Vinyl Privacy Fence
It’s time to install a fence on your property and there are so many options available in make, style and color that it can often be overwhelming. Just calling a contractor might not be ideal as their main objective is to make a sale and pad their livelihood and may try to up-sell you on options you’re really not interested in. In an attempt to try to help make the process a little easier, we’ll talk today about vinyl privacy fence and why it may or may not be a good choice for you.
The advantages of using Vinyl Privacy Fence
Why choose vinyl privacy fence? There are many reasons people choose to erect a fence around their property. It could be to define the property line or to keep pets or children within a certain area. It might be for noise reduction, privacy or even to increase the property value. For whichever reason fits your needs, the main reason someone chooses privacy fence is for, well, privacy! With a privacy fence the slats are right against each other keeping anyone from being able to peer into your enclosed space and see what’s there or watch you or your family as you relax. Using a privacy fence creates a cozy secluded spot for entertaining.
Vinyl Privacy Fence
Cost and Installation
Cost: An average cost for installed vinyl privacy fence is roughly $24 – $30 per linear foot. The cost will become significantly less if you are willing to install the fencing yourself ($17 – $23 per linear foot).
Installation: Because vinyl fencing expands and contracts with heat and cold you shouldn’t plan to sink vinyl into concrete. It is best to use pea gravel instead to keep the fence from warping. Now you can hire a contractor to install the fencing for you and take the worry out of the entire thing, but doing so hikes up the price. Privacy vinyl fence panels have three pieces – a top rail, a bottom rail and slats. These panels will need to be assembled before they can be erected. Look to the manufacturers directions to do this correctly. You’ll want to measure out and plan the flow of your fence and then dig the post holes to sink in your support posts. Again, if you are using any sort of vinyl post or sinking the fence itself into the ground, you are going to want to stay away from concrete. If you are using metal or wooden fence posts, you will want to sink the posts in, level them and then pour the concrete around them to hold them steady. Brace the posts with 2×4 overnight so that the cement cures. Once the posts have set, attach the panels and erect your new fence!
Disadvantages of Vinyl Privacy Fence
There are also a handful of disadvantages to be aware of when considering a vinyl privacy fence.
Cost: The cost per linear foot of a vinyl fence tends to be higher than a wood fence of similar quality.
Limits: The color options for vinyl fences are pretty limited. While there may be more colors available in the future, right now finding a natural or specific color look may be very difficult.
Mold: Occasionally vinyl fencing can develop mold problems. Mold is ugly and can be dangerous if ingested by children or pets. It is important to note, however, that vinyl is easy to clean so managing this type of problem really isn’t too tough.
Cracking/Fading: If your fence is installed in an area where temperature fluctuates with cold winters and hot summers, your vinyl privacy fence can be prone to cracking. The cheaper versions of these fences are also often damaged by hard use around children, particularly with sports equipment like baseballs or soccer balls. After time, the color of a vinyl fence will also fade and as it cannot be re-stained or painted will need to be replaced.
Once again, there are many reasons to install a privacy fence around your property. The material you choose for the fence is entirely up to you. Hopefully you’ve found the information about vinyl privacy fence panels above useful and it will help direct you toward the best choice for you and your family.
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