Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  1. What is vinyl fence made of?

  2. Is it recycled plastic?

  3. Will it turn yellow?

  4. Will it break in cold or hot water?

  5. Will it burn?

  6. Does it chalk?

  7. How strong is it?

  8. How do I know it will last for 20 years?

  9. Will it hold my animals? Can my kids climb on it? Will my horse chew on it? Will a weed eater scratch or hurt it?

  10. How do I clean it?

  11. Can I paint it?

  12. Can I install it myself?

  13. Can I add a hot wire attachment?

  14. Why is it more expensive than wood?

  15. Is vinyl graffiti proof?

  16. Does vinyl fencing resist mold and mildew?

  17. Should I cement my vinyl fence posts?


What is vinyl fence made of?

The base ingredient is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) modified to provide superior impact strength and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. The formulation is similar to that of vinyl siding which has a 20-year history of providing long-term durability and structural integrity.

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Is it recycled plastic?

Technically, "recycled" refers to post-consumer or post-industrial materials coming from the waste stream. PVC can and is being recycled. Vinyl Solutions Unlimited does not use the waste stream as a source. However, we do reprocess our own PVC where it meets our rigid specifications. The use of this reprocessed material keeps it out of the waste stream, positively effecting our environment.

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Will it turn yellow?

No. Vinyl fence contain 10 parts titanium dioxide (TI02), which prevents ultraviolet degradation. All Vinyl Solutions Unlimited products are warranted for the lifetime of the original consumer purchaser.

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Will it break in cold or hot water?

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 materials to expand and contract during temperature changes. Our product has been engineered to accommodate normal temperature swings and changing climatic conditions.

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Will it burn?

PVC has a high flash point of 900 degrees F and does not readily ignite. It is therefore categorized as being "self-extinguishing". 

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Does it chalk?

Light chalking is a normal occurrence of any pigmented surface. Washed away by rainfall and normal changes in weather, this process helps to keep your fence looking like new. In effect, it could be described as virtually "self cleaning". 

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How strong is it?

It has five times the tensile strength of wood and four times the flexibility. It flexes under load making it strong enough to safely hold cattle and horses. Our manufacturers use impact modifiers to make our fence strong and forgiving for horses and riders as well as other farm animals. 
 

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How do I know it will last for 20 years?

The factory process is similar to that which has been used to produce vinyl siding for nearly 20 years. In addition, there are accelerated weathering tests, which have produced excellent results.

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Will it hold my animals? Can my kids climb on it? Will my horse chew on it? Will a weed eater scratch or hurt it?

Vinyl fence products have smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp edges or chance for splinters. You, your children, pets and animals are all safer. Vinyl has a tough surface, retains virtually no moisture and has no taste - therefore horses will not "crib" or chew on a vinyl fence. In addition, our experience shows that vinyl fencing holds up to routine property maintenance, including the use of most types of weed eaters.

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How do I clean it?

Use of a non-abrasive liquid cleaning agent is normally sufficient. However, for more stubborn stains, a product similar to Soft Scrub may be helpful.

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Can I paint it?

There should be no reason to paint your vinyl fence. If you decide to paint it, an epoxy-based paint needs to be used in order to adhere to the smooth vinyl surfaces. As with any painted product, it would have to be repainted in time. Any painting of your vinyl fence voids Vinyl Solutions Unlimited's warranty.

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Can I install it myself?

If you can use a level, a tape measure, a post hole digger and a sting line- and are willing to take the time to do the job right- you can probably do the job yourself. We have written instructions available. For the larger jobs some people like to hire a professional for the hole drilling or the entire job.

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Can I add a hot wire attachment?

Yes you can. The entire vinyl post is an insulator which means you won't need any special hardware. All you have to do is drill a hole in the posts and string the wire through. You should probably use a wire that is resistant to rust and corrosion.

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Why is it more expensive than wood?

Very simply, it's not! Although your investment is more initially, this is where your expense ends. The cost difference is quickly eliminated once the substantial cost of continuous maintenance of a wood or metal fence is considered. Vinyl Solutions Unlimited's fencing is the economical way to go, confidently saving you time and money with a fence backed by a lifetime warranty (see Cost Comparison chart below).

Cost Comparison
Cost includes price of fence averaged over 20 years plus maintenance and repair costs. Cost is expressed as a percentage.

Comparasion of Vinyl to Wood

Conclusion
Your cost over 20 years is constant because there are no maintenance and repair bills. Wood or metal fences are less expensive in the first few years, but increase and become more costly than your maintenance-free vinyl fence 

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Is vinyl graffiti proof?

Although not classified as graffiti-proof, the non-porous surface makes it difficult for graffiti to adhere to vinyl. Most paint can be removed with ease using a mild detergent and water. For stubborn stains, you may want to use a pressure washer or paint thinner.

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Does vinyl fencing resist mold and mildew?

Vinyl fencing is smooth and non-porous, which makes it difficult for mildew to grow. Mildew will form only under the wettest conditions, but is easily removed with water and a mild detergent.

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Should I cement my vinyl fence posts?

We recommend that you cement and place two pieces of 1/2” rebar in opposite corners of all gate posts. If you live in an area with high winds or extreme weather, it is good practice to cement all your posts for added stability.

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