Your Guide to Vinyl Fencing

Here in the Northwest, where the wet, unpredictable weather can pose a threat to even the strongest residential fence, homeowners are increasingly turning to vinyl fencing as a solution to their outdoor troubles. Vinyl fences have significant advantages over wood when it comes to their ability to tough out wind, rain and extreme temperatures.

If you’re thinking about installing a fence and want to know more about why vinyl fencing is becoming an increasingly popular option, you’re in the right place. Here you’ll find answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about vinyl fences, including:

• Why choose vinyl? Discover why vinyl fencing is five times stronger than wood, holds up better in Northwest weather and is an environmentally-friendly fencing material.

• Is installation difficult? Installing a vinyl fence is similar to installing a wood fence, with an added bonus: The snap-together construction of most vinyl components means you’ll be done much more quickly. Follow these simple instructions for a well-built vinyl fence.

• How do I clean it? With a low-maintenance vinyl fence, you’ll rarely need to do more than hose it off. Learn how to mix your own homemade cleaning solution, and follow our guide for removing tougher stains or grime.

• What fence styles can I choose? Find out which fence styles take best advantage of vinyl’s unique benefitsk, and learn about the multitude of options available to homeowners, such as creating your own custom design.

What Is Vinyl, Anyway?

Vinyl is a vastly under-appreciated, versatile material with an incredible number of uses. In the late 1800s, German scientists invented Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) but failed to find practical uses for the material. PVC lay unnoticed in the scientific community until the 1920s, when Dr. Waldo Semon, a researcher at the BFGoodrich Company, used it in experiments to find a new type of rubber adhesive. His experiments yielded plasticized polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl as we know it today. Remarkably, the resulting substance was made up of simply salt and petroleum.

It wasn’t until vinyl’s first use as shock absorber seals that the manufacturing industry took notice. Vinyl’s striking resemblance to natural rubber allowed it to be quickly adopted as a renewable substitute, and in the 1930s and 40s, vinyl became a common ingredient in waterproof fabrics, synthetic tires, wire insulation and, of course, vinyl records. In the 1950s, PVC pipe was invented and quickly became a reliable and affordable construction component.

Finally, in the 1980s, the vinyl fence was born. Originally used on farms for horse and cattle pens, vinyl fencing features a versatile nature and unique benefits that have led to its widespread residential use.