The white picket fence has become an integral part of the picture-perfect American dream. After all, isnt everyone supposed to live happily ever after in the home of their dreams, ensconced inside a white picket fence? The reality, of course, can be quite different–even when it comes to that white picket fence–especially if that white picket fence is made out of wood.
For years and years, wooden fences have been the popular choice in America. Yet little was said about their upkeep. After all, wood is a natural material, subject to the forces of nature. There are many ways for wood to deteriorate–it can dry out, warp, or become infested by termites. The paint can chip or become discolored over time. Fortunately, American ingenuity has come to the rescue, in the form of vinyl fencing.
Double Layered, Double Durability
Vinyl fencing is a little over 20 years old and its quality has continuously improved over time. The fencing is now made of virgin polyvinyl chloride (better known as PVC) and other essential ingredients. The best vinyl fencing comes in two co-extruded layers; the outer layer contains UV inhibitors and impact modifiers to improve its durability in terms of dealing with weather changes. The inner layer provides the strength and flexibility to withstand strong winds.
There are many advantages to vinyl fencing. The vinyl itself can be made several times stronger in terms or tensile strength, and it can be far more flexible than wood. Several fence designs can provide unparalleled sturdiness, especially with the use of steel inserts, cross-braces and reinforced inserts. These PVC fences are held together by stainless steel fasteners.
Whats more, the UV inhibitors in vinyl fencing basically acts like a sunscreen, protecting it from sun damage. Thus, the color of the fence never fades. Of course, being made of plastic, its inherently waterproof. Not only is a vinyl fence completely unaffected by heat, extreme cold cant damage it either.
You dont have to be a brain surgeon or a Nobel Prize-winning scientist to easily see other advantages. If you have small children, you wont have to worry about them picking up and eating a paint chip that peeled off a wooden fence. Nor will they ever get splinters from a vinyl fence.
Cost vs. Maintenance
It is true that a vinyl fence can cost a lot more than a wooden fence, but even that supposed disadvantage is misleading. Remember, vinyl fencing needs absolutely no maintenance. A wood fence, on the other hand, basically has to be painted every two to three years. That can cost up to as 70 cents per foot of fence per year. In that light, vinyl fencing turns into an even better deal before your newborns get to grade school.
No wooden fence comes with a lifetime guarantee, but youll find vinyl fence suppliers offering that kind of assurance. Whats more, vinyl fence manufacturers are still improving their product, adding new styles and contours that will make it impossible to tell the difference between it and wood. In the end, a growing number of satisfied customers wont be singing Dont Fence Me In anytime soon.
