From aesthetics to practicality, there are many reasons to install a fence around your house and garden. Fencing adds a finished look to your property, but it can also improve its safety. Whether you want to keep unwanted visitors out or make sure that your pets or kids don’t leave the garden without your knowledge, a sturdy fence will be your best ally. But what type of fence is best suited for your needs? Vinyl fencing reviews often praise it as the best option on the market, so, in this article, we’re going to look at some of the benefits it offers to judge whether that’s really the case.
Basic Information About Vinyl Fencing
While the popularity of vinyl as a wood substitute for fencing is undeniable, for many people the exact differences between these two options are not clear. However, in order to make an informed decision and invest your money wisely, it’s important to know what and why you’re choosing. That’s why, instead of delving straight into talking about the pros and cons of vinyl fencing, let’s start by answering a few basic and frequently asked questions about this landscaping solution.
- What is vinyl fencing made of? It’s made of a type of plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride). While choosing synthetic materials instead of wood may appear counterintuitive at the time of increasing environmental awareness, it’s important to know that PVC is 100% recyclable. This means that by using the right disposal methods when replacing your fence, you can make sure it doesn’t impact the planet negatively.
- How durable is vinyl fencing? It’s considered to be even more durable than wooden fences and can withstand the test of time while keeping its appearance intact. It doesn’t splinter nor break easily and is very resistant to damages from weather, insects and other natural or chemical factors.
- Is vinyl fencing weatherproof? Adverse weather conditions, be it strong winds, intense sunlight or high humidity, do not pose a threat to the quality of vinyl fences. However, you need to keep in mind that it’s a type of material that can contract or expand depending on the temperature, so it’s important to give it enough space to do so during the installation process.
6 Benefits of Vinyl Fencing
#1 It’s a Low-Maintenance Option
If you want to achieve optimal results with minimal effort, choosing a vinyl fence is definitely the right choice for you. There is no need for regular maintenance, and no time-consuming and expensive methods are required to keep it in top condition. Truth be told, after choosing a high-quality option and ensuring proper installation, there’s not much for you to do except for cleaning your fencing once in a while. Spraying it with a garden hose will be enough to remove dust and residue, and for more stubborn stains, a cleaning solution and a wet cloth or sponge should do the trick.
#2 It’s Not a Short-Lived Investment
How long do vinyl fences last? While the exact answer to this question depends heavily on the type and quality of PVC fencing you choose for your landscaping project, it’s estimated that its lifespan can go even beyond 20 years! This means that while the initial cost can often be higher than that of a wooden alternative, in the long run, it’s a very beneficial investment. Especially considering its durability and sturdiness that significantly reduce the risk of damages and the need for repairs.
#3 Vinyl Is Easy to Keep Nice and Clean
Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t need any protective measures, e.g., using chemicals to prevent weather or insect-related problems, as it is designed to be able to withstand such factors on its own. In effect, you gain a solution that requires no additional maintenance except for occasional cleaning to keep its beautiful appearance for years to come. With a multitude of colours and styles to choose from and being almost maintenance-free, it’s the perfect combination of aesthetic value and functionality.
#4 Good Choice for Safety-Oriented Homeowners
Vinyl fencing can affect the safety and security of your property in more than one way. The first thing to mention should, of course, be the main purpose of any fence, and that is to provide you with a clear barrier between your garden and neighbouring properties. What’s important is that the purpose of this addition is not limited to keeping people out of your land, but it can also help you keep your child or pet safely within the boundaries of your garden while playing outside. And the second factor worth mentioning is related directly to the material itself — unlike wood, PVC doesn’t splinter nor tear, thus reducing the risk of injuries.
#5 No Insects, Mould, or Decay to Worry About
As it’s made of synthetic materials, it’s basically impervious to the natural risk factors that pose a significant threat to the condition of natural wood, such as rot, decay, or insects. It’s not going to lose its colour, doesn’t need any protective treatment against sunlight or humidity, and it’s not going to weather over time. With vinyl, you can forget about such worries and enjoy the unchanging beauty of your fence for a long time.
#6 Many Options to Choose From
When it comes to natural materials, such as wood, the variety of colours and finishes available tends to be quite limited. Plus, as different types of wood have different properties when it comes to strength and damage resistance, you cannot focus solely on its appearance when making your final decision. Going with vinyl makes such issues disappear. This type of fencing comes in a wide range of styles and colours, so finding the perfect option to complement your house is no longer a problem. And while it doesn’t blend as perfectly into the surrounding landscape as natural wood, its other advantages more than make up for it.
If you want to secure your property while improving its curb appeal at the same time, contact us to learn more about our offer and the options available to you. At PLCPlus, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and individual approach to each client, so you can count on finding a high-quality vinyl fence that is perfect for your project with us!