Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Fences and Gates

Are you looking for fencing alternatives for your home or business that are more secure and visually appealing than chain link? Do you want to avoid the dreaded painting and staining maintenance of wood fences? Vinyl fences and gates may be the solution you’re looking for.

Although vinyl is a relative newcomer to the fencing market, vinyl as a material has been around for over a century. A German chemist named Eugene Baumann unintentionally invented vinyl in 1872. Baumann left a tube of compounds exposed to sunlight, which produced a white substance that would come to be known as vinyl. In the early 1920s, vinyl was refined into the more flexible material we’re now familiar with. If it weren’t for an absent-minded scientist, we would not have vinyl at all today.

At Montana Fence, our goal is to help our customers find the perfect fencing solutions for their home or business. There are many reasons why people choose our vinyl fence and gate supplies for their properties. But is vinyl the right fence product for your project? Let’s explore the ins and outs of vinyl fencing to better help you make that decision. Read on to learn more about vinyl fencing, its pros and cons, and much more.

What is Vinyl Fencing?

Vinyl fences are some of the most durable, long-lasting, and best-looking fences available to property owners. Vinyl is a plastic-based fencing option for those who wish to go a different route than wood or chain-link fences.

Vinyl is a synthetic material made from the natural substances ethylene and chlorine. When combined, these substances form polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. Today, vinyl is the second largest manufactured and sold plastic resin in the world. Known for being modern-looking, cost-effective, and low maintenance, vinyl fences and gates are a solid choice for anyone looking to add durability with a touch of style to their outdoor area.

Benefits of Vinyl Fencing and Gates

• Durability You Can Count On – A vinyl fence won’t let you down when it comes to strength. The product we carry and install is going to be different from what someone would find in a large box store. It’s tough enough to withstand Montana and Idaho’s unpredictable weather. Vinyl is durable and can undergo sudden, extreme temperature changes. It doesn’t crack in the cold or corrode in hot climates. Vinyl does not absorb moisture, so it won’t warp, rot, or rust.
• Versatility & Aesthetic Appeal – Vinyl fencing comes in a wide variety of designs and colors to match or complement your existing building. From picket and split rail to a full privacy fence, there’s a style to suit everyone’s taste. Vinyl is also available in several different colors and textures, so it can be seamlessly integrated into any design.
• Low Maintenance Upkeep – Unlike wood or chain link fences, vinyl is easy to maintain. It requires no extra paint, sealants, or stains to maintain its original beauty and color. The colored vinyl may fade a bit over time due to sun exposure, but it is limited. White vinyl tends to maintain its original brightness. Additionally, the natural color of vinyl does not show dents, scratches, or other blemishes.
• Increased Curb Appeal & Property Value – Choosing to install a vinyl fence is an investment in your home or commercial property. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, you can create a beautiful curb appeal that suits your tastes and enhances the appearance of your property and your neighborhood. When it comes time to sell your property, vinyl fencing can make your property even more appealing. Premium vinyl is manufactured to last a lifetime, so prospective buyers will know they don’t have to worry about repairing or replacing it.
• Easy Repair Options – In the rare instance that a small section of your vinyl fence gets damaged, you can replace a single picket or slat just like you would with wood. Where box stores or other vinyl providers may only have full panels available, Montana Fence vinyl goes together more similarly to wood fencing. Two foot wide pickets link together like legos, and the tension holds it together. Separate rails, posts, pickets, and caps are all available at our retail locations.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Fencing and Gates

• High Initial Investment – The upfront cost of a vinyl fence, including its installation, is one of its biggest drawbacks. Higher-quality vinyl is usually more expensive than wood fencing. However, vinyl fencing is still the more cost-effective solution in the long run because it is low maintenance.
• Lower Wind Rating – Wind load varies between vinyl styles. For the most part, when installed correctly, vinyl is perfectly suitable for normal wind loads. Areas with higher winds may want to consider another option to avoid unnecessary repairs.
• Limited Customization – While it’s true that vinyl materials come in a variety of colors and designs, you cannot customize them beyond their original form. That’s why those who want more freedom in modifying their fence choose wood instead. With vinyl, you won’t be able to change the molded design and color. You might love how it looks at first. But if you decide you want a different color in the future, you have no option but to either stick with what you got or install new pickets.
• Not Eco-friendly – Vinyl may be the most versatile type of plastic, but it’s also one of the least eco-friendly. From production to its disposal, it releases chemicals that can harm the environment. Also, an old, run-down vinyl fence is not easy to dispose of because it is not biodegradable. Because it is an extremely durable plastic material, vinyl material endures long past its use as a fence.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Vinyl Fence?

While it’s one of the most popular fencing options, there are several elements that impact the pricing structure of vinyl fencing. Variations in height, design, color and inclusion of vinyl gate installation can all affect the final cost. Here are a few cost factors to consider when preparing for a vinyl fence estimate.

VINYL FENCE COST FACTORS

• Vinyl Quality – The vinyl products used by Montana Fence are high quality and American made. Our vinyl has thicker walls and is going to be far sturdier than what you would find at the box store. This does end up being more expensive when compared to some other residential options
• Style – While vinyl may not be the most flexible material, there is still plenty of room for personal taste to come into play with the construction of the fence. Vertical privacy fences or 3-rail ranch style fences are the most common and thus most cost-effective. Styles like open picket, basket weave, two-tone, or something else more custom will be more expensive.
• Color – All of our vinyl comes in a variety of colors that can range in price. White is the cheapest and Woodland Select colors will be the most expensive. We have color samples in all of our showrooms!
• Height – For vinyl fences, the fence height has a slight impact on cost. A taller fence means more material, but the difference for the various heights is not as large as one may think. Weigh your need for curb appeal, privacy, and safety to figure out which fence height best fits your needs.
• Gates – If you want to add gates for vinyl fencing, that will increase the overall cost. The costs of adding a gate varies mostly depending on its size. Simpler 4-6 foot walk gates are going to be more similarly priced. Double gates for larger openings will be more expensive and aren’t recommended for exceedingly large openings.
• Number of Posts – Installing posts is one of the most labor-intensive parts of the process of building a fence. You need to dig post holes, fill them with concrete, and set the posts in carefully to make sure everything aligns properly. As the number of posts increases so does the cost of the overall fence project.

Maintenance of Vinyl Fencing and Gates

One of the biggest advantages of vinyl fencing is that it requires little to no maintenance after installation to keep it looking brand new. Here are a few easy maintenance tips to help keep your vinyl fences and gates in pristine condition.

• Clean the Fence Regularly – As easy as this trick is, it is vastly overlooked. A quick spray down with the hose will keep your vinyl fence clean and prevent damage-causing buildup. If you want to use a cleaning solution, we recommend Simple Green Spray or even some soapy water.
• Inspect the Fence Caps – Due to expansion and contraction caused by shifting weather conditions, it’s not uncommon for fence post caps to come loose every now and again. If any are loose or aren’t holding up as well in the wind, use a specially formulated PVC fence glue to secure the caps back in place.
• Fix any Problems Right Away – Vinyl fences can be quirky. Issues are hard to find with annual inspections. In most instances when a problem occurs, such as a picket coming undone, it is easiest to have it repaired right away. Extreme weather can be a pressing issue for vinyl fences, so keeping up on repairs, especially after the winter months, is vital.
• Check Fence Stability – Once a year, walk around your fence’s perimeter and check every post to ensure they are sturdy. Posts can come loose due to heavy rain, snow, wind, freezing, and thawing. If you discover an unsteady post, call the experts at Montana Fence for repairs.
  

Applications of Vinyl Fencing

In addition to their durability, vinyl fences are popular for their stylish, modern aesthetic. Here are five of the many common vinyl fence applications:

• Perimeter Fence – Whether you are a business owner trying to control access to certain areas or a homeowner wanting to keep children or animals safely enclosed in the yard, vinyl fences allow you to set a clear, well-defined border around your property.
• Privacy Fence – Create your own private backyard oasis with a vinyl privacy fence. This type of fence offers the perfect balance of privacy and decoration and can be customized to match the look of your home.
• Agricultural Fence – Vinyl looks great and adds a clean, polished look to any ranch entrance. You don’t have to paint, screw, repair, or mend a vinyl fence, and it will look great and last for years to come.
• Trash Enclosure – Vinyl fencing for a trash enclosure is a great option, as they do not rot and are super easy to clean while looking great.
• Gardens – Installing a vinyl fence around your home garden can help protect your plants, vegetables, and flowers by creating a beautiful boundary that enhances the look of any garden.

Feel Secure When You Choose Montana Fence – Where Vinyl is Final

When it comes to fencing materials, vinyl is the stylish, resilient rock star that can take your residential or commercial property to the next level. Don’t get sucked down the internet rabbit hole searching for “vinyl fence contractors near me.” Montana Fence is your local fencing partner that is ready and equipped to tackle your next fencing project.

At Montana Fence, we take pride in our industry-leading products, world-class workmanship, and seamless installation process. After helping you select the perfect vinyl fencing option for your property, our team will securely and efficiently install your fence so you can start enjoying it as quickly as possible—and for years to come!

Interested in seeing how vinyl fencing could serve your home or commercial needs? Browse through our vinyl fence portfolio to view images of our past installations and contact us today to schedule a free estimate. We serve clients throughout Montana and Idaho, selling and installing only high-quality, local vinyl fence supplies. Our friendly fencing experts are standing by to answer all of your questions.