fences are incredibly low maintenance as they never need painted, stained, or treated and are easily cleaned with the garden hose.
- A vinyl fence will never splinter, need boards replaced or be vulnerable to insect infestation.
- From a distance, some vinyl fences closely resemble wood and come in a variety of colors besides brown such as white, tan, and gray.
The Cons of Owning a Vinyl Fence
- The upfront costs for vinyl fences may be a bit more expensive than their wood counterparts, however, money is usually saved over time on maintenance costs.
- In fluctuating temperatures or extremely cold weather, vinyl fences may become susceptible to damage if they are not properly manufactured.
Installing a Vinyl Fence
Depending on the exact style used, the majority of time spent assembling a vinyl fence is simply snapping the pieces into one another using a specially designed notching tool. The type of channels and fasteners needed will also depend upon the style of vinyl fence, and are usually attached using screws or rivets. Buyers have the option of having the fence professionally installed at an additional cost, or can opt to follow the directions and install it themselves.
