Are you looking to install a fence around your property? Are you still trying to choose between fencing materials? Maybe you’re giving some consideration to vinyl fencing, in particular?
If vinyl is on your mind, you might be curious as to its typical lifespan. How long does a vinyl fence last?
Well, we can help you with that question, providing you not only with the typical lifespan of vinyl fencing but with the factors that can affect that lifespan. We will also inform you of measures that you can take to prolong the lifespan of a vinyl fence.
Ready? Let’s go!
How Long Does a Vinyl Fence Last?
Generally speaking, vinyl fencing lasts between 20 and 30 years. You can give or take a half-decade depending on the circumstances but most vinyl fences give in between 20 and 30 years of use.
Now, you might be wondering: what circumstances can shorten or lengthen the lifespan of a fence? There are quite a few, and we’re going to discuss them now.
Weather Has an Effect on Fence Lifespan
Of all the factors that affect the lifespan of a home fence, none is more influential than the weather. If you live in an area with generally warm and sunny weather, your fence will scarcely be affected at all. If you live in an area that’s cold, rainy, windy, or snowy, there’s a good chance that your fence will have a few years shaved off its life.
Snow and ice are particularly harmful to vinyl fences, as they can cling to the tops of them and weigh them down over a span of weeks. This can lead to sagging and warping in certain areas of the fence, causing structural issues.
Maintenance Has an Effect on Fence Lifespan
Another factor that affects the lifespan of a fence is maintenance. The more you do to maintain your fence, the longer it is likely to last. If you don’t provide your fence with any maintenance at all, it’s bound to deteriorate long before its time.
That said, vinyl fencing is a low-maintenance material. In most cases, it only requires cleaning from time to time. So, if you were to forego maintenance for a vinyl fence, you would probably — barring bizarre circumstances — be looking at only a 1 or 2-year reduction in lifespan.
Installation Quality Has an Effect on Fence Lifespan
A fence’s lifespan can also be affected by the quality of its installation. If it was installed in an improper manner, it can start to fall down or fall apart years before it’s supposed to. As such, when installing a fence, it’s vital that you utilize the services of a reputable installer.
Physical Wear and Tear Has an Effect on Fence Lifespan
The last factor that can affect the lifespan of a fence is physical wear and tear. If a fence is consistently being smacked by baseballs or falling branches or stones or otherwise, it’s likely going to give in before its time.
Conversely, if a fence is protected from physical wear and tear at all costs, it will likely exceed lifespan expectations.
Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Vinyl Fence
As was noted above, vinyl is a fairly low-maintenance fencing material. In most cases, it requires little more than cleaning as a means of getting by. That said, things happen, and there are solutions to help minimize the damage they do. These include the following.
Trim Trees Around the Fence
When a branch falls from a tree, it moves at a fairly high speed, smacking hard into anything that lies below. If this “anything” happens to be your vinyl fence, it stands a very good chance of incurring damage. Should it suffer damage, its lifespan will likely be shortened.
As such, you’re advised to trim any trees that are in close proximity to your fence. In doing so, you’ll prevent branches from falling on top of your fence, keeping damage to a minimum.
Make Necessary Repairs in a Timely Manner
At some point in time, your fence is bound to incur physical damage. For instance, it could start to sag in one area. Or, one of its posts could break off.
Should this occur, it could have a negative effect on the rest of the fence, causing it to deteriorate more rapidly. As such, you’re advised to make necessary repairs to your fence in a timely manner.
Need help with this? Your local fence repair company has you covered.
Keep Hedges Away From the Fence
While vinyl fences are highly resistant to water, they’re not entirely resistant to it. If they’re exposed to moisture on a regular basis, it will absolutely affect their overall lifespan.
It’s for this reason that, if you have hedges near your fence, you need to trim them up on a regular basis. Why? Because hedges can trap water against the surface of a fence, causing it to remain in perpetual contact with moisture. This leads to increased deterioration which leads to a shorter lifespan.
So, in essence, keep hedges away from your fence. It might look nice to have hedges up against your fence but it’s detrimental on a functional level.
There Are Many Benefits of Vinyl Fencing
And there is your answer to “how long does a vinyl fence last?” As you can see, vinyl fencing provides a good amount of durability with little maintenance required. If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it fence, vinyl is one of the best materials you could choose.
But low maintenance requirements and good durability aren’t the only benefits to vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing is also highly weather-resistant, not to mention cost-effective, secure, and privacy-capable. In short, it’s a highly versatile material that’s great for residential fencing purposes.
Searching for info on other fencing materials? Our website has you covered. Check out our other articles right now!
