If you’ve been looking into fencing your yard, or re-doing your fence, you’ve probably heard of vinyl fencing. The material definitely holds up well, and it needs little to zero maintenance. It does require a little more from you in the beginning, but it’s an attractive, permanent fence you can count on. Before you make the jump and start installing, there are some things to consider. Make sure you read the top 5 things you should know before buying a vinyl fence.
You really need to plan
Vinyl fences are permanent. Because of that, you need to do some serious planning before you buy and install one. Make sure you measure your property very carefully: once the fence is set, that’s where it’s going to stay. You might know exactly where you want the fence. That’s not the only reason planning is so important though. Vinyl fences come in solid sections. This means you can’t lower a single post or two to fill in a gap or slant in your yard.
Materials are important
You might be thinking that all vinyl fences are made of the same material. While they’re all vinyl, the quality and features of the vinyl vary. Some vinyl is thick, some are thin. Likewise, some are intended for residential areas with mild climates. Others are made for commercial grade strength in harsh conditions.
There are different types
One advantage of vinyl fencing is the amount of choice you have. Not only can you choose nearly any color, but there are a ton of styles too. You can choose a design to section off a pool area or provide complete privacy to your entire yard. If you want to keep pets in, you can choose decorative styles, or even a style resembling a picket fence.
You need to check your location
Checking factors specific to your location is more than measuring your yard. If you belong to a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) check the guidelines to make sure your new fence won’t cause problems. Likewise, look at local ordinances to make sure you’re in the clear. The last thing to consider is your local climate. If you live somewhere with harsh winters, installation requires digging fairly deep.
Weighing cost vs maintenance
Because vinyl has a higher cost initially, it can turn off some homeowners. However, it rarely needs any serious work, including staining, replacements, and anything else. Do be prepared for a little cleaning though. A power wash every once in a while does the trick pretty well (or a rinse with the hose).
Conclusion
If you’re still thinking about buying a vinyl fence, make sure you consider the list we’ve laid out. It can be a solid choice for your home, as long as you know what to look for, and how to get what you really want. You have a huge amount of control over how the finished product looks. You can even choose materials to stand up to your weather and give you total privacy, or just keep the pets contained. If you’ve considered everything on our list, you can confidently go forward with a new fence.