Vinyl fencing is a durable, attractive, low-cost alternative to more traditional wood fencing, but just like any product, it can vary significantly in quality. Before purchasing a vinyl fence, consider the following tips to ensure you’re receiving the best possible product:
Look at samples. You can tell a lot about vinyl fencing just by examining it. Holding a test piece lets you feel how sturdy it is, how resistant it is to pressure and impact, and whether it bends and stretches too easily. Beware of distributors who don’t have sample pieces or are hesitant to let you hold them.
Check the color. High-quality vinyl has higher levels of titanium dioxide, which makes it resistant to fading and color changes. Low-quality vinyl will discolor under high UV exposure. Ask the salesperson if they have an example that’s been exposed to sunlight and check the vinyl’s color consistency. If there are striking color variations, consider finding another distributor.
Look for aluminum or galvanized steel inserts. Aluminum alloy is a crucial part of a vinyl fence’s posts and rails, because it’s used inside for reinforcement. If the vinyl you’re looking at doesn’t contain any aluminum or galvanized steel, it’s probably an inferior product.
Ask the right questions. Does the manufacturer use co-extrusion (bonding two layers) or mono-extrusion (one layer)? Although mono-extrusion doesn’t necessarily mean low quality, co-extrusion is likely to create a longer-lasting fence. You should also ask if the manufacturer follows the ASTM F964-94 standard, a voluntary quality standard for vinyl fencing manufacturers.
One reason vinyl fences are so popular is because they’re essentially maintenance-free after they’re installed. However, there are still simple steps you can take to ensure your vinyl fence maintains its appearance and efficiency for many years:
Clean the fence regularly. Mix a bit of non-abrasive household detergent with water, gently sponge away any grime and spray the fence down with a hose. Most greasy or oily stains can be easily wiped away with mineral spirits and a soft cloth.
Check the fence’s stability. No matter how securely your vinyl fence has been installed, sometimes freeze, thaw cycles and other natural forces can loosen its posts. It’s a good idea to periodically walk the fence line and make sure everything is still firm and straight. If the fence is unstable in any areas, use a shovel to adjust the earth around the posts and backfill as necessary.
Inspect the post caps. Due to expansion and contraction caused by shifting weather conditions, it’s not uncommon for snap-in fence post caps to become loose. Use a specially formulated PVC fence glue to secure the caps back in place.
Repair any broken pieces. Although vinyl fencing is flexible and durable, it can still be damaged if struck by a heavy object, such as a fallen tree limb. If this happens, it’s important to order replacement pieces that most closely match the original broken components. The actual repair procedures vary by circumstance—sometimes the fix is simple, while other times it requires moving another section of fencing and working backward.
Adjust the gate. If your vinyl fence has a gate, it might need to be adjusted on occasion. If the gate is too heavy for its hinges or posts, consider installing a gate wheel on the bottom—this will keep the gate from sagging and allow it to operate smoothly.
