Facts About Vinyl
What is vinyl?
Raw material, Additives.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the main ingredient in vinyl compound. This mixture results from a combination of natural gas and rock salt. In its pure state, PVC does not have the qualities associated with our vinyl like durability and ability to withstand harsh weather.
To increase the performance characteristics of PVC, we add seven different micro ingredients to PVC. These seven ingredients, combined with superior methods of blending, differentiates our compounds from other extruded vinyl on the market. Ultimately, this difference is passed along to the finished products installed at homes all over the world.
Our micro ingredients address specific needs for a high quality, durable, vinyl Fence, Railing, or Deck System. Heat Stabilizers minimize the effect of heat (solar radiation) on the finished vinyl product, Impact Modifiers will strengthen PVC to prevent damage during fabrication, shipping, operation, and the overall life of the vinyl product.
UV Stabilizers will aid in preventing discoloration and fading of vinyl material due to ultraviolet light exposure. Lubricants provide a smooth finish on the vinyl surface. Processing Aids help the compound maintain consistency as it changes into a plastic. This ensures consistent quality in the finished product and predictable, consistent fabrication.
Fence-Parts.com uses two different Pigments to impart color to our vinyl. One is used depending on the desired result. Almond pigment creates a light beige color while Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) imparts a brilliant white color to the vinyl and helps to reflect the sun’s UV rays from the finished surface. Calcium Carbonate, referred to as a filler that replaces some of the PVC to increase impact and tensile strength to the finished material. This formulation results in superior vinyl Fence, Railing and Deck products that will not rot, chip, corrode, peel, or blister.
How is vinyl fence made? Profiles & Fabrication:
Every aspect of our daily operations is networked through an extensive array of computer systems. Micro ingredients added to PVC are weighed to within 1/100th of a pound to ensure consistency batch after batch. Blending hoppers are monitored for compound consistency and temperature variations that may effect the final product. Computers control the delivery of the compound to the extrusion lines and constantly check and recheck the operation of the automated delivery system.
Twin screw extrusion lines are utilized throughout the production floor because of their speed reliability. Controlled and maintained through advanced computer technology, these extrusion lines maximize output and reduce the man hours required for changeover. Fence, Deck and Rail designs are created and refined with advanced CAD systems in house at Fence-Parts.com. When finalized, these drawings are transferred and downloaded to wire EDM, automated milling and machining tools that create the necessary dies and calibration systems required for extrusion. Computerized tooling production allows Fence-Parts.com to react quickly and effectively to the market demands.
Once the final profiles are produced, they are racked and shipped to Fence-Parts.com for processing and Fabrication.
How is vinyl fence put together?
Fence-Parts.com has an extensive array of styles all designed and fabricated in house at our Redford Michigan facility. While there are many styles, a common principle remains. Essentially, holes are routed into each post to accept the rail of that particular style of fence, in turn that rail will receive 1 or 2 notches depending on the rail size. The notch locks the rail inside the post, thus showing a strong and clean finish with the use of no screws. Now comes the most important part of building a vinyl fence, getting the post set correctly, a typical vinyl fence uses a 5″x 5″ post and typical post hole diameter should be 9″ x 42″ deep at Fence-Parts.com we route an extra circular hole at the bottom of the post. This is to insure concrete falls inside the post, so when the concrete cures the post and footing become one solid structure.
How is a vinyl gate made?
There are many different ways that vinyl gates are made, however there is only one way that stands out above the rest. The Anchor way, at Fence-Parts.com we have custom tooling that allows us to punch out the reinforcement webbing on our vinyl fence rail profiles.
For example our 2″x 7″ saddle rail ( the strongest rail in the business ) can be punched out from both ends where we can insert an
1 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ hollow rail that receives an aluminum p-channel for stiffness, then gets screwed together with stainless steel self taping screws. So instead of a deviated bulky looking gate, you will get an internally solid, sturdy gate that looks identical to your style of fence that will not sag.
Will a vinyl fence mildew?
Vinyl (PVC) is non-organic and therefore does not support mildew. Mildew that grows on Vinyl is actual feeding off of the organic materials (dirt) that have become embedded in or stuck to the vinyl. Fence-Parts.com vinyl fence profiles have a non-porous surface that makes it very difficult for organic materials to attach to, and therefore, for mildew to thrive on. If mildew does appear, a mild solution of bleach and water will easily remove it.
Does vinyl Fence chalk?
Fence-Parts.com has used the same formulation in the US for over 25 years. Use of high quality durable TiO2 in their vinyl (PVC) formulation ensures that there will be a very minimal chalking of our fence products. All vinyl fencing will chalk sooner or later, but with the superior protection capabilities of our formulation, this will be kept to a bare minimum.
Can I paint my vinyl fence?
Vinyl products are engineered to retain their beauty and good looks throughout their lifetime. The only reason to use paints on our vinyl products would be to change the color of the product. We at Fence-Parts.com do not recommend painting vinyl (PVC).
How does the cost of vinyl fencing compare with traditional wood fences?
The initial cost of vinyl (PVC) when compared to wood is slightly higher for the material costs in most regions of the country. However with the ever-increasing cost of wood this difference is becoming very minor in some regions.
When all the variable cost factors are taken into account over the life of your fence, vinyl (PVC) becomes the true money saver. Factors such as having to replace a wood fence in 5 to 15 years, plus yearly maintenance costs (labor, paint, replacement boards, etc), and the effects on the environment because of arsenic in treated wood or the toxic chemicals needed to maintain a wood fence shows that wood truly isn’t as cost effective in the end.
Some costs are hard to measure such as the costs, to you, of having a fence that looks in need of maintenance. The cost difference quickly vanishes, and in fact vinyl becomes a sound and financially viable investment in the future of your home. Once your vinyl (PVC) fence is installed you do not have to worry about painting, nails rusting, boards rotting, or splinters.
Will a vinyl fence turn yellow?
Vinyl (PVC) is formulated using a superior durable grade of TiO2 that protects the vinyl (PVC) from the harmful effects of the Sun’s UV rays. As long as your fence is kept clean, with a periodic wash from a garden hose, it will not turn yellow.
What effects does my vinyl fence have on our environment?
Vinyl (PVC) products are safe and non-toxic. They will not breakdown and release harmful chemicals into the ground and they do not require toxic chemicals such as (stains, waterproofing, paint, paint thinner) for regular upkeep like treated lumber can. No trees are used in the manufacturing of vinyl fences. Because of the exceptional long life of vinyl fence profiles, the amount of wood that is needed to manufacture the exact same fence, can be saved many, many times over of the entire lifetime of a vinyl fence. Not to mention If a vinyl fence ever needs to be taken down it can be recycled into other products, such as (hoses, watering cans or other recycled products). So if it’s a fact that a vinyl fence can save trees and be recyclable that would mean that buying a vinyl fence is good for the environment and that makes us, Fence-Parts.com, a green company. Fence-Parts.com and vinyl working for a better future.
What is virgin vinyl?
This is the term used for vinyl product that does not contain recycled products from outside sources. Some companies may outsource their recaptured material into an extrusion plant which may contain impurities or lower grade vinyl which can seriously affect the finished product’s resilience, impact resistance and UV inhibition. Fence-Parts.com uses only virgin ingredients in the extruding of our products.
Can a vinyl fence break?
Any fence will break when enough force is applied. However, vinyl uses a proven, impact resistant formula in combination with thick walled profiles to minimize any structural failure from flying debris from even the harshest winds. In fact, vinyl is the only Miami/Dade county approved vinyl privacy fence line that can withstand hurricane force winds.
