Product Guide: Vinyl/PVC

A versatile option, vinyl fencing is cost-effective, aesthetically appealing, and low-maintenance.

• Cost-effective – Vinyl fences come with extensive warranties, with some manufacturers providing lifetime warranties for their products.

• Aesthetically appealing – Vinyl fences come in a variety of styles and colors. They can be made to look like many different types of fences, from wood to ornamental, making them a naturally appealing choice that can be more economical than but just as pleasing as its authentic counterpoints.

• Low-maintenance – Vinyl comes pre-designed, meaning that painting is not required. Maintenance is generally delegated to a periodic washing.

 Vinyl fences are used in many applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural.

•  Residential – A versatile option, homeowners are attracted to the many styles of vinyl, from those that conform to pool safety codes to attractive privacy styles.

• Commercial / Business – The low-maintenance needed for vinyl makes it a popular choice among businesses including restaurants, hotels, and amusement parks.

•  Industrial – Vinyl is an economical choice to add architectural intrigue to an industrial complex, as well as provide a shield between citizens and any waste or storage areas.

•  Agricultural – The smoothness of vinyl provides a safe environment, particularly for horses.

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Creation & Styles

Vinyl is created by combining vinyl resin with various additives in a heating and cooling process, creating a bond between the ingredients. This makes the final product extremely durable, even in extreme climates.

 Vinyl and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) come in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, which are compatible with many different applications.

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Specifications

The American Society for Testing and Materials recommends the following minimum standards for producing vinyl fencing:

• D792: Physical Property of Rigid Vinyl
• D256: Izod Impact
• D638: Tensile Yield Strength
• D790: Flexural Yield Strength
• D638: Tensile Modules
• D635: Rate of Burning
• D696: Thermal Expansion
• D1435: Outdoor Weathering
• D1784: Cell Classification
• D4726: Specs for White Rigid PVC Exterior-Profile Extrusions (Assembled Windows and Doors)
• D2444: Impact Resistance
• F1999-00: Installation Practices for Vinyl

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Questions

When specifying a vinyl fence, it is recommended that all homeowners, architects, engineers, and specifiers consider the following questions:

• How much wind load does this fence need to bear?

  •  Vinyl fences are durable, withstanding extreme climate conditions. The properties of vinyl make it resistant to fire, meaning that it is a self-extinguishing material.

• Do the rails need to be reinforced, or is the standard gauge adequate for your purposes?

• Do the posts need to be reinforced with concrete? How much?

• Do the posts need to be installed below the frost line?

Local building codes should always be consulted for the minimum fencing requirements in that area.