10 Benefits of A Vinyl Fence

Once you have made the decision to fence in all or part of your property, the next step is choosing the right style and type of fence you want. There are a variety of fencing materials to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are ten reasons why you cannot go wrong when you choose a vinyl fence for your property.

1.Durability

When you install a fence, you expect it to last a lifetime. Your fence will need to withstand the worst weather your area has to offer, including wind, rain, snow, ice, and mud. In areas in which freezing temperatures are common, for example, repeated freezing and thawing can cause wood fences to expand and contract, causing the wood to warp or swell. Prolonged exposure to wet and icy conditions will eventually cause wood, even durable hardwoods, to rot. Chain link fences will eventually rust, especially in humid climates.

A vinyl fence can hold up to the worst weather conditions without warping, rotting, or swelling. Snow and ice will not affect your vinyl fence’s appearance or function, even in areas in which snow stays on the ground for months at a time.

With heavy duty fence posts, a vinyl fence can withstand heavy winds of up to 100 miles per hour without collapsing. If a section of fence is damaged in an unusually high wind, it is easily replaced.A vinyl fence is also virtually impervious to chipping, and cracking, and will not splinter.

2.Variety

If you immediately picture a clean, white fence when you think of vinyl, you are not alone. White is a popular color for vinyl fences because it looks good with all styles and colors of homes. If you are looking for something different, though, there are many options available. You may now have a beautiful vinyl fence in a variety of colors, all resistant to fading and discoloration over time.

For homeowners who prefer the look of wood, textured and wood grain vinyl fencing materials look just like wood, but without the maintenance. Vinyl privacy fences are also available with decorative touches like lattice or scalloped tops and in picket and solid styles.

3. Security

All fences provide some security – simply having a physical barrier around your property will keep out most neighborhood pets and children. For keeping out intruders and determined children, though, a vinyl privacy fence is a great choice. Even the tallest chain link fence can be scaled by a determined intruder, but a sturdy wood or vinyl fence will be harder to climb.

While the slats on a wood fence may be pried off with simple tools, the slats on a vinyl fence are part of a larger section, and cannot be removed individually.

4. Maintenance

Once installed, vinyl fencing is virtually maintenance-free. Even under the worst conditions, a vinyl fence will not rot, peel or discolor. Wood fences must be stained or painted periodically to protect them from weathering, and to restore their original appearance.

Your vinyl fence will be the same color after ten years as it was the day it was installed. Vinyl will not splinter, and will not expand and contract like wood, even when subjected to repeated freezing and thawing. Vinyl is resistant to mold and mildew, and dirt can be easily removed with a mild detergent or just water. Many homeowners find, though, that they never need to clean their vinyl fences.

 

5. Cost

The reason stated by most homeowners for not choosing vinyl over other fencing materials is the cost. It is true that vinyl fencing has a higher initial cost than wood or chain link, but, you may be surprised to learn that, over the life of your fence, vinyl can actually cost less! Nothing beats the low cost of chain link, but if a chain link fence simply will not meet your needs, the cost of a vinyl fence over its lifetime can actually be less than that of a comparative wood fence. With vinyl, you will never have to buy paint or stain. Vinyl’s superior durability and resistance to weather and vandalism also mean that you will spend less on repairs.

If the initial cost of installing a vinyl fence is still a concern, consider our easy, low-cost financing options. If you are handy with tools, you may also consider purchasing ready-to-install DIY vinyl fencing.

 

6. Appearance

The best advantage of vinyl over other types of fencing is that it will keep its beautiful appearance for many years, will little to no upkeep.

Chain link may rust, and all wood fences will discolor over time, but vinyl will not discolor or fade. It will maintain a clean, neat appearance for as long as you own your home.

With so many varieties of style and color to choose from, you can easily find a vinyl fence that will fit in with any size, style, or color of the home.

 

7. Pool enclosures

If you own a pool. Local laws, as well as your homeowner’s insurance company, will require you to erect a barrier to keep small children out. A solid fence is a good option for enclosing a pool for several reasons. First, a solid fence is harder to climb, reducing the risk of children accidentally getting too close to the water and falling in.

Second, a solid fence will hide your pool from the prying eyes of potential intruders, reducing your potential liability for having an “attractive nuisance.”  Finally, a solid fence will allow you to enjoy your pool in privacy.

Vinyl is a great option for enclosing a pool, because of its resistance to moisture damage. No amount of splashing will damage your vinyl fence, and the chemicals used to treat the water cannot damage or discolor a vinyl fence.

 

8. Pet containment

We all love our pets and want them to have a safe place to run and play. Some homeowners choose an “invisible” fence to keep their pets contained in their yards, but invisible fences can fail and train your poet with electric shocks.

Even when working properly, an invisible fence will keep your pet in, but will not keep intruders out. Pets are stolen from yards every day, and children and even adults have been known to taunt or harm dogs, even when the dog is safely contained in a yard.

The best way to keep your pet safe is with a solid or semi-solid fence that is tall enough to keep him from jumping over, and sturdy enough to keep him from clawing or chewing his way out. Fortunately, even the most determined dog will not be able to chew or claw a hole in a vinyl fence, and the smooth surface does not provide any footholds for climbing. This will not only keep your pet safely contained, but will keep intruders out.

 

9. Weather resistance

No matter where you live, some weather conditions can significantly reduce the lifespan of a fence. In hot, humid climates, chain link fences are prone to rust. Wood fences will swell and warp in humid environments. High humidity will also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause wood to split, chip, or rot.

Repeated freezing and thawing in cold climate zones can cause wood to expand and contract, which can compromise the fence’s stability. High winds can destroy a fence, and heavy rainfalls will accelerate aging in wood fences. All wood fences, even in the best weather conditions, will age and discolor over time and will need periodic retouching to maintain their appearance. Fortunately, vinyl can withstand all of these weather conditions and more. Humidity, snow, ice, and mud cannot damage your vinyl fence.

Vinyl is resistant to insects and mold, and even if lichen or mildew does happen to grow on your vinyl fence, it will not damage the fence nor compromise its structural integrity. Even climbing vines will not damage a vinyl fence. In high wind areas, specially designed fence poles are meant to withstand wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.

 

10.Value

All factors considered, vinyl fencing delivers the best value for your money. Even with a slightly higher initial installation cost, vinyl will prove to be a cost-effective choice in the long run.

When you are ready to sell your home, a vinyl fence will add, rather than detract, from your home’s value to potential buyers. An older, weathered wood fence may be seen as a source of future expense and work, but a vinyl fence, no matter how old, is a maintenance-free enhancement to your property.

Final Thoughts

For almost all applications, vinyl fencing is a superior choice that will result in your complete satisfaction.  If you still have questions about the suitability of vinyl fencing for your needs, please contact us for a free estimate. We will be happy to answer any questions, provide cost comparisons, and recommend a style and color of vinyl fence that will be perfect for your family.

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