Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing a Vinyl Fence

What Is a Vinyl Fence?

Vinyl fences are made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which is a type of plastic. Although you can install vinyl boards in the style of a wood fence, vinyl fences are usually installed with an interlocking method. They are available in a wide variety of colors and designs and can have natural wood or a smooth finish. 

Benefits of Vinyl Fence According to Homeowners

Easy Maintenance and Water-Resistant

"Vinyl fencing may not be the most beautiful or high-end, but let me tell you, those babies are easy to clean and maintain, and they are water-resistant if you're in an area with tons of rain. Plus, you're also avoiding issues other materials create, like termites—if there's no wood, there's nothing to eat. Realistically, you're only going to need to hose this off once in a while to keep it looking good."
- Rick Berres, Owner, Honey-Doers

Balanced Style with Minimal Upkeep

"Vinyl fencing is basically the golden ticket when it comes to balancing style, durability, and ease of maintenance. Picture this: You install a vinyl fence and then forget about it. No, seriously. Unlike its wooden counterpart, vinyl doesn't require constant attention or upkeep. There's no need to worry about rot, termites, or the weather turning it into a hot mess. Plus, it's a chameleon in disguise. Prefer something more modern? Say hello to sleek designs and trendy colors. And let's not forget the environmental angle. Many vinyl fences are made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about your choice while enhancing your property's aesthetics. So, if you're all about maximizing your home's value and minimizing your headaches, vinyl fencing is the way to go."
- Samantha Odo,  Manager, Precondo

Time and Cost Savings with Vinyl

"Vinyl fencing is a low-maintenance option for homeowners, making it an attractive choice for those looking to save time and money. Unlike wood or metal fences that may require regular repainting or rust removal, vinyl fencing does not need any painting or staining. It can simply be cleaned with soap and water, making it easy to maintain its appearance."
- Brian Rudderow, Founder & CEO, HBR Colorado

Vinyl Fence Pros and Cons

Vinyl fences are quickly becoming a popular fence option, and there are a lot of reasons why! However, the benefits need to be weighed against the drawbacks when deciding if this particular style is right for you. 

Maintenance

Pros: Since vinyl fences are made from plastic, they are very easy to wash and wipe clean. Much of the build-up can be washed away with a garden hose; stubborn stains can be cleaned with soapy water. You also rarely need to paint a vinyl fence, nor is it necessary to seal. This will save you lots of time and money compared to a wood fence that needs staining and sealing every few years.

Cons: Although they are easy to clean, vinyl fences do accumulate algae, mold, and mildew faster than other materials, especially around sprinklers that keep the fence damp. Thus, they may require washing on a more frequent basis as compared to other fence types.

If you do need to repaint your vinyl fence (for instance, if there was a stain you couldn't get off), it's difficult to find an exact color match. This means you'll have to settle for an off-color or repaint the entire fence, which would be an additional expense. At the same time, most people don't take the time to paint vinyl because the paint type is hard to find.

Durability

Pros: Vinyl fences don't crack, chip, or splinter, which makes them a safe option for kids and pets. They're also very durable and dependable for everyday use and in stable and unstable climates.UpgradedHome.com points out that high-quality vinyl fences can last "20 to 30 years" with very little maintenance. Additionally, vinyl fences are resistant to fire and pests, such as termites.

Cons: Although vinyl fences are generally durable, on certain occasions, they may struggle with handling weather fluctuations. Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, which can cause the material to become brittle and crack or shatter.

Additionally, vinyl tends to struggle with holding up under heavy impact. For instance, a tree branch falling on your fence during a storm or bumping into the fence with lawn equipment can also cause it to shatter. Repairs can be very costly depending on where the fence was damaged. 

Cost

Pros: Vinyl fences now incorporate titanium oxide into their construction, which makes them more durable and prevents discoloration. This means that your vinyl fence color will not fade, even decades later! Because vinyl doesn't need to be stained and sealed every few years, you'll save both money and time as compared to maintaining a more high-maintenance fence.

Cons: Even though they are well worth the investment, a vinyl fence does cost more upfront. The cost depends on the style, height, cost of current materials, how big your yard is, installation, and labor fees. At the same time, many companies also prefer not to "price jobs" by the linear foot.

Replacing damaged vinyl is more expensive, as the material is more costly. Because vinyl fences interlock, repairs can also be more cumbersome. You may need to replace an entire panel for even a small crack, which is far more expensive than repairing a single board or post. 

Design

Pros: Vinyl fences can easily be found in plenty of different styles. The Spruce lists several of the most common, including:

• Privacy fences
• Picket fences
• Decorative panel tops, such as scallops and lattice
• Decorative post tops
• Neutral colors

The plethora of options allows you to personalize your fence to your specifications. Plus, the interlocking design increases the curb appeal of both your fence and your property. Not a bad benefit if you're considering placing your home on the market sometime soon.

Cons: In short, a vinyl fence may not be your cup of tea. Perhaps you prefer the look of a wrought-iron aluminum fence or the classic look of wood. For many homeowners, the overall appearance of a vinyl fence may be less appealing. 

Conclusion

There are numerous benefits that go along with investing in a vinyl fence, including ease of maintenance, durability, and design. Also consider the necessary upfront costs.

Freedom Fence is a trusted fence company installing vinyl fence. Servicing Sarasota Bradenton, Port Charlotte, and nearby areas.