Jun 25 2007
First Fence of Georgia, North Georgia and Metro Atlanta's leading provider of wood, steel, aluminum and PVC fencing, advises consumers who are considering a fence installation to understand all the options before making a decision. PVC fencing is one of the newest fence types available and has quickly become a top fencing choice for homeowners and residential developers.
"One of our company missions is to educate our customers so they can make the most informed decision possible before investing in a new fence," says J.C. Ordono, president of First Fence of Georgia. "We have found that many of our customers are turning to PVC fencing for its versatility, durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance."
PVC fencing (also known as "polyvinylchloride" or "vinyl" fencing) has grown in popularity particularly among homeowners due to the ease and low cost of maintenance. Some fence types require repainting or restaining after a number of years, while PVC fencing can easily be cleaned with a garden hose or pressure washer.
PVC fencing is also very versatile. Until recently, it was only available in traditional bright white and consumers demanded more options. So fence manufacturers like Country Estate® (the originators of vinyl fencing) have stepped up to the plate by adding colors such as light gray and almond to the mix. They also offer PVC in over fifty styles including picket fences, privacy fences and boundary fences in 2-, 3-, and 4-rail styles. PVC lends itself well to custom fence applications as well as arbors, gazebos, decking and handrails.
First Fence of Georgia, a dealer of Country Estate fencing, provides the following tips for purchasing PVC fencing:
- Ensure the vinyl fence you choose is constructed of scientifically formulated 100% virgin PVC compounds with UV stabilizers throughout. This results in a fence that is virtually impervious to deterioration from moisture, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet exposure.
- Choose PVC fencing that is formed from a solid-wall extrusion process. This means the fencing components are one solid color throughout. Co-extruded PVC uses varying grades of material and is composed of an inner and an outer layer. From a distance, a co-extruded fence may appear solid, but it is not as durable as solid PVC fence material. Co-extruded PVC is more vulnerable to scratches and cracking that will then show the base color through the outer layer of vinyl.
- Vinyl-clad wood fencing is subject to the same damaging effects of outdoor elements as an untreated wood fence like warping, swelling, and rot. This is because a vinyl-clad fence (natural wood that has been coated with a thin layer of vinyl) cannot be waterproofed and sealed through the vinyl coating.
- All that PVC fencing requires in the way of maintenance is either a good spray with a garden hose or a pressure washer. Since there are no harsh chemicals involved, PVC becomes a child-, plant-, and pet-friendly fence option.
- PVC is naturally waterproof and termite-proof. Additional sealants, chemicals, pesticide, paints or stains are not required, nor are they recommended.
- Make sure the vinyl fencing manufacturer you choose guarantees their materials against rotting, peeling, cracking, fading or corrosion.
- Take the environment into consideration. PVC is an inert material that does not transmit pollutants into the ground or the air. In addition, if there comes a day when you no longer have a use for your PVC fence, it may be dismantled and recycled.
- Start small. Good quality PVC fencing will retain its original color ten, fifteen, twenty or more years from now. New PVC fencing can be added to an older PVC fencing project to provide continuity and a seamless transition from the previous installation. Country Estate offers a 50 year, non prorated warranty that is also transferable within the first 10 years.