How Long Does a Vinyl Fence Last
Getting a vinyl fence for your property is certainly a good decision on your part. Vinyl fences are highly versatile as they tend to look great on any type of property, lending an elegant touch to it. It explains why they’re seen gracing homes as well as offices, both modern and contemporary. And they provide a number of other benefits like affordability and low maintenance. Plus vinyl is a non-toxic material making it an excellent choice for planet friendly homeowners and homes with children. But what about its durability? How long will vinyl fences last and what is the level of upkeep they require?
In fact, the most important feature of vinyl fences is that they tend to last for a long time, for several years at a stretch, barring any accidents or natural disasters of course. This is worth looking into in detail. Let’s get started!
How Long Will Vinyl Fences Last?
The durability and longevity are some of the most important features of vinyl fences. But exactly how many years does a vinyl fence last? It can last for twenty to thirty years with ease. In fact, most manufacturers do provide lifetime warranties on vinyl fences for this very reason. Even if the fence has been installed in a high-traffic area, it will remain standing year after year.
So what makes vinyl fences so strong and tough? It’s the composition.
Composition
A PVC-type material is used in the construction of a vinyl fence. In addition the use of titanium oxide on the outer part lends it ultraviolet-resistant properties, preventing it from turning yellow under sun exposure and keeping it looking as good as new. The strength of the vinyl fencing too can be attributed to its materials, which make it much sturdier and stronger than wooden fences.
Moisture and Temperature Resistance
Come rain or sunshine, vinyl fences are resistant to different temperatures. Their non-porous surface is resistant to moisture damage, unlike wood. If you’ve had a wooden fence at any point you probably know how easily it can rot, break, and split.
However that’s not the case with vinyl. Its moisture-proof property protects it from decay, mold, mildew, decomposition, and peeling. Plus it doesn’t blister, split, or crack. And nor does it cause splints like wood fencing, which has to be treated with a sealant. This is all the more relevant if you have children, as touching splintered wood can cause bleeding or injuries. In addition, vinyl fencing doesn’t need sealant application, staining, painting, or any chemical treatment to keep it looking new and preventing it from rotting. Moreover, unlike a wooden fence that tends to contract and expand with a fall and rise in temperature, a vinyl fence doesn’t warp or fade and nor does it stretch or sag, with age or temperature changes.
Resistance to Damage by Pests
Being moisture proof means vinyl fences are durable and easy to maintain even in inclement weather and not prone to fungus. In addition, since these don’t attract pests like termites and other insects, they’re not susceptible to damage from them.
Further Increase the Longevity of your Vinyl Fence with these Maintenance Tips
The non-porous surface of vinyl fencing makes it extremely easy to clean and further increases its life span. Be that as it may, this longevity is only possible if you take reasonably good care of them. Of course, accidental damage will ruin the fence and require replacement but that is to be expected. If you put some effort into their maintenance, you may even find that they outlive the siding of the house, providing great value for decades.
So if you’re wondering “how long will vinyl fences last?” just remember that you can get the most out of your vinyl fence simply by maintaining it properly and we aren’t even talking of high-level or frequent maintenance here. Just a few simple cleaning and maintenance tricks (listed below) should suffice:
Cleaning the Vinyl Fence
Cleaning vinyl fences is extremely easy and requires little effort in most cases. Here are a few steps that you can use.
- For basic and regular cleaning, water is enough. All you need is a garden hose with enough power to get rid of dirt, chemicals and clippings.
- If minor stains appear on the fence, you can get rid of them with soap. Make a solution of soap and water. Dip a rag in this solution, wring it, and then use it to clean off the stains.
- For major stains, you require a stronger solution. There are specific products available in the market. Alternatively, you can make a solution of water and bleach in a 10:1 ratio and use it to clean the stains.
Maintenance Tips
How long will vinyl fences last? They’ll last as long as you care for them! In order to maximize the lifespan of your vinyl fence, here are a few steps that you can follow:
- Make sure that the hinges of the gate are oiled once every year. Examine the screws and tighten them properly.
- The gate of the fence should be adjusted at least once every year, preferably during the spring.
- You should not allow the gate to swing under the effects of wind. In other words, the gate must always be secured when not in use.
- You should avoid using any weed trimmer near the base of the fence posts.
- Objects or materials should not be stacked or mounted near the fence as they may damage it if they collapse.
- Ensure that children are not swinging on the fence gate.
While there’s no specific answer to “how long will a vinyl fence last”, remember that by following these easy tips, you can avoid damaging your fence unnecessarily. It will also help in increasing the lifespan of the vinyl fence. Of course, you should always opt for a good quality vinyl fence if you want it to last for decades.
Aluminum Fences Direct takes great pride in its high-quality fences, available at affordable prices. Our vinyl fences last for decades and are available in a number of styles and colors so you can easily find one that suits your specific requirements and budget. To take the first step towards fencing that will stay as good as new for years, simply fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with an accurate quotation.
