There are several types of fencing options you have today apart from the usual and traditional wood fencing. If you are looking at vinyl fencing, you should be aware of the entire material before you decide to go with it. Like any material, vinyl fencing also has both pros and cons. So, this article will walk you through the characteristics of vinyl fencing, its advantages, and disadvantages.
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Vinyl fencing is a plastic-based material. It is made of polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC. Over the years, it has become trendy as an alternative to wood and chain link fence. While vinyl fencing is preferred for its low maintenance, no cracks, and doesn’t rot properties, it also has the downside of expensive installation and doesn’t go well with extreme weather. There are also different colours and designs you could choose from. So, before you decide to go for vinyl fencing, here are its pros and cons.
Vinyl fencing ticks off the first and vital mark. It is one of the safest types of fencing to get, especially if you have kids at home. For instance, if you opt for wood fencing, it could splinter over time, and your kids could be in danger when they play. Wood fencing can also easily catch fire. Fortunately, vinyl fencing is fire resistant, and it keeps your space protected and safe.
On to the next big thing we look for in properties, how much do you have to spend on maintaining the product? In the case of vinyl fencing, you can save a lot of time and money. This is because vinyl fences are durable and require significantly less maintenance. This makes vinyl fencing a winner, especially compared to wood fencing, which needs to be refinished now and then. Since you don’t have to repair or maintain the fence regularly, you save a lot of money in the long run with a vinyl fence.
As we have already discussed, vinyl fencing is fire-resistant. It does not get damaged easily and requires very low maintenance. All these qualities of vinyl fencing make it more durable. It is also resistant to water damage. So, vinyl fencing has a longer shelf life so to say. When you think of a wood fence, it can easily get damaged by water and might require you to clean and paint it every few years. But since vinyl fencing is durable against water damage, the fencing does not rot or wear away. Therefore, it can withstand moisture and have a longer life. So, vinyl fencing protects against fire, water damage, and rust. What better do you need?
Another major advantage of vinyl fencing is that it can be easily installed. For starters, you do not need a professional to install the fencing. With the right tools and careful measurements, an amateur with proper instructions can do this simple installation. Since the fence rails snap easily, there is no big mammoth task awaiting you. You can quickly secure the posts into the ground once you slide the rails onto the posts, and you are successful with the installation. But with a professional on the job, the process is much easier and more efficient.
Having said the installation is easy and simple, the biggest minus of vinyl fencing is its installation cost. Since it also falls under the high-quality category, the upfront costs are higher than even wood and metal fencing. There are also different products in vinyl fencing with different price ranges.
For instance, if you have cheap vinyl fencing, the cost will not affect much, but then the thickness will be less, and it can quickly get damaged. So, going for a better thickness is the brighter option, but more thickness means more cost.
PS: But there is a simpler way to cut down the costs. Instead of reducing the thickness or going for a cheaper quality, you could opt for a simple design, thereby keeping the quality intact at an affordable price.
The fence is under the sun all the time and is susceptible to fading colour, and vinyl fencing is no exception. If you have bought relatively cheap and subpar fencing, you are in for some trouble. While wood fencing also fades, you can refinish wood quickly. So, if you opt for vinyl fencing, ensure that you go for a better quality option so that the fading is less common and the fencing is more durable.
There is no doubt you have several options in vinyl fencing. There are different colours and designs; you can also choose them based on the thickness you want. Having said that, there is one downside: You cannot customize the vinyl fencing. There are plenty of options, but not a customizable one. On the other hand, other fencing types, like wood, have customizable options.
The look of vinyl fencing is absolutely fantastic when checked as standalone fencing. But if you are someone who loves that rustic touch, there is little to love about the look of vinyl fencing. On the brighter side, there is a type of vinyl fencing that has simulated wood grain. But come to think of it, it looks like real wood from a distance but not so much when you get closer. So, if you love modern looks, there is no problem with vinyl fencing. However, if you like a more rustic or natural look, there are better options than vinyl fencing.
There is a balance of pros and cons when discussing vinyl fencing. While the installation is easier, the upfront cost is expensive. Having said that, vinyl fencing is low maintenance and requires less to no cleaning. So, the upfront cost is the major investment you will make, and you can save a lot in the long run. With a modern house, you can also style your vinyl fencing as per your taste and needs. So, make an informed decision, and check if vinyl fencing fits your needs before you decide on your fence.
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