Vinyl fencing is a privacy option that has been gaining popularity over the last 10-20 years. The reason for this is that, since vinyl fencing is composed of man-made materials, a number of issues that exist with natural wood fencing are alleviated. Consider that the need to repaint, replace panels or deal with cracking or rotting will not arise with vinyl fencing. This time and money savings represents a big part of the appeal of vinyl fencing
Vinyl fencing came into the marketplace in 1984. A number of less durable man-made materials preceded this product in the market place dating back to the 1950’s. In the current market, Vinyl is positioned as a premium product with a number of obvious enhancements and advantages over plain-jane wood fencing. The enhanced aesthetics of the product and reduced maintenance costs are responsible for most of the recent success the product has enjoyed in the marketplace.
At this point in the game, pretty much any vinyl fence will come with a lifetime guarantee. A number of vendors allow the home owner to transfer this guarantee in the event of a property sale. Warping and discoloration are no longer problems that affect vinyl fencing since the introduction of UV protection into the product. Because the product is non-porous, graffiti is also less of a problem than in the case of wood fencing. Vandalism can often be washed away with a high pressure hose.
Vinyl fencing starts at $20 / ft. Most installation professionals will happily quote installation of the product. The product is pretty well equivalent to wood fencing in terms of installation complexity. Vinyl fencing does come with a higher initial price tag. But the superior longevity of the product more than makes up for this and the product represents a great investment in the long term value of your property.
The fact that vinyl fencing is much more robust than wood fencing is not widely appreciated. However, vinyl fencing can be up to 5 times more strong, and 4 times as flexible as equivalent wood fencing. Vinyl fencing will never succumb to discoloration, warping, peeling, blistering, rot, warping or cracking as would be the case with wood fence over time. Manufacturers will gladly and quickly replace any vinyl fencing panels that should develop such an issue.
Vinyl fencing represents your best option when putting in a privacy fence. There is of course, a marginally higher initial capital outlay to build with vinyl, but as discussed, the superior durability of the product and maintenance savings over time should tip your hand in favor of deploying vinyl as a very solid privacy fencing option.
The three most popular types of vinyl fencing are shadowbox, picket and privacy. The shadowbox makes use of panels that alternate across the front and back giving the fence similar look on both the back and front sides. The picket fencing, on the other hand, is chosen mainly for its aesthetic appeal. It is used primarily to keep children as well as pets safely inside the yard. It is shorter than the privacy fencing and does not completely block off the view of the outside. Finally, privacy fencing is the ultimate choice when it comes to fencing and offers the most solid and complete barrier.
As with wood fencing, the selection of appropriate tools is important when installing your vinyl fence. Basic carpentry skills are needed to assemble the product but recent enhancements have made the product basically childs-play to install. Spray paint, a power auger, taping and graphing paper and quick-set cement are the primary supplies and tools needed to complete your install.
Looking to learn more about how to buy and install your own vinyl fencing? Check out our site at fencingguides.com to learn about vinyl and related fencing products.