Vinyl fences have come a long way since their initial appearance in the market in the 1980s. Traditionally, the ideal materials for fences were wood and iron, but considering several factors like durability, maintenance, and aesthetics, experts thought of using polyvinyl chloride for fencing, and the results were remarkable.
Whether you are looking for short decorative picket fences for your garden, privacy fences for the yard, or building a horse corral, a vinyl fence is the most budget-friendly option. Below, we explore the countless pros that outweigh the few cons of these fences.
1. Low Maintenance
The most prominent benefit of vinyl fences is that they need almost zero maintenance. You don’t have to stain or repaint them every few years to ensure their shiny appearance. Moreover, unlike wooden fences, spraying them with anti-termite powders is unnecessary to deter termites or other pests because the material is primarily plastic. [1]
2. Minimum Cleaning Effort
As natural as wooden fences may look, over time, they accumulate mold and dust, which dims their attractiveness. To clean them, you either need special wood-cleaning chemicals or brew a DIY solution of vinegar and dishwashing soap.
In contrast, a vinyl fence only needs a quick rinse from a pressure hose and is back to its apex. You can also wipe them clean with a microfiber towel.
3. Easy Installation
Metal fences often require drilling and pole installations as they require sturdy support pillars. Wooden fences may also need some kind of ground preparation or drilling to ensure a secure fit.
Vinyl fences come in different accessible styles with interlockable panels[2] that don’t require many hassles. If you are a little into DIY, you can pretty much install them yourself as well.
4. Increased Aesthetics
Wood and metal fences undoubtedly have their appeals, but if you are looking for something more than ‘conventional,’ then vinyl fences serve as the ultimate solution.
From various designs to decorative additions, you can get any design you can get in other fences. Wooden fences often shrink over time, or the knots in panels can become holes, but with a vinyl fence, that is never the case.
5. Budget-Friendly
The upfront cost of vinyl fencing is slightly higher than wood. However, homeowners grow fond of its money-saving potential in reducing repair and replacement expenses as the years pass.
Wooden fences usually last 15 years, and with regular maintenance and an annual upkeep price tag of $500, the figures become terrific as time passes. On the other hand, vinyl fencing lasts for 30 years with the highest climate, rot & rust, and pest resistance. [3]
6. Better Security And Privacy
Unlike all other fences, fence contracting companies offer vinyl fencing made of single panels with no spaces or openings between them. In contrast, metal fences never provide 100% privacy because of their perforated designs.
Similarly, wooden fences develop cavities over time and are easily tresspassable, compromising privacy and security. Vinyl fences come in various designs that offer different degrees of privacy and security according to the customer’s needs.
7. Extensive Warranties
A vinyl fence lasts for around 20 to 30 years. Despite their longevity, fence installation companies offer lifetime warranties after installation. Although these fences are invulnerable to almost every external factor, even if they sustain some damage, you won’t have to spend an additional budget on their upkeep.
Moreover, many fence companies are introducing more impact-resistant tongue-and-groove infill boards to upscale the resistivity of vinyl panels.
8. Eco-Friendly
These fences are water and insect-resistant and, therefore, don’t require any special treatment or chemical spray before painting, which reduces the carbon footprint on the environment.
Secondly, they are recyclable, so you won’t have to dispose of them in a landfill even if you decide to change your fencing after some time.
9. High Resistance
Vinyl fencing is popular for its incredible resistance. It is five times steadier than wood and doesn’t react to harsh weather conditions, stains, rust, or even splinter.
The compound’s composition includes 10 parts per 100 Titanium dioxide, which is an effective UV inhibitor [4] that prevents these fences from attaining a yellow hue from sun exposure. In simpler words, your curb appeal will not flatter as the years pass.
10. Less Labor Cost
These fences are considerably lighter than wood and metal fences and, therefore, easier to transport. Moreover, they don’t need ground tramping or even terrain like wood and make a perfect fit for customers looking for fences along the curvy garden boundaries.
The versatility of vinyl fences also eliminates the stepped installation without leaving less than desired gaps under the fence.
Vinyl Fence Pre-Installation Preparations
Fence contractors take care of the installation process materfully. However, before they can begin the process, there are some preparations you must make as the property owner. [5]
- First, it is important to mark your property line. Otherwise, you may step onto your neighbor’s land and be forced to start everything from scratch in the right place.
- Next, you need to check if vinyl fencing is permissible in your neighborhood. There may be regulations that do not permit certain styles or heights; therefore, it is better to double-check.
- Lastly, you must know the plumbing or electric lines buried under the ground to avoid damaging them.
The Bottom Line
Vinyl fences are gaining incredible hype due to their countless benefits. From zero maintenance to easy installation and versatile designs, they are the perfect solution for enhancing property value within a budget. The only constraint you may face with a vinyl fence is the upfront cost, depending on the magnitude of the enclosure.
Countless fence contractors offer vinyl fences, but if you want credible professionals with more industry experience and free cost estimates, Affordable Fence Pros is worthy of consideration.
FAQs
- How long does a vinyl fence last?
On average, a vinyl fence lasts for about 20 to 30 years. However, with the little required maintenance, vinyl fencing can last much longer. [6]
- Are vinyl fences eco-friendly?
Yes, vinyl fences are environmentally friendly because you can easily recycle them into other plastic products to minimize waste and negative environmental impact.
- Can you make vinyl fencing look like wood?
Yes, these fences are customizable, and you can create any style you like. Some fence companies also offer wood-grain patterns to recreate the feel of wooden fences.
- How deep does a vinyl fence go?
There should be at least a 2-inch gap between the ground and the bottom of the panel. For a 6-foot-long post, you’ll need to fix at least 22 inches of the pole in the ground [7]. However, note that the installation specifications depend upon the area’s regulations where you live.
- How much does vinyl fencing cost?
Stating a rigid figure for the cost of vinyl fencing is hard because the total expense depends on various factors like length, panel height, style, terrain smoothness, etc. You can ask a fence company for quotes to get accurate price estimates.
References:
[1] https://www.bestvinyl.com/blog/10-reasons-why-you-need-a-vinyl-fence/
[2] https://reddifence.com/blog/general/benefits-of-vinyl-fencing
[3] https://www.barretteoutdoorliving.com/blog/the-advantages-of-vinyl-fencing-over-wood
[4]https://foremostfence.com/7-top-benefits-of-vinyl-fencing-for-your-home
[5]https://www.pacificfence.com/blog/products-services/benefits-of-vinyl-fencing/