Unfounded Omaha Vinyl Fence Fears

As we round the corner on another Midwest winter, our neighborhood’s vinyl fences are still standing.  Surprising? Of course, not. Vinyl fencing has been around for over twenty years. Its popularity has grown exponentially as it replaces wood and ornamental in popularity.  Yet, there are still many home owners and neighborhood associations that are hesitant to accept the product as a viable alternative to decaying wood and rusting metal fences.

The base ingredient in vinyl fencing is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Homopolymer compound with a high level of Titanium Dioxide pigment for long term, ultraviolet (UV) light resistance and impact modifiers for superior strength. The formulation is similar to that of vinyl siding and windows which have long term durability and structural integrity.

Will vinyl fencing yellow?

Today’s quality vinyl fencing contains titanium dioxide (TIO2) which prevents ultraviolet degradation. American Fence Company has partnered with Kroy Vinyl Products in warrantying our product for 20 years against premature discoloring and yellowing.

Will vinyl fencing break in hot or cold weather?

As with most plastics, vinyl will become less flexible in colder weather conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will not break. It is normal for vinyl fence materials to expand and contract during temperature changes. Extruded right here in the Midwest, Kroy Vinyl products have been engineered to accommodate extreme changes in weather conditions.

Will Vinyl Burn?

PVC has a flash point of approximately 900 degrees and does not easily ignite. Vinyl is classified “Self-Extinguishing”.

How Strong is Vinyl?

Unlike wood or metal fencing, vinyl fencing has a certain amount of flexibility.  However, the materials are engineered to be impact resistant with a chemical formulation that will withstand a wide range of normal use. From your ten-year old’s wild fast ball to a jumping pet’s attempt to escape the yard, your vinyl fence will hold-up to the challenge.

How long will vinyl fence last?

On this note, this is where vinyl fencing stands apart from wood and ornamental.  Vinyl fencing will last a lifetime.  You may see the fence lose a little sheen over time.

Is Vinyl Fencing maintenance free?

Vinyl Fencing requires very little maintenance. Under normal conditions this maintenance is in the form of annual washing of the fence to keep it looking new. You may use your garden hose and wash mit to clean your fence.

Is the fence graffiti proof?

Although not classified as graffiti proof, vinyl fencing is easy to clean and paint comes off with just a little effort. It may require the use of a pressure washer or in extreme cases the use of paint thinner. 400 grit sandpaper can be used when some spots will not come off using the above methods.

Can Vinyl Fence break?

Vinyl Fencing can break if subjected to a direct impact, i.e. a rock thrown from a mower.  Under normal use, the vinyl fence will not break when installed properly. Planks, pickets and rails are easily replaced if damaged.

Will Vinyl Fence fade?

Like vinyl siding and windows, vinyl fencing will lose a little of its sheen overtime.  However, it will not fade.  Today’s vinyl fencing has a chemical formulation similar to sunscreen.  It is designed to permanently reflect the sun’s rays and hold its colors.

Will Vinyl Fence crack, chip, peel or rot?

During the life of the fence you should not expect to find surface cracking, peeling, chipping or rot. Vinyl fencing has a hard outer shell that protects it from the sun and to hold it color.  The inner shell is a softer compound that prevents cracking, chipping and peeling.

Is vinyl fencing more expensive than wood and ornamental fencing?

The cost of vinyl fencing is a little more than wood and a little less than ornamental.  However, when you consider that you will have to replace your wood fence in-time, vinyl fencing is the more economic choice.  As vinyl fencing grows in popularity, there are more extruders providing a wider range of products.  This has kept the market competitive and prices stable.  The gap in pricing from wood fencing to vinyl fencing is slowly shrinking.