The Pros And Cons Of Vinyl Fencing
If you're in the market for a new fence, you might just be overwhelmed by the variety of fencing materials on the market today. There's everything from traditional cast iron and wooden stockade fencing to newer vinyl. Vinyl has a lot to offer, including durability and few maintenance requirements. However, it's smart to weigh both the pros and cons before making a final decision.
Advantages to choosing vinyl fencing
There are many good reasons for choosing vinyl fencing. Just a few of these include:
1. Durability. The average vinyl fence can last for 20 to 30 years. That compares to a lifespan of around 10-15 years for the a wooden fence.
2. Eco-friendly. Unlike wood, vinyl is not treated with any toxic materials to help it be water and pest-resistant, toxins that can leak into the ground around your fence. In addition, because vinyl fencing is so durable, opting for a vinyl fence will keep from adding unnecessary fencing material to America's landfills.
3. Low maintenance. Keeping your vinyl fence looking sharp is easy. All you have to do to keep it clean is turn the hose on it every few weeks. You don't have to re-paint or re-stain a vinyl fence.
4. Strength. Vinyl fencing is as much as five times stronger than wood fencing, making very difficult for a strong wind or an aggressive animal to take down.
5. Resistant to pests and water. Vinyl fencing won't rust or warp as iron or wooden fencing can. It also won't be subject to termite or ant infestations like wooden fencing can.
Disadvantages of choosing vinyl fencing
Of course, no product is perfect. A couple of the disadvantages of vinyl fencing you'll want to take into consideration include:
1. Yellowing. Although modern vinyl fencing is less prone to yellowing than vinyl fencing of a decade ago, white vinyl can still take on a slightly yellow tint after a few years in the sun.
2. Unrealistic. While vinyl fencing is made to resemble wood fencing, the difference is obvious at close range. Some people dislike that "plastic" look, despite all of the advantages of vinyl.
While vinyl fencing isn't the right choice for every homeowner, this type of fencing is durable, easy to maintain, resistant to water and bugs, and extremely strong. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before you make that final decision. After all, you're going to have to live with your choice for decades to come.
For fencing contractors, contact a company such as Harco Exteriors LLC.
