What is Vinyl Fencing made of?
If you are considering replacing your fence, you have most likely come across vinyl fencing as an alternative to traditional wood fencing. As you consider the pros and cons of each fence type, you may have a few lingering questions. What is vinyl fencing made of? Is vinyl fencing durable? Are PVC and vinyl fences the same thing? Are all vinyl fences the same quality? Is vinyl fencing a good option for my backyard fence? In this article, we will be answering those questions for you.
So, what is vinyl fencing made of?
A vinyl fence or PVC Vinyl fence is essentially made of plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The PVC resin is combined with special ingredients that make vinyl fences exceptionally durable and weatherproof.
Are PVC and Vinyl the same?
Vinyl and PVC can often be confused with one another, but these two materials are not the same. Vinyl is a radical of ethane that refers to many different ethylene-based compounds, and PVC is polyvinyl chloride and a polymer of vinyl chloride. PVC is a type of vinyl and is one of the most popular construction materials on the market. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is relatively inexpensive. When installing a vinyl fence, PVC is the only type of vinyl used; therefore, it is usually called vinyl fencing.
How are vinyl fences manufactured?
There are two primary manufacturing methods used to make vinyl fences, including mono extrusion and co-extrusion. Monoextrusion is a manufacturing process that involves injecting polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet inhibitors. Co-extrusion involves two layers of PVC, including a cover layer and an inner layer. Check out this article if you are interested in learning the science behind the vinyl fence manufacturing process.
Are all vinyl fences the same quality?
No, not all vinyl fences are created equal. The most common selling feature cited when selling vinyl products is the wall thickness, but there is more you have to watch for. Chemical makeup and product consistency mean so much more when it comes to choosing the right product. One of the major differences is quality vinyl products are made from virgin vinyl instead of recycled vinyl.
Virgin-Vinyl is the term used for vinyl products that do not contain recycled products. Recycled products that may be imported into an extrusion plant may contain impurities or lower-grade vinyl, which can seriously affect the finished product’s resilience, impact resistance and UV inhibition.
How can you, the consumer know that a product is stable in your environment, and will it stand up to the test of time? Well, the short answer is, you can trust VMA-certified products.
Are vinyl fences durable?
Yes, vinyl fences are an excellent choice if you are looking for a durable fencing solution. Research shows that vinyl fencing is five times stronger and four times more flexible than wood fencing. Vinyl fencing is perfect for any type of fencing that is traditionally made from wood, including privacy, pool, and animal barriers. Vinyl fences are the perfect choice as they are resistant to rotting, rusting and insects. They are also immune to splitting, cracking and warping. In addition, vinyl fences are perfect for a family that enjoys backyard activities and sports as they can withstand scratching and strong impacts such as a baseball throw.
What type of vinyl fencing does Premium Fence install?
At the Premium Fence Company, we are proud to install only the best quality products in the Greater Vancouver area. Our vinyl fence supplier is Country Estate®, based in Nebraska, USA. They are a family-owned business and the inventors of the vinyl fence in 1970 through their first company, Nebraska Plastics, Inc. Country Estate® Fencing is totally superior to all other conventional fencing materials. It is both cost-effective and free from traditional maintenance. In exhaustive laboratory and field tests on farms and at residential homes nationwide, satisfied customers confirm the economic and durability. The bright white polymers and scientifically formulated colour pigments compounded exclusively by Country Estate provide an agelessness found nowhere else in the fence industry.
Interesting fact: The first vinyl Country Estate® ever made is still standing strong on their farm today! A trustworthy lifetime fence!
Is vinyl fencing recyclable?
To quote our supplier, yes, Vinyl Fencing is inherently recyclable. Because vinyl is a thermoplastic, it can be reheated, melted and used again. A recent study determined that more than 99 percent of all vinyl ends up in a finished product. Even the vinyl sawdust that is created by decking installation can be put back into the recycling stream. No paints or stains are left over, requiring special treatment for disposal, and no preservative chemicals are needed, thereby eliminating potential absorption into the groundwater. More than 1 billion pounds are recycled annually (mostly post-industrial), according to a recent study.
Vinyl Fence Resources
If you are interested to learn more about our vinyl fences, check out our vinyl fence installation options. If you are interested to know how vinyl fences compare to wood or aluminum fences, you can check out our comparison article on The Best Fence.
We hope you found this article informative. Feel free to call or email us with any questions you may have about fence replacement for your strata, and a member of our support team will be happy to assist you. We pride ourselves on having the best customer service in the industry. We care about our clients and are genuinely grateful for their business. Thank you for reading this.
