A well-made vinyl fence offers privacy, minimizes external views and noise pollution, and can boost your curb appeal. It can also be a deterrent to criminals and pests.
Look for co-extruded, 100-percent virgin vinyl when shopping for a vinyl fence. Avoid fences sold by big-box retailers; these are often low quality and don’t perform as advertised. For more information about vinyl fence visit Fence Company Charlotte NC.
Installing vinyl fencing with a good plan and the right tools is simple. It is easier than traditional wood fences because there are no boards to cut, and it does not require staining or painting. You will also not have to worry about termites or carpenter ants that can eat through wood and cause damage to the structure of your home and fence.
If you follow the instructions carefully and do your work properly, you should be able to install a vinyl fence on your own without the help of a professional. However, you will need a level handy during the installation, starting with staking your fence line with landscape stakes. Using the stakes to create a layout of your fence line will make it much easier to put in the posts. Once the lines are marked, you can dig the post holes and set them in concrete. After the posts are in place, you can begin to put in the fence panels that snap into place.
During your DIY vinyl fence installation, leaving room for the material to expand and contract with temperature changes is important. This will help prevent the fence from becoming distorted or misshapen and keep it looking good for many years. It would be best if you were sure to install the fence on a temperate day. If it is too hot or cold during the installation, the vinyl may not fit correctly and can be difficult to fix if you need to do it again.
The flexibility of vinyl allows it to bend with wind and other weather conditions, which makes it a great choice for areas with high winds or other extremes. However, improper installation can reduce this flexibility, causing the fence to become rigid and less able to withstand high winds or minor impacts. You should always space your fence posts a full panel’s width apart to allow for this flexibility and ensure they are installed properly.
Unlike wood fences, vinyl is not porous, and dirt does not stick to it easily. This is good news for homeowners looking for low-maintenance and minimal cleaning tasks. No sanding or staining is required, and the occasional use of a garden hose to wash down the surface can keep your vinyl fence looking great.
A well-maintained fence can save you time and money down the road. Regular inspections and prompt repair of damage are key to extending the lifespan of your vinyl fence. Look for cracked or chipped components, and ensure the screws holding the posts are tight. Keeping the area around your fence free of debris and providing adequate ventilation can also help prevent mildew growth.
If you notice your vinyl fence is starting to show signs of aging, a light scrubbing with a sponge and warm, soapy water can do the trick. Avoid abrasive cleansers and cleaners, as they can scratch the vinyl.
There are also specially formulated cleaners and paints designed to work with vinyl surfaces for more stubborn stains. You can find these at your local hardware or home improvement store.
In addition to inspecting for damage and cleaning, trimming any overhanging branches or trees near your vinyl fence is a good idea. If a strong gust of wind or heavy rain blows branches onto your fence, it could result in significant damage. Overgrown trees can also provide a source of shade that promotes mildew and mold growth.
Using an ice scraper or plastic shovel after snowfall is also important to prevent scratches or damage to your vinyl fence. It would be best to refrain from using chemical deicers, as they can discolor the material.
Another way to extend the life of your vinyl fence is to have it professionally installed by a licensed fencing contractor. Installation errors can greatly impact the longevity of your vinyl fence. Ensure that the installer follows the manufacturer’s instructions and that the post holes are properly filled with concrete for stability.
If you are looking for a fence that requires very little upkeep, vinyl may be the perfect option. Because it doesn’t absorb moisture, you won’t have to worry about the fence swelling or rotting. Vinyl doesn’t attract termites and is resistant to splintering. All you need to do is spray down your vinyl fence with a garden hose now and then to keep it clean and looking nice. This set-and-forget maintenance will save you time and money in the long run, so it is well worth the investment.
A vinyl fence will last much longer than a wood fence, meaning it will pay for itself in the time and effort you don’t have to spend maintaining it. Depending on the quality of your vinyl fence, it may have a manufacturer warranty that covers it for up to 50 years. This kind of warranty is a great way to ensure you get a high-quality product worth the price tag.
Your vinyl fence’s longevity will depend on your area’s weather conditions. During harsh winters, vinyl can become more brittle than other fencing materials. It is also important to remember that if you live in an area with frequent storms and high winds, you must ensure your vinyl fence is securely anchored and regularly inspected for any damage.
Another factor that can affect the lifespan of a vinyl fence is how often you use it and how rough it is on your property. For example, if you have dogs who like to play on your fence, you will want to ensure that the vinyl is durable enough to resist scratches and chewing. Vinyl is a great choice, as it is not easily scratched and will not be damaged by the teeth of dogs or other pets.
Some people are turned off because vinyl is not a natural material, which may prevent them from installing this type of fence. However, it is worth noting that most vinyl fences are recyclable, which can help reduce your fence’s environmental impact. It is also less likely to require harmful chemicals, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for animals and plants.
Vinyl fences are eco-friendly, but only if you choose professional-grade virgin material and not a cheaper recycled alternative. The plastic used in vinyl fencing is made from polyvinyl chloride, which can be sourced from natural or synthetic sources. The raw materials are then put through a process known as chemical conversion to yield the compound. This product is then melted and mixed with other substances to create the various components of a vinyl fence. The result is a nonporous material that resists dirt, stains, and mold. It is also pest- and rot-resistant, making it more durable than wood or steel fences. Its nonporous surface makes cleaning easy, and you can easily remove stains by spraying the fence with water.
The vinyl in a vinyl fence is typically infused with a small amount of titanium dioxide. This acts as a sunscreen for the vinyl, preventing it from becoming yellow and brittle over time. It also protects the fence from harmful UV rays, which can cause damage to other types of fencing materials, such as wood and chain links.
In addition, vinyl is very flexible, which is a key factor in its durability. The flexibility of vinyl can help the fence withstand impact from an object or a sudden change in temperature without becoming brittle. This is a huge advantage over other fencing materials, which may become brittle or break under pressure or extreme temperatures.
As a result, it is a good choice for regions that experience severe weather conditions, including wind and rain storms.
Vinyl also has tensile strength five times that of wood, which means it can withstand more force than other fence types.
The flexibility of a vinyl fence is especially important for areas with high winds, where other fences can be subject to twisting or flapping during a storm. Its flexing ability also helps it resist breaking, unlike metal fences that can crack or bend under the pressure of high winds.
