You'll be surprised to learn that vinyl fences are quite durable. Some even believe that it is more durable than wooden fences. The materials will not chip, crack, blister, or peel the vinyl fence. This means that you won't have to worry about your fence altering the aesthetics of your garden.
Vinyl fences are usually very easy to maintain. You never need to paint or stain them, their surface is not easily scratched and they are easy to clean. Vinyl is non-porous, so if the fence gets dirty, you can spray it with a hose to clean the surface. It's also a great product if you have pets or children, since you won't have to worry about chips like a wooden fence.
A vinyl fence will typically last 20 to 30 years provided it's properly installed and maintained, but some vinyl fencing can last 50 years or more. If you're thinking about installing vinyl fencing, check with the manufacturer to see if they offer guarantees. Some manufacturers provide 30- to 50-year warranties for vinyl fences. The following factors also significantly influence the lifespan of your vinyl fence, so don't forget to consider them when deciding if vinyl is the right fence material for you.
Around the corner in another Midwestern winter, the vinyl fences in our neighborhood are still standing. Vinyl fencing has been around for more than twenty years. Its popularity has grown exponentially as it replaces wood and ornamental plants in popularity. However, there are still many homeowners and neighborhood associations who are hesitant to accept the product as a viable alternative to decaying wood and rusted metal fencing.
The base ingredient of vinyl fencing is a rigid homopolymer PVC (polyvinyl chloride) compound with a high level of titanium dioxide pigment for prolonged resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light and impact modifiers for superior strength. The formulation is similar to that of vinyl siding and windows, which have long-term durability and structural integrity. Today's quality vinyl fences contain titanium dioxide (TIO), which prevents UV degradation. American Fence Company has partnered with Kroy Vinyl Products to guarantee our product for 20 years against fading and yellowing premature.
Will vinyl fencing break in hot or cold weather? As with most plastics, vinyl will become less flexible in cooler weather conditions. However, unless it is subjected to an unusual impact, it will not break. It's normal for vinyl fencing materials to expand and contract during changes in temperature. Extruded right here in the Midwest, Kroy vinyl products have been designed to adapt to extreme changes in weather conditions.
PVC has a flash point of approximately 900 degrees and does not ignite easily. Unlike wood or metal fences, vinyl fences have some flexibility. However, the materials are designed to be impact resistant with a chemical formulation that will withstand a wide range of normal uses. From your ten-year-old son's fast and wild ball to a jumping pet's attempt to escape the yard, your vinyl fence will stand up to the challenge.
How long will vinyl fencing last? In this sense, this is where vinyl fences differ from wooden and ornamental fences. Vinyl fencing will last a lifetime. You may see that the fence loses a little shine over time. Are vinyl fences maintenance-free? Vinyl fences require very little maintenance.
Under normal conditions, this maintenance involves washing the fence annually to keep it looking like new. You can use your garden hose and wash it to clean the fence. Although not rated as graffiti resistant, vinyl fences are easy to clean and paint is removed with just a little effort. It may require the use of a pressure washer or, in extreme cases, the use of paint thinner.
Vinyl fences can break if they are subjected to direct impact, that is, if a stone is thrown from a pruner. Under normal use, vinyl fencing will not break if properly installed. Planks, stakes and rails are easily replaced if they are damaged. Like vinyl siding and windows, vinyl fences will lose some of their shine over time.
Current vinyl fences have a chemical formulation similar to that of sunscreen. It is designed to permanently reflect the sun's rays and maintain their colors. Will vinyl fencing crack, chip, peel, or rot? During the lifespan of the fence, do not expect the surface to crack, peel, chip or rot. The vinyl fence has a hard outer layer that protects it from the sun and maintains its color.
The inner cover is a softer compound that prevents cracking, chipping and peeling. Are vinyl fences more expensive than wood and ornamental fences? The cost of vinyl fences is slightly more than that of wood and slightly less than that of ornamental ones. However, if you consider that you will have to replace your wooden fence in time, vinyl fencing is the most affordable option. As vinyl fencing grows in popularity, there are more extruders offering a wider range of products.
This has kept the market competitive and prices stable. The price difference between wooden fences and vinyl fences is slowly narrowing. Assuming there aren't extreme weather conditions, such as tropical storms or tornados, hitting your property, this type of fence can last up to 30 years or older. And if you want to have a wood grain effect for a more natural look, PVC fences can also have this type of textured design.
If you're lucky enough to have lots of mature trees around the fence, be careful to prune them at least once a year to prevent branches from falling on the fence. Even when exposed to summer heat or freezing winter, this type of fence doesn't expand or contract because the threshold for those temperatures is so far away. While vinyl fences are durable, they can still be damaged by falling tree branches or garden equipment. When properly installed and maintained, a vinyl fence will retain its aesthetic qualities and will last for decades.
Some of the biggest challenges of placing a fence are working around utility lines and other existing structures, including trees. While you don't need to be a professional to install vinyl fencing yourself, it still requires an advanced level of skill and experience. And in the rare event that a small section of your vinyl fence is damaged, you can't just remove the slate and replace it with a new one. That's why when it comes to the most installed type of fence in the United States, it only ranks second after wood. Vinyl fencing is an extremely durable material fortified to resist outdoor degradation for decades.
Vinyl fences also come in many different colors and styles, so it's easy to find an option that fits your outdoor aesthetic. And if you want to reduce overhead costs, you can always choose a much simpler design instead of sacrificing durability with a low-quality vinyl fence. Overall, vinyl fencing is a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance addition to any home or business. Wood can be an appetizing food for a termite colony, but termite damage isn't a problem for vinyl fences.
