MMC Blog

A vinyl fence should not be a haphazard, spur-of-the-moment purchase. Because your new fence will greatly influence your property, your checkbook, and your future, it is in your best interest to carefully compare your options before making a final decision. However, if you’ve never purchased a fence before, you may not know what to look for in a vinyl fence. To ensure that you don’t make a tragic mistake, consider the factors below before swiping your credit card.

What to Look for in a Vinyl Fence

As you browse your options, keep an eye out for the following qualities and features:

An affordable price. Obviously your fence needs to be affordable and within your budget. Beware of very low prices that seem “too good to be true,” however, as they may only be possible due to low-quality materials and construction. You get what you pay for when it comes to fences.

Sufficient wall thicknesses. Although the wall thicknesses of your posts and fence panels don’t need to be incredibly thick, they shouldn’t be thin. Thin walls may be evidence of a fence’s lack of quality. In fact, the company may be attempting to save money by using less material and lowering the fence’s strength.

Interior reinforcement. For added durability and sturdiness, look for a fence with interior reinforcement, such as interior ribbing in the pickets or galvanized steel reinforcements in the bottom rails (which will prevent sagging). This will help your vinyl fence stand up to harsh weather.

Secure and well-fortified design. The fence’s design will also play a significant role in its overall strength. To this end, search for routed rails (instead of glued or screwed), and use tongue-and-groove pickets if you’re building a privacy fence. Finally, pay particular attention to the gates, which are more prone to damage. They should have strong hardware (such as steel), aluminum post stiffeners, and steel or aluminum frames.

Quality ingredients. Even if a fence looks and feels strong, it may not be. In addition to a visual inspection of the vinyl fencing system, be sure to ask about the fence’s ingredients. For example, you may wish to look for virgin vinyl (as opposed to recycled scraps), UV inhibitors, stabilizers (to prevent sagging and melting), and professional-grade ingredients. For those wondering what to look for in a vinyl fence, these dependable ingredients should certainly be on your list.

A great warranty. Your new fence may look great now, but what if something happens to it a few months or years down the line? To ensure that you’ll be covered, look for a product with an excellent lifetime warranty. In addition, be sure that the company’s reputation regarding warranties is solid and that they are respectful and trusting when a claim arises. Sometimes you can find this information on Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

A reputable manufacturer. When purchasing such an expensive and important product, it is worthwhile to review the manufacturer behind the fence. Have they been in business long? Are they known for their reliability and great service? Are they easy to contact? Steer clear of big-box stores, which are known for low-quality products, and check out a premium fencing business like Digger Specialties instead. This reliable company, which has been around three decades, is considered an industry leader with a customer-first attitude and increasing quality standards. You can find Digger Specialties’ products at MMC Fencing & Railing.

Easy installation. Assuming you wish to install the fence yourself, look for a fencing system that is easy to install. Vinyl, luckily, is easy to work with when compared to some other materials, like steel and wood. Even if you don’t wish to install the fence yourself, a product with easy installation will equate to lower installation costs.

Style and color. Finally, if you’re wondering what to look for in a vinyl fence, style will obviously be a concern. Review the designs, colors, and sizes available. Look for a fence that complements surrounding structures and landscaping, helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. We recommend looking for a fence with a timeless style, so that it won’t appear dated as the years go by.

_____

Unfortunately, many companies sell substandard vinyl fences with weak warranties. So if you’re looking to buy a fence, take your time and factor in all of the aspects listed above. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (lots of questions) before you commit to a fence, and don’t believe everything you hear.

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, PolyRail, and Designer fencing systems:

• PolyVinyl Fence Systems: The PolyVinyl system includes a variety of fence styles: privacy, semi-privacy, picket, and ornamental. Many of the sections are aluminum reinforced and include aluminum post stiffeners, and you can choose from a variety of post caps and classic colors. The gate systems feature corrosion-resistant screws for long-term strength, and adjustable hinge hardware provides accurate alignment. PolyVinyl fences are available in widths of 48″, 60″, and 72″ (36″ and 42″ are special order). Plus, they are all made in the USA!
• PolyRail Vinyl Fence Systems: The PolyRail system is a green series that provides inexpensive and lifelong beauty. The series includes privacy fences (tongue-and-groove), yard fences, picket fences, and post-and-rail fences, which are all 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, allowing for equine applications.
• Designer Fencing: The Designer Fencing system is available in three heights, 48″, 60″, and 72″, and aluminum frames can be purchased separately. There are nine standard in-fill colors (white and various shades of tan and light brown), and eleven colors for the aluminum components and gate frames (black, white, tan, gray, brown, and green). Plus, the product is wrapped in secure, three-step packaging to ensure that it arrives free of damage.

All of these options are affordable, beautiful, and virtually maintenance-free. If you’re still not sure what to look for in a vinyl fence, our knowledgeable team would be happy to help you explore your options. Plus, our vinyl fencing systems all come with a transferable lifetime limited warranty! To get started, please visit our online store, request a quote, or give us a call at 1-866-931-5002.