If you are a Southern Colorado homeowner seeking a backyard haven, consider installing vinyl privacy fencing in the areas you would like to shield from unwanted eyes. No matter how much you may like your neighbors, there are times when you would like to maintain the “private” in your private property.
Traditionally, privacy fencing has been limited to wood options, with cedar being the material of choice for many homeowners. However, vinyl is gaining popularity, and not just for its esthetically pleasing appearance. To help you make the decision between wood and vinyl privacy fencing, review our list of the pros and cons of choosing vinyl, based on our decades of experience installing and repairing fences along Colorado’s Front Range.
Pros of Vinyl Privacy Fencing
Vinyl fencing has come a long way since it was first made mainstream in the fencing world years ago. Now, most people can barely tell the difference between wood and vinyl privacy fencing. While many businesses and homeowners still opt for traditional wood privacy fencing, there are a lot of benefits to choosing vinyl.
Low Maintenance
Vinyl privacy fences are typically very easy to maintain. Unlike wood or other fencing materials, vinyl does not require painting or staining. In addition, privacy fences made of vinyl are scratch- and stain-resistant and are very easy to clean. All that is typically needed to keep your vinyl fence clean is a quick wipe down or a rinse with your garden hose. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Resistance to Mold and Mildew
Vinyl is non-porous, making it mold and mildew resistant. According to the CDC, mold exposure can cause a variety of health issues, including infections and asthma development. If you or your loved ones have underlying health conditions, but love to spend their summers and falls out of doors in the fresh Colorado air, vinyl may be a great option.
Resistance to the Elements
Unlike wood, vinyl does not decompose or fall prey to rust or pests. You’ll never have to worry about woodpeckers, termites, or other unwanted visitors destroying your fence. In addition, since vinyl doesn’t absorb moisture, your vinyl privacy fence won’t rot or peel the way wood fencing can when placed by sprinklers or swimming pools, or in the cold winter weather Southern Colorado is so famous for.
Longevity
The average wood privacy fence can last around 20 years with regular maintenance. However, normal wear and tear will eventually eat away at the wood, and even the best-maintained wood fences will need to be replaced. In contrast, a well-maintained vinyl privacy fence can last 100 years!
Design
A major benefit to vinyl privacy fences is the multitude of design options. There are nearly endless options for tall fences with narrow slats, more spaced slats, and accents. Vinyl fences also come in a wide range of colors, from traditional whites, browns, and grays, to brighter colors like green and red. In addition, vinyl can be textured to look like other materials such as wood and stucco. This is one of the reasons vinyl is often mistaken for wood.
Easy Installation
Vinyl privacy fencing is simple for a professional fence installer to build, so the time needed for the installation is drastically shorter than their wood counterparts. Although some homeowners opt for DIY installation, we advise you to call a professional fence installer like Blick’s Fencing Company for a free quote. Improperly installing your privacy fence can lead to more expensive work down the road, and could lead to disputes with neighbors over property line infractions.
Related Reading: The Final Word on Who Owns the Fence Between You and Your Neighbor
Cons of Vinyl Privacy Fencing
With all the advantages to vinyl privacy fencing, it may be tempting to ignore the disadvantages. However, to make a fully informed decision, you should consider these cons of vinyl fencing:
Cost
While vinyl privacy fences are low maintenance and durable, the initial upfront cost will be more than installing a traditional wood fence. The initial cost will depend on:
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The size of the area you want your privacy fence to protect.
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Your choice of design elements (post caps, texturing and lattice effects, etc.)
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The thickness of the vinyl panels used for the fence.
Repairs
Although a rare occurrence with vinyl fencing, repairs can be a bit tricky if there is an issue. If part of the fence breaks, you may need to replace the entire fence panel, depending on the design of your particular fence. This is one of the more significant differences between vinyl privacy fencing and wood privacy encing, where repairs can be limited to single boards in some cases.
No Ability to Change The Color
Unlike wood fences that can be stained and painted to keep up with the trends or preferences of the homeowner, the color you initially choose for your vinyl privacy fence cannot be changed down the road. Because vinyl is a non-porous material, most paint won’t stick to it. Even if you use a powerful primer, the paint will either peel or damage the vinyl’s surface. Attempting to paint the fence may even void the warranty.
The Takeaway: Vinyl Privacy Fencing Is Well Worth Considering
Now that you’ve read some of the pros and cons of vinyl privacy fencing, hopefully, you are better equipped to decide whether a vinyl privacy fence is right for you. For many of our clients in Colorado Springs and Denver, the choice is an easy one. The advantages of essentially maintenance-free vinyl fencing out-weighs the up-front costs of installation and other disadvantages. If you want to learn more or are ready to move forward with the installation of your new vinyl privacy fence, contact Blick’s Fencing Company today to get your free quote!
