How long does vinyl fence last? Will it crack, fade, or yellow? If you’re spending extra money to purchase vinyl fence, is it worth it? We’ll walk through all these questions and more in this blog post.
How long does vinyl fence last?
The life expectancy of a typical vinyl fence is 20-30 years, and it can range depending on the quality and brand of vinyl fence. To figure out how long a specific vinyl fence should last, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s warranty. Most vinyl fence warranties range from 20 years to a lifetime. As long as your vinyl fence is installed correctly, and you properly maintain it, your fence should last as long as the warranty.
(Don't let the phrase "properly maintain it" scare you. Maintaining a vinyl fence is as simple as hosing it down and cleaning with a mild detergent as necessary. This pales in comparison to a wood fence, which requires a full paint or stain job every 2-3 years.)
What makes vinyl fence last so long?
Vinyl fence lasts such a long time because it’s made of polyvinyl chloride (vinyl for short). By nature, vinyl is durable and strong. How durable is vinyl fence? It has five times the tensile strength and four times the flexibility of wood. Vinyl fence material is typically blended with other ingredients to yield a low-maintenance product that will last for years.
Will vinyl fence crack or become brittle?
Quality vinyl fence products won’t crack or become brittle due to sun exposure or cold temperatures. They are made with a durable vinyl blend that is UV-resistant and can accommodate normal temperature fluctuations. The added impact modifiers in Outdoor Essentials vinyl fence, for example, prevent it from cracking or breaking unless it sustains unusual impact. Be sure to research the vinyl fence brand you’re buying – some cheaply-made vinyl fence may crack or become brittle when exposed to sun and cold.
Will vinyl fence fade or turn yellow over time?
Quality vinyl fence will not turn yellow over time. Our Outdoor Essentials vinyl includes titanium dioxide, which prevents discoloration or yellowing caused by sun exposure and other environmental elements.
Is vinyl fence worth the extra money?
Up front, vinyl fence costs more than wood. Over time, vinyl proves to be more cost-effective than wood because you don’t have maintenance costs of painting or staining every few years. If you plan to be in your home for many years and you value a low-maintenance product, yes – it is worth it.