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When looking at fencing materials, vinyl is usually near the top of the list. Vinyl fences are very popular for countless reasons: they’re durable and don’t require much maintenance, and they’re also great if your main goal is to keep prying eyes off your property. However, they do have a few drawbacks you should know about. There are also things that you should know before you have one installed. Here are some of the factors you should take into consideration when going for a vinyl fence.
Vinyl Fences Come in Various Styles
One misconception about vinyl fences is that they always have to be one solid wall, but they come in many forms. You can find them in ornamental styles as well. Northland Fencing offers a variety of fence styles for Minnesota homes, including vinyl pickets that look just as good as your average picket fence, but without the troubles that come with them. You won’t have to constantly treat them, worry about rot or infestations, or repaint them.
Not All Vinyl Fences Have the Same Quality
If you’re unfamiliar with vinyl as a material, you may think that all vinyl fences are the same and have roughly the same composition. In reality, there are various grades of vinyl, so the quality can fluctuate greatly. They can also differ based on the application or needs. Some vinyl planks will be thicker than others, and some will be better for certain climates, for instance.
One of the things you should look for when looking at the quality of a vinyl fence is the type of extrusion. Co-extruded vinyl will be more resistant than mono-extruded vinyl because it will have an inner layer made of a mix of acrylic modifiers. Vinyl that is co-extruded will be more resistant to breaking and cracking.
You should also check if the vinyl contains titanium dioxide. UV rays can discolor and weaken vinyl, and this is something you need to worry about wherever you are in the country. Titanium dioxide will protect your vinyl from both the bitter cold and the harsh sun.
Location is Important
You also have to look at certain factors relating to your location. Check local rules and ordinances and make sure that you aren’t violating any. If you belong to a homeowners’ association, you’ll have to check the rules with them as well.
Ordering a survey would also be a good idea, and you’ll have to take your climate into consideration. Not only will it influence the type of vinyl you get, but it’ll determine the installation too. If you deal with harsh winters, for instance, the installation will require deeper digging.
Cost Versus Maintenance
You should know right now that vinyl is not the cheapest fencing material, but that’s only when you are getting it installed. Over time, you’ll save a lot of money, time, and effort on maintenance. It’ll last much longer as well.
Now that you know a bit more about vinyl fences, you can start looking at your options and speak with a few pros. They’ll then be able to look at what you need and come up with various solutions.