MMC Blog

Last Updated: September 30, 2019

Selecting fencing for your home isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision – it’s a serious investment. As with any major home purchase, it’s important to spend some time shopping around and researching your options before you decide which fence to buy. Once you’ve prioritized the factors that are most important to you – durability, longevity, maintenance, cost, and style, to name a few – it’s time to select your materials. One of our favorite fencing materials is vinyl fencing, which is a great choice in many applications. Review the pros and cons of vinyl fencing to determine if it’s a good fit for your project.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Fencing

PROS

Durability You Can Count On

No matter what they’re facing, vinyl fences stand strong. They won’t rot, blister, or allow the growth of fungus, and you won’t have to worry about them splitting or cracking due to weather or old age. Plus, vinyl fences are resistant to fire and impenetrable to pests. Let’s take a moment to compare vinyl to wood fencing. Wood can be an appetizing meal for a colony of termites, but termite damage isn’t an issue concern for vinyl fences. Although wood can last for up to 20 years, it will break down over time – whereas vinyl fencing can last for decades with little to no maintenance on your end. You also don’t need to purchase any additional sealants with vinyl – unlike with wood products which need to be pressure treated, chemically treated, and preserved with a sealant. Finally, vinyl fencing won’t splinter, making it child-friendly.

Low-Maintenance Upkeep

Think of fencing materials in terms of pets. Wood can be a needy material – like a new puppy. While it looks great when it’s shiny and new, wood usually requires staining, painting, and multiple treatments. Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, is a dependable older dog. Vinyl doesn’t usually ask anything of its owner. Although you may want to hose it off from time to time, vinyl will remain attractive and durable without any help from you. It’s also designed to last a lifetime, and most fencing systems come with protective warranties. Plus, you won’t have to spend money replacing or repairing the fence a few years down the line.

Attractive Appearance

Although a fence primarily serves as a barrier, there’s no shame in admitting that you would prefer an attractive barrier that complements the surrounding structures. Vinyl is available in several classic colors including white, tan, and gray, and it doesn’t need to be painted. In addition, manufacturers offer a range of styles with decorative post-caps to match. Vinyl is even available with a simulated wood grain, giving you the look of wood without all of the work.

Simple Installation

Even amateurs can install a vinyl fence with the right tools, careful measurements, and handy instructions. If you set your fence posts properly, it’s almost as easy as snapping together LEGO blocks. The fence rails snap easily into the post slots, and the boards interlock with each other easily. Once you slide the rails onto the posts, it’s easy to secure the posts into the ground.

CONS

If you ask us, the pros of vinyl fencing far outweigh the cons. Still, as with any major home investment, you’ll want to think about vinyl fencing from all angles before you take the plunge. Material expansion is one concern with vinyl. Vinyl has been known to expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate, which can make the material more brittle over time. Overall, however, vinyl is one of the most durable fencing materials on the market.

It’s also worth noting that vinyl fencing requires a larger investment upfront. That said, you’ll definitely save money in the long run. Vinyl requires much less maintenance than wood fencing, saving you valuable time and money.

Types of Vinyl Fencing

When you’re ready to purchase a new vinyl fence, check out the MMC Fencing & Railing online store. We ship our products nationwide and provide installation in the southwest Missouri area. The PolyVinyl, PolyRail, and Designer fencing systems are a few of our favorite vinyl fencing systems:

• PolyVinyl Fence Systems: The PolyVinyl system includes a variety of fence styles ranging from privacy and semi-privacy to picket and ornamental. This system offers the aesthetic appeal of a classic wooden fence with none of the hassle. Many of the sections are aluminum-reinforced and include aluminum post stiffeners. You can also choose from a variety of post caps and classic colors. Finally, the gate systems feature corrosion-resistant screws for long-term strength, and the system’s adjustable hinge hardware provides accurate alignment.
• PolyRail Vinyl Fence Systems: The PolyRail system is an environmentally friendly series that provides inexpensive and lifelong beauty. The series includes privacy fences, yard fences, picket fences, and post-and-rail fences, all of which are available in white and tan. Interlocking fasteners ensure that the privacy fences are stable and secure, and matching gates are available for many of the product lines. Plus, heavy-duty frames are available for some of the post-and-rail fences, making them a great choice for your farm or pasture.
• Designer Fencing: Our attractive Designer Fencing system is available in three heights: 48″, 60″, and 72″. This system also features aluminum frames, which can be purchased separately. Worried about matching your fence to your home’s aesthetic? Don’t be: This system includes nine standard colors and eleven colors for the aluminum components and gate frames.

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It’s important to keep the pros and cons of vinyl fencing in mind. However, the pros of vinyl fencing far outweigh the cons. Overall, vinyl fencing is a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance addition to any home or business. Stick with vinyl if you want a strong, long-lasting fence. And be sure to review our blog post How to Choose Vinyl Fencing!

If you’re interested in adding a vinyl fence to your property, be sure to check out the selection offered at MMC Fencing & Railing. You might be interested in our PolyVinyl or PolyRail fencing systems. Both of these options are affordable, beautiful, and virtually maintenance-free. Plus, all of our vinyl fencing systems come with a transferable lifetime limited warranty! To get started, please visit our online store, request a quote, or give us a call at 866-931-5002.