Top 10 List of Unfounded Vinyl Fence Fears

As another brutal Midwest winter comes to a close our neighborhood’s vinyl fences are still holding strong.  No surprise there really. For over 20 years vinyl fence has been improving and its popularity has grown exponentially, becoming a more and more common choice over wood and ornamental iron.  However, there are still quite a few homeowners and neighborhood associations that are resistant to accept the product as a viable alternative to decaying wood and rusting metal fences.

The main ingredient in vinyl fencing is a rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Homopolymer compound with a high level of Titanium Dioxide pigment for the 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.

  1. Will vinyl fencing yellow?

    Today’s quality vinyl fencing contains titanium dioxide (TIO2) which prevents ultraviolet degradation. AmeriFence Corporation has partnered with Kroy Vinyl Products in warrantying our product for 20 years against premature discoloring and yellowing.
  2. Will Vinyl Burn?

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

  3. Will vinyl fencing break in hot or cold weather?

    Like most plastics, vinyl will become more rigid in colder weather conditions. However, it would take an unusual impact to cause it to 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.

  4. How Strong is Vinyl?

    Unlike wood or metal fencing, vinyl fencing has a certain amount of flexibility. And because of this, it is more than adequate for a wild pitch in the backyard or your 120 lb dog chasing a squirrel. 

  5. How long will the vinyl fence last?

    Vinyl fencing stands apart from wood and ornamental and should last substantially longer. The only noticeable difference between a new fence and a 40-year-old vinyl fence may be a slight loss of sheen.

  6. 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 a sponge to clean your fence.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Will Vinyl Fence fade?

    Like vinyl siding and windows, vinyl fencing will lose a little of its sheen over time.  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.

  10. 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 holds its color.  The inner shell is a softer compound that prevents cracking, chipping, and peeling.

Bonus question answered:

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. We are happy to help with whichever type of fencing you would like. We are your Madison fence company.