Q – How popular are vinyl building materials?
Q – How is vinyl fencing manufactured?
Q – How safe are vinyl fence systems?
Q – Aren’t all vinyl fences the same?
Q – Don’t all vinyl fences stand up to wear and tear?
Q – Isn’t vinyl more expensive than wood?
Q – Will a quality fence cost more?
Q – What should I ask for before I invest in a fence?
Q – Are all product warranties the same?
Q – How popular are vinyl building materials?
A – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) “vinyl” is the only plastic that can be used for various applications and it’s virtually in every industry. Because of its low maintenance and durability, vinyl is a popular alternative for products normally constructed of wood -fences, gazebos, decks, siding and window frames.
Q – How is vinyl fencing manufactured?
A – The best products are made from virgin vinyl which ensures that the product is made using contents most appropriate for its application. Recycled vinyl can contain “contaminates” that may not be appropriate for the application or may compromise the integrity of the product. For vinyl to have the characteristics necessary for fencing, it must be combined with special additives and modifiers to make it strong and durable. The formula contains UV inhibitors that guard against the sun’s harsh rays and additives that make the vinyl rigid, yet flexible for manufacturing vinyl fencing are a mono-extrusion process that uses two or more vinyl compounds. With the co-extrusion process, a manufacturer can engineer a product with greater strength and durability.
Q – How safe are vinyl fence systems?
A – Unlike some treated wood fencing, vinyl is an environmentally save material with no toxins to pollute the sky or seep into the ground. Vinyl fencing has a smooth surface, no nails, sharp edges or splinters.
Q – Aren’t all vinyl fences the same?
A – NO. Vinyl fence system components are available in a wide range of sizes and thickness. To reduce costs, some manufacturers decrease their wall thickness resulting in reduced strength.
Q – Don’t all vinyl fences stand up to wear and tear?
A – Not necessarily. A light (standard) system may bend easily due to even the most common occurrences, such as a person climbing or sitting on it. Additionally, a weak fastening system for a post and rail connection can result in poor performance. For example, horses leaning against a fence to graze may dislodge rails in a standard vinyl fence system. However, a properly engineered system with a heavier wall thickness and secure rail connection will make a vinyl fence stronger and more durable.
Q – Isn’t vinyl more expensive than wood?
A – Before investing in a fence, annual maintenance and replacement costs must be considered. A wood fence system initially costs less than vinyl, but wood systems require laborious maintenance (including scraping, sanding, priming and painting) every 2-3 years. Conversely, vinyl fencing has almost zero-maintenance cost and will never need painting. Unlike wood, vinyl isn’t subject to termite infestation which can increase the likelihood of costly partial or full replacement of a wood fence system. Although your initial investment is more with vinyl, the cost difference is quickly eliminated when you consider the substantial cost of maintaining a wood fence.
Q – Will a quality fence cost more?
A – Yes. Good quality material and workmanship always costs more than sub-standard products, while labor, concrete and building permits cost the same regardless of the chosen material quality. Although a sub-standard product may cost less, the risk of future maintenance and/or replacement costs may outweigh any benefits the lower price may seem to offer. As the saying goes “you get what you pay for.”
Q – What should I ask for before I invest in a fence?
A – You’ve made a great start by reading this information. Ask your dealer to give you detailed material specifications on the products he/she is proposing. Ask for samples of the product and make comparisons.
Q – Are all product warranties the same?
A – NO. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. The fence industry has seen products and/or companies enter the market only to leave homeowners with a worthless piece of paper as a product warranty. Therefore, you should check out the reputation of the company offering the warranty just as you would with choosing the right contractor.