The Advantages of a Vinyl Fence
You probably associate modern technology more closely with home electronics than with home and garden. But there have been great advances in the products used for your backyard living pleasure. A vinyl fence is a good example.
It’s astonishing how much a vinyl fence can be made to look like wood. The fabricated wood grain, once painted, is almost impossible to tell apart from the real thing. However, you don’t actually have to paint the fence yourself, since they’re available in various colors to suit your property. Just keep in mind that the darker colors will fade more easily. If you do want to paint your vinyl fence, just make sure the surface is clean and you get the right type of paint. It has to be able to adhere to vinyl, and not all products do so.
Building a vinyl fence is a much simpler job than a wooden or chain link fence. It doesn’t require any nails or screws. It’s usually constructed in sections, and the parts simply snap together with molded tabs that are attached during the fabrication process.
You can get two kinds of vinyl fencing products, co-extruded and mono-extruded. Co-extruded vinyl is made in two layers, with the outside layer containing UV-resistant chemicals (typically titanium dioxide) to minimize fading. This product is frequently less expensive. Mono-extruded vinyl is produced in a single layer, and is embedded with UV resistant compounds during the manufacturing process.
You can get vinyl fencing in any number of styles, just like wood. Picket fencing is a popular choice. It’s made in the same height and thickness as wood pickets, and it’s actually quite difficult to tell the difference. If you look closely, however, you’ll see that the horizontal rails appear to be attached with plastic ‘welding’. Another popular style is the waffle or cleft vinyl fence. The name might not be familiar to you, but you’ve probably seen it around. It looks just like basket weave. It’s an attractive and sturdy choice for use in the garden or to enclose certain areas of the property.
A vinyl fence is long lasting. Because it’s essentially a type of plastic it can stand up to rain and wind for years and years, and remain looking like you just built it. Give it a good cleaning and it will be difficult to tell just when it was put up. Unlike a wooden fence, vinyl won’t peel, crack or rot. And you won’t have to worry about an infestation of insects intent on destroying your fence.
If you’re worried about mold, don’t be. Because vinyl fences are fabricated from PVC resin, which is non-porous, mold can’t penetrate and can be cleaned off quite simply. Mold will only form on a vinyl fence when dirt and other particles have collected on the surface. Simply brush the fence using water and a mild cleanser, and the problem is gone. For tougher jobs, you can use a mild bleach product. Just watch out for any nearby plants.
It’s no wonder vinyl is becoming an increasingly popular choice for building residential fences.
Learn more about how you can build an Affordable Vinyl Fence.
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