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Vinyl fences are becoming more and more popular for property owners and there’s a good reason why. People are turning to vinyl fences in droves for a number of reasons, but the most important is their durability. Vinyl fences are incredibly durable and are known for their longevity and ability to remain to look great for years.
If you are considering a vinyl fence as a property owner or purchasing manager, chances are that you are doing so because you are interested in the durability and stability that they offer and are notorious for. But you may be wondering how long exactly these fences can last and what that means for the cost-effectiveness of the fence. The goal here to find a fence that is both durable and affordable. This is something that a vinyl fence elegantly delivers and you’ll find that in the long run, when taking into account appearance, cost, longevity, and maintenance, vinyl fences are far superior to non-composite types of fences.
You’ll be happy to hear that a vinyl fence can easily last twenty or thirty years and beyond if maintained. This unparalleled durability will save you money in the long run due to the ease with which it is cleaned and maintained and also its lifespan as compared to other options, like wood fences. The longevity of your vinyl fence is also enhanced by a warranty if offered for the vinyl fence that you choose. Your vinyl fence won’t be too affected by being in a high-traffic area, either, so you can rest assured that in whatever environment you choose to put your vinyl fence in, it will be standing strong for the decades to come.
Does A Vinyl Fence Last Longer Than A Wood Fence?
To determine what type of fence is best for you or your property, you need to know all the information. That includes a little information about wood fences as well so that you can get a good comparison of those two popular types of fences. So, if you were wondering how long a typical wood fence lasts, the answer is usually less than 15 years. The life of a wood fence can be shortened considerably without time-consuming maintenance, as well.
Compared to vinyl fencing, wood fencing is susceptible to much more abuse and as a result, they won’t last as long or be as durable. They also require much more maintenance to last a long time and the very material that they are made of is far less durable than a vinyl composite material. By being made of wood, your fence is going to be vulnerable to insects, moisture, and temperature change and you will find that over time, the wood will break down and experience significant wear and tear. Alternatively, vinyl fences hold up very well in inclement weather and don’t require as much maintenance as wood fencing. They also don’t require expensive weather treatments as wood fences do. With a vinyl fence, you won’t have to worry about pests, insects, mold, and other things like that either.
So, to answer the question that we set out to answer: yes, vinyl fences can last much longer than a traditional wood fence. This is due to many factors, but mainly it is because of the construction material. Vinyl is a much more durable material than wood and is less susceptible to fewer factors such as weather and anything else it could be exposed to outside. Because of this, it is not unusual for a vinyl fence to last decades with the proper maintenance whereas a wooden fence will last a maximum of about 15 years, depending on the wood and how much maintenance you are willing to do and money you are willing to spend. Because of the longevity of a vinyl fence as opposed to a wooden fence, your money is better spent on a vinyl fence which requires less maintenance and lasts much longer.
How Can I Make My Vinyl Fence Last Longer?
If left alone, a vinyl fence will last quite long. However, if you decide to take active steps towards maintaining your vinyl fence, you can stretch out that life and it will maintain its quality for even longer. These maintenance steps aren’t very difficult, and they can save you a lot of money in the long term. As compared to maintenance on wooden fences, they are very mild and inexpensive.
One of the main ways to do some maintenance on your vinyl fence is by regularly cleaning it. Like anything else of value, vinyl fences need some care every now and then. By cleaning your fence, you can be proactive in preventing some of the common issues that occur with fencing. This can include issues with insects, mold, and other normal decay. By cleaning the fence regularly, you can help ensure that your vinyl fence has a longer life and you won’t have to replace it as quickly or as often. With proper maintenance and a little luck, your vinyl fence will be the only one that you have to erect during your time as a homeowner.
How To Clean A Vinyl Fence
The process of cleaning a vinyl fence is quite simple and easy. All you will need is a water source. A standard garden hose will do just fine as long as it has the necessary pressure to wash off the dirt, chemicals, grass clippings, or other debris that you are trying to wash off of the vinyl fence. If there are stains on your vinyl fencing that you need to remove and simple water isn’t doing the trick, you can also use some soap and either spray them harder or wash them with a rag or other cleaning utensil. If even soap is unable to get the stains out of the fence that you need to be removed, you can also order stronger cleaning solutions online. Often, it’s going to include a powerful bleach solution that should take pretty much any stain off your fence.
Other Maintenance For Your Vinyl Fence
Beyond basic cleaning, there are some other simple steps that you can take to increase the longevity and durability of your vinyl fence. Many of these are very simple, but if you want your fencing to last as long as possible and stay looking and working great throughout its life, you should follow these tips.
Firstly, you should oil the hinges of the gate about once a year. Hinges can become a headache if not properly maintained since they represent a weak point in the fence. You want your hinges working great so you can leave and exit your fence without any trouble or annoying squeaking. You also want this door working properly so that you can ensure that you can keep in or out whatever or whomever you need to contain or repel. Without proper oiling, your hinges can also rust up and eventually make it near impossible to open or close the fence gate. All you need to do to avoid these problems is oil the hinges once a year and make sure everything is moving freely. While you’re at it, take a quick look at the screws that attach the hinge to the rest of the fencing and make sure that they are tight and secure. If they feel lose or you can move the plate of the hinge, just grab a screwdriver and tighten them and you’re all set.
Another really simple thing you can do is to always remember to close the gate when you leave or enter. If you don’t, the gate can swing in the wind and that can cause damage to the hinges and screws that hold the gate in place. It can also cause damage to the interior and exterior of the rest of the fence if the gate repeatedly hits it. Making sure that the gate is secure when you leave or exit the perimeter of your vinyl fence will ensure that you don’t cause unnecessary damage to the fence and have to shell out for expensive and annoying repairs.
When you are trimming weeds around your vinyl fence, you should avoid actually making contact with the fence. This can wear down the bottom posts of the fence and weaken it significantly if done frequently. It can also decrease the quality in the appearance of the vinyl fencing. This is counterintuitive to a vinyl fence, since they are designed to look great. Taking a weed whacker to the base of the fence is just unnecessary damage that you should avoid.
Lastly, make sure that children don’t swing and hang on your vinyl fence gate. Not only does this create a potentially dangerous situation for children to pinch their fingers or fall off of the fence, but it also puts a lot of strain on the hinges of your fence gate. This is sure to cause some repairs and cost you money as a result. Avoid letting children swing on your vinyl fence gate at all costs.
Vinyl Fencing Is Durable And Long-Lasting
When maintained correctly, vinyl fencing looks great, lasts much longer than wood, and is incredibly durable. Vinyl fencing is clearly the superior option in terms of practicality, cost-benefit analysis, and appearance. If you are interested in putting fencing on your property, you should consider vinyl fencing to be a front-running candidate for what material you end up choosing.