Friday 12 October 2012

White Vinyl Fence Will Last a Lifetime


White vinyl fence is made from harmless non-toxic substances that are fully recyclable. These fences are manufactured using two processes: mono-extrusion and co-extrusion. Mono-extruded fences contain twelve parts of titanium oxide and other ingredients through-out the product where as co-extruded contains titanium oxide in just the outer layer. Most manufacturers include Titanium Dioxide, which has special ultraviolet inhibitors to keep it white and prevent yellowing due to the suns effects.

Vinyl panels are known for having a long life with strength and flexibility. You will never have to worry about discoloring, warping or peeling over time.They can also handle heavy storms or other environmental conditions. Vinyl will look good far longer than wood with little to no maintenance involved. Even though vinyl is initially more costly than wood, vinyl does not need to be painted or treated so the overall cost is generally more cost effective.

Panels come in a variety of styles and colors with the most popular color being white. They are also offered in tan, clay, gray and almond. A new color that has recently been added is the wood grain look. But vinyl does have its limitations since it is not available in every color. Vinyl fence colors are limited because vinyl is made using light colored pigmented products. Dying the product a dark color would result in fading over time. Because of this vinyl is generally only offered in the lighter colors. Each manufacturer generally offers white but normally will have different color variations of a beige or tan colored product.

The most popular styles of white vinyl fence is privacy, semi-privacy, picket, rail and split rail. One of the most popular types of fencing is privacy. Privacy fencing is most used around a pool or a house where privacy is important. Picket fences are some of the most functional and attractive of fences.

White vinyl fence is virtually maintenance free. You will not have to paint vinyl, unlike wood fences that need to be painted or stained every couple of years. Since vinyl does not rot and handles exposure very well you will not have to replace boards or posts. You will only need to wash your fence occasionally. Most manufacturers recommend using mineral spirits to clean your vinyl fence. Soap and water or household cleaners can be used just be sure to use products that do not have abrasives that may harm your fence.

White vinyl fence is so durable and maintenance free that homeowners will be able to enjoy their fence for years to come. When investing in a quality vinyl with a limited lifetime warranty, you can be assured of a fence that will not only last a lifetime, but requires very little maintenance. Spend less time maintaining your fence and more time with your loved ones with vinyl.

Thursday 29 March 2012

Different Vinyl Fence Manufacturering Methods - Find the Best Product and Most Cost Effective

Co-extrusion and mono-extrusion are two different processes used in the production of vinyl. Each has very distinct differences and you should be aware of which method the manufacturer uses prior to purchasing a vinyl fence. See the descriptions below as to which vinyl production method is better and which you should avoid.

Mono-Extrusion
Mono-extrusion is the original way a vinyl fence and even vinyl siding is made. With Mono-extrusion a U.V. protector is injected into the entire vinyl mixture, having 100% saturation throughout. Now most vinyl companies use co-extrusion, where the vinyl fence products are extruded into 2 layers - a capstock (the outer layer with the U.V. protectant) and a substrate (the inner layer). Using co-extrusion gives the vinyl fence profile ONLY 20% coverage of U.V. protection, which is a thin outer layer called the capstock. Basically think of a mono-extruded vinyl as being one solid piece of molded vinyl with all the ingredients mixed together and formed.

Co-Extrusion

The co-extruded vinyl fence profile is made out of two layers: an outer layer (called the capstock) containing the U.V. inhibitors and an inside layer (called the substrate) with reduced ultraviolet protection but increased impact resistance material. These two streams are chemically attached to each other under great pressure and temperature forming one continuous stream, that cannot be separated. Co-extrusion is initially quite expensive because it requires specialty equipment, tooling, training and is overall a more complicated manufacturing process; but it significantly lowers material costs. You may see that the inside layer is a different color than the outer layer, this is because many manufacturers make the inside layer out of reground material (rework) to make the vinyl product even more cost effective. This does not affect the vinyl product's durability or performance as long as there are not using recycled materials. When it is all said and done, although the manufacturer's initial investment for equipment is more expensive, overall a co-extruded vinyl fence product is slightly more affordable without sacrificing quality. Bufftech vinyl developed this state-of-the-art co-extrusion process, which has now become the industry-leading-standard and a majority of vinyl fence manufacturers co-extrude. These companies are reputable and back their products with lifetime warranties, meeting ASTM vinyl fence standards. The competing manufacturer's that mono-extrude warn that since co-extrusion can result in different color layers, a scratch on a co-extruded vinyl fence will reveal the substrate color - like a scratch on a car revealing the undercoat color. However, quality co-extruders like Bufftech address this concern and make the outside layer thick enough to prevent scratches from penetrating through to the substrate layer.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

How To Buy A Vinyl Fence Online: Handy Check List To Ensure Your Purchase Goes Smoothly

Have you decided it was time to upgrade your old fence or perhaps finally install the fence you have always wanted? We all know the saying that "good fences make good neighbors" and choosing a vinyl fence for your fencing needs will mean you have just made a new best friend. These materials have become one of the most popular choices in home fencing due to the versatility, durability and dependability of these fences.

Today, one can choose to buy a vinyl fence online and have the fencing material they needed delivered to their home. However, before doing so take a few minutes and review this handy check list to ensure that all your needs are meet.

• Choose the area where the fence will be installed. Is the land flat? Are there any items such as bushes or trees in the way? Is your property in a bit of a slope? Planning ahead will help to ensure that you do not run into issues when it comes to installing the fence. Prior to making the choice to buy a vinyl fence online make sure that you have measured the area where the fence will go and are prepared to deal with any issues that may arise.

• Choose the style of fence you would like- When it comes time to make the choice to buy it online spend a little time going over the various styles of vinyl fencing. Are you looking for a traditional style looking fence? Perhaps you want something with a little bit more of a unique style that also has a high level of privacy. When you go to buy a vinyl fence online, you will see that there are many choices of styles to choose from. Find the one that works best for you and start planning for the installation of your new fence.
• Choose your company wisely- Spend a little time doing your homework about the company that you buy a vinyl fence online from. Do they offer a return policy? Do they offer any type of warranty on the fence? Does their website have a customer service number that you can contact if you need to? Do they offer discounts for larger orders? Each company is different and by spending a little time reading about the companies you will be able to find the company that works best for you. Any company that does not have a valid way for you to contact them should be marked off your list.

Today it is a very easy process to buy it online.
Vinyl fences provide many advantages over traditional fencing materials. Did you know that they are resistant to the harmful UV rays of the sun? This means no having to deal with maintenance issues such as painting, since it will never tarnish or have paint chips due to the weather. Isn't it time you went ahead and made the wise choice to buy a vinyl fence online?

Saturday 28 January 2012

Fencing, Vinyl Vs Wood

If you are considering putting a fence up around your house you might consider vinyl fencing as a great alternative to wood fencing. Though wood is a traditional medium for fence building things have come a long way in recent years and vinyl now provides a more durable and ultimately more cost effective means of fence construction.

How does the cost of a wooden fence compare to that of a vinyl fence?


Though a wooden fence is sometimes cheaper off the bat a vinyl fence is very likely to save you much more money in the long run. Wooden fences will often require replacement at your expense, but vinyl is significantly more durable and sometimes even comes with a guarantee of that reliability.
How is the maintenance different between vinyl and wood fencing?
Vinyl fencing is very low maintenance and can be brought to its original luster often by simply spraying it with a garden hose. Wood fencing on the other hand often requires resealing, repainting, and can often rot out requiring a complete removal of boards.

You can see that in terms of maintenance and price
vinyl might be a good direction to go. If you own a home or a rental property and are looking for the most low maintenance option in fencing, it will be hard to beat vinyl as the best option. Another option you may not have considered is installing an aluminum fence. At first you might think of a simple chain link fence when hearing of a metal fence, but in reality aluminum fencing can be so much more. An aluminum fence can be just as beautiful as a wood or vinyl fence and depending on your particular preferences; aluminum might just be the best choice for you.
Aluminum fencing doesn't have to look like urban fencing, but rather it can take the appearance of an iron fence you might see outside of a beautiful Victorian home. Aluminum of course offers great durability and great looks but you can also have a good deal of creative input on gate options. If you would like a monogrammed gate you can make it happen with aluminum, and intricate metal work can also be done to create the feel of a fence that is decades or centuries old! Certainly aluminum offers advantages and certain unique opportunities that no other fencing material can offer, so check look into your budget and your needs and see which material will work best for you.

Thursday 5 January 2012

Installing Vinyl Fence: Some Prior Considerations

The popularity of installing vinyl fence is slowly increasing because aside from being beautiful, it is also very easy to maintain and it can last for many years. You will not regret spending on it, even though going for other options would be more practical, because it is a very wise investment. Your place will become more attractive, you almost do not have to perform any maintenance operations and you do not have to keep changing fences since it can survive for a long time.
Then again, if you have plans of installing a vinyl fence, you would need to take certain things in consideration. This is because, there are things that can be affected by your actions and there are people who might get inconvenienced by it. This is why; you must evaluate things first before your proceed. Here are some pre-installation considerations to take note of. Once everything is straightened out, it is only then that you can proceed with the job.

- Identify your reasons for putting up a
fence (i.e. safety, beautification, etc)

- Think of the best style that would accomplish the function you intend it for and choose the materials that would best address the matter.


- Determine the area that will be
fenced to identify how much material you would require.

- Communicate with your immediate neighbors to ensure that the location you chose to put your
fence would not affect their property. You should also refer to the easements on your deed, or the right-of-way provision for other property owners, to avoid disagreements.
- Verify with local zoning laws for possible restrictions on the placement and the size of the fence. If you are living in a neighborhood that preserves a certain type of concept, check with the neighborhood association if they have any restrictions.

- Before digging, make sure that no underground utilities will be affected.


- Apply for the necessary building permits as ordered by the local code.


If you want to avoid possible misunderstanding and penalties, better consider the above points prior to digging that very first hole.
Installing vinyl fences is not a very difficult job but doing so requires serious responsibility. Just do your best to comply with the laws and codes and make communications open with the owners of the adjacent properties because if you do, you can definitely begin with your job in just a few days and would be able to finish it without hassle.

Friday 23 December 2011

Installing a Vinyl Fence: How to Measure Your Yard

Vinyl fencing is both easier to install than other options and does not require as much maintenance - and is becoming more common and popular because of it. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the rain and wind can more quickly deteriorate other fencing materials. Salem, in particular, is becoming a center for fence production, and the panels being produced are easily assembled and durable.

If you're considering installing your own
vinyl fence, don't skimp on the measuring stage to avoid an uneven or flawed fence, or one that may require you to replace sections at a later time. Before you order your Salem fence materials, follow these tips in the planning stages of your fencing project.
Preliminary Steps

Before you even begin measuring, avoid major
fence installation problems by planning ahead. Preliminary steps include:

Review local zoning or building laws. Some cities and local communities have codes that govern the measurements of your fencing. Review these codes so you are not required to tear down or alter your
vinyl fencing.

Locate underground lines. Underground utility lines will help you determine many of your fence's characteristics because they will affect where your fence posts can be placed. Make sure to plan around any underground lines.


Check for obstructions in your yard. Make sure to plan your
fence around any obstructions or variances in your yard, such as large rocks, plants, dips and slopes. All of these will affect both the placement and the construction of your vinyl fencing.
Confirm where your property line is. This may seem simple, but done incorrectly can cause some pretty significant issues. As part of this process, also consider where you want to build your vinyl fence - do you want to build it a few feet inside the property line so you can access both sides of the fence or do you want to leave as much yard space as possible?

Begin the Measuring.


Start your measuring by placing a stake in each corner of your yard where you plan for the
fence to be installed. Add up the measurements between each stake for the total length of fencing you'll need, taking into account if and where you want any gates. Put this general plan down on paper, with an outline of the yard as well. Make sure to mark where you would like each fence post to go, and how many corner and end posts you will need overall. For vinyl fencing, a good rule of thumb is a post every eight feet, as most vinyl fencing materials come in eight-foot panels. Knowing these measurements, then calculate the number of fence panels you'll need by dividing the total length of fencing by eight.

You can also use an online fence materials calculator, which can tell you how many posts, panels and other materials to order. When ordering Salem
fence materials, keep your notes and diagrams handy in case of any questions, and make sure to ask whatever questions you have.

Monday 12 December 2011

Are Vinyl Fences Better Than Wood Fences?

As with any home improvement project, it is always best to do your homework before going ahead with your plan. Whether you go with vinyl or wood, keep in mind that these fences will be around for at least 10 years, so it's even more important that you like the fence that you are getting.

So, are
vinyl fences better than wood fences? There are homeowners who prefer vinyl fences and then there are those who are all for wood fences too. Both camps swear by their choice of fence, but when you get down to the details, is there really a clear winner? Let's find out.
Affordability

The price of the fence is a major issue for most homeowners and here's the deal: Wood fences are cheaper upfront. Vinyl fences cost more initially but then once they are put up, you can leave them there for the next 15 years or so without having to fix or repaint anything. But even if say that wood is more expensive in the long run, it would all still depend on the resources you have on hand (i.e. can you afford a
vinyl fence now?).

Look


The natural look of wood is what most homeowners who opted for
wood fences really like. Wood fences come with a rustic charm that blends perfectly with most landscaping designs. In addition, wood fences can be custom made with a lot of options to choose from with respect to texture and design. This is the true beauty of wood that remains unmatched by vinyl fences until now. Sure you'd need to do a lot of maintenance work to keep your wood fences looking the way they are, but who says beauty doesn't come with a price?

Maintenance and Durability


Vinyl
fences clearly have the edge in this aspect. They can last up to up to 50 years without the need for much maintenance work. Just a hosing down every now and then to remove dust and loose dirt will keep your vinyl fences in top condition. Plus, they don't rot or crack, and are weather and termite resistant.
Wood fences on the other hand, need to be sealed, stained, and painted on a regular basis. Cedar and redwood are the best wood materials for fences. Properly finished, fences from these types of wood can last up to 20 years, maybe a little more, even under the harsh weather conditions.

Warranty

Vinyl fences also trump wood fences when it comes to warranty. Because wood is naturally susceptible to decay regardless of how well you have it treated, wood fences rarely come with a warranty. For a vinyl fence, a 20-year warranty is quite common, and even labor and installation comes with up to 5 years warranty.

Again, which is the better choice?
vinyl or wood? I'd say it all boils down to what aspects of a fence matter most to you. The advantages and disadvantages of both types have been laid out for you and ultimately, the decision is yours to make.