A new aluminum or PVC vinyl fence can help establish boundaries, add value, and increase privacy for your property. For central Florida homeowners, the high humidity and regular rainfall restricts the kinds of wood that can be used for a fencing project. Many customers of ours choose to install an aluminum or vinyl fence due to their low maintenance, durability, and multiple unique design options.
Pros of Vinyl Fencing
PVC fencing is increasing in popularity in neighborhoods and residential communities.
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a chemically resistant synthetic resin made from crude oil and chloride, known for its high strength, low production cost, and long lifespan. These fences are referred to as PVC or Vinyl fences interchangeably.
A well-maintained PVC fence can last between 20-30 years. Vinyl fences are resistant to mold and fungi and are easier to clean than aluminum fencing.
Unlike wood fencing, PVC fences don’t rot, warp, crack, or splinter. They’re also insect-proof and keep their color for years.
Despite the increasing popularity of PVC fencing, there are a variety of heights, styles, lattices, and colors to help your home stand apart from your neighbors.
How to Care For Your New Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fencing is often claimed to be virtually maintenance-free, requiring very little maintenance after installation. While this is true, there is still some maintenance required if you want your fence to last 20+ years.
It’s wise to walk your fence annually or semi-annually to inspect for any potential marks, cracks, or holes. Dirt, grass, and pollen, can easily be removed with a garden hose or warm soapy water and a soft sponge. For tougher stains or algae build-up, adding a bit of bleach or vinegar can help kill algae and make cleaning a breeze. Pressure washers can also speed up the time it takes you to wash your PVC fence. Companies sell premixed detergent that can be pumped into a pressure washer and sprayed through the spray nozzle.
When walking your fence line and inspecting your PVC fence, it’s also imperative to check for any leaning or loose fence posts. Most PVC fences have hidden metal connectors that can become loose over time and even break off. Maintaining these connectors is easy with a screwdriver or wrench.
String trimmers or “weed wackers” can also be problematic for PVC fences since the high-speed string can easily damage PVC fences.
Pros of Aluminum Fencing
Homeowners seeking a more classic or traditional look around their property usually opt for an aluminum fence. Aluminum fencing is hugely popular as an alternative to wrought iron or steel fences. Thanks to the lightweight construction and lower production costs for aluminum fencing, they’re much cheaper than many decorative metal fences. They’re also cheaper to ship and install, reducing the labor costs for your fencing project.
Like PVC fences, aluminum fences don’t need to be repainted and have an extremely long lifespan. One of the most convincing arguments for aluminum fencing is its long lifespan. When properly cared for, aluminum fences can last over 50 years.
For lots with varying typography, PVC and wood fencing aren’t an option. Aluminum fences are rackable, meaning they can adjust to the typography of your yard easily, creating a uniform, connected fence with no gaps.
How to Care For Your New Aluminum Fence
Keeping your new aluminum fence cared for starts with keeping an eye out for debris or stain build-ups. We recommend cleaning your new fence occasionally with a garden hose to remove dirt, grass clippings, and any calcium or lime spread from fertilizer in your grass and dirt.
To remove tougher stains or unwanted marks, take a nonabrasive cloth, a bucket of warm water, some liquid dish soap, and a little bit of vinegar to the affected area. Products like Simple Green and CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust cleaner) can also help address hard water stains. With any soap or chemical cleaner, you must rinse the fence thoroughly after cleaning. Dish soap that dries on your aluminum fence can cause oxidation to occur.
Your new aluminum fence may also experience some chipping due to debris, fallen branches, or a rock thrown from a lawn mower. Manufacturers sell touchup paint to make minor repairs to these paint chips.
About Florida Fence Products
Florida Fence Products offer classic and modern fence designs for any budget. Contact our team for a free estimate today.