Introduction
Most people opt for wood or metal fences for their property. However, wood is very expensive both in upfront cost and maintenance. On the other hand, while metal lasts for a long time, it doesn’t look as good. When you search for a “fencing company near me” and hire professionals to install a fence they’ll tell you the same thing. Instead, you can opt for cheap vinyl fencing which will last you a lifetime. Let’s check out the advantages of a vinyl fence:
The Details
- Easy to install – Unlike other types of fences, vinyl fence is very easy to install. You don’t have to do a lot of cutting, trimming, or digging. The foundation posts go deep along the property line and the prefabricated fence slats go into their place. Whether you get it installed by a professional or do it yourself, it’s an easy task.
- Low maintenance – With a vinyl fence, you don’t need to worry about a lot of maintenance. You can maintain and keep it in good condition with a fraction of the time and labor required for a wooden fence. You don’t need to deal with splinters or spray them with chemicals to combat termites. Vinyl fences can withstand termites and damage far better than most fencing materials. The most you’ll do is wash it with water or a cleaning detergent when it gets dirty.
- Numerous options – When you choose a vinyl fence there are plenty of options. The options are far more varied than wood and metal and can be customized according to your needs. The vinyl fence pieces are made at the factory and can be of any height or shape. You can even treat your fence as a canvas and have your favorite artwork printed on it. You also get to choose between all kinds of patterns and finishes. The options are endless.
This works especially well for you if you need to match the fence with the overall aesthetics of your home. With wood and metal, you’re limited and need to improvise or compromise. With vinyl you can engineer the fence anyway you want. That creates a more seamless look.
Another reason to get PVC fencing is that it helps with termite control Melbourne and other major cities’ residents often require.
- High durability – Don’t think of vinyl as just pieces of flimsy plastic. Certain PVC and vinyl fences can be more durable than wood. They don’t peel, crack, blister or chip away like wood. You don’t have to worry about a mild storm ruining the aesthetics of your backyard. It can tolerate everything from insects and pests to severe weather conditions.
- Affordable – Fence costs vary as you move from one region to another. However, on average a vinyl fence costs less than $20 per linear foot. While that’s twice the price of a flimsy and ugly chain link fence, the cost is comparable to a wooden fence and much cheaper than an aluminum or steel fence.
Moreover, the cost of installation is the cheapest. You’ll spend about $10 on chain link and metal fence and $12 on wood. However, the average cost of installation for a vinyl fence is around $7 per linear foot. Add in the cheap cost of long-term maintenance and you’ve got a stellar deal.
- Fire safety and temperature tolerance – When it comes to fire safety, wooden fences are the worst. They are a fire hazard, especially if you live in a dry and hot climate. On the other hand, vinyl is a poor conductor of heat and is a highly fire-resistant and self-extinguishing material. That’s why it’s also a popular material for home construction.
Vinyl is also great at enduring severe cold temperatures and severe wind speeds. It’s going to take a lot more than a strong windstorm to knock down a vinyl fence. PVC/vinyl fenders are made to tolerate even saltwater and harsh temperatures. They are also highly resistant to extreme and sudden temperature swings and do a better job at not taking damage compared to wood or metal. They don’t develop cracks due to extreme temperature swings and can last you a lifetime.
- Vinyl fence longevity – Vinyl fences can last you for a lifetime. The median homeownership rate is usually around 10 years. In dense metropolitan areas, the median rate of homeownership is higher at around 15 years. Irrespective of where you live, a vinyl fence can last around two to three decades. That means you’re more likely to move to a different home before you need to replace the fence. That’s why most manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty with their vinyl fences.
- Extending the life of your vinyl fence – The life expectancy of your vinyl fence has a lot to do with where and how you install it. Make sure that you install the fence on even and firm ground. If the ground is uneven and swampy with weak trees around the area, the fence will have a weak foundation. You also need to make sure the fence is installed properly and not too rigid. It needs to have a bit of room for flexibility so that it can stand up to strong storms.
You also need to maintain the fence properly to make sure it lasts a long time. There’s no need to paint it or apply fancy sprays. You simply need to clean it every few months and get rid of dirt, debris, and other build-ups. Inspect the fence from time to time and if you see any bacteria or mold, clean it with a bit of bleach or vinegar. Also, make sure that there are no large tree branches hanging over or near the fence. If overhanging branches are too long and heavy, they may fall on the fence and damage it. Pruning those branches should help mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
As you can see, a vinyl fence can last you for decades with the right maintenance and care. It’s also cheap and has high durability. If you want to get your vinyl fence properly installed by professionals search for a “fencing company near me”.
