Why Should I Install Vinyl Fencing in Winter?
Why are vinyl fences practical in winter? What makes them more resilient than other fence types? Ask any long-term resident of the American Midwest to describe local winters and they’re bound to answer, “It depends on the year.” The coming season is itself ambiguous: we might experience jacket weather and relatively dry streets; on the other hand, our winter might be devoted to fighting through multiple inches of snow, knocking icicles off the eaves of roofs, and wondering if our property’s sustaining damage. As an outdoor installation, a fence is particularly vulnerable to nature’s tendencies. If you’ve recently moved to the Midwest and are thinking of installing a fence, give some thought to PVC. When professionally fabricated and installed, these fences can endure the majority of winter’s harsh effects without sacrificing beauty.
What makes vinyl resistant to winter-related damage?
A good way to demonstrate this is to compare PVC fencing to its counterparts. Have you ever noticed wood fences riddled with cracks, bulges, and unsightly splits? In most cases, this is a result of winter exacerbating conditions set in place months before. Because wood’s an absorbent material, any liquids it comes into contact with—rain, dew, overspray from the sprinklers, etc.—soaks into the surface. Winter’s cold breath expands the fluids into ice, the transformation from liquid to solid physically breaking apart the wood. This phenomenon can be prevented in wood fencing, but it requires staining (best applied by an experienced contractor) which in turn costs you money. Not to mention you’ll have to restain your wood fence panels every few years.
With a high-quality PVC fence, however, you can set aside these worries. Here at American Fence Company, we collaborate with reputable vinyl manufacturers—such as PlyGem—to compile a massive inventory of the best PVC available. Expertly fabricated, our vinyl fences are resilient to temperature-related physical changes. Even if the temperature drops below zero, the only significant change you’ll notice in your fence’s integrity is increased flexibility. And even then, excessive force’s required to actually break the panels (though try to avoid hitting your fence with shovels, plows, etc.). And unlike metal fences—which can develop rust if not properly fabricated—vinyl doesn’t rot following lengthy exposure to water.
Oh, and did we mention that—generally speaking—vinyl is cheaper than wood and metal fencing?
Vinyl fencing resists increased UV rays in winter
Here at American Fence Company, we use modern premium vinyl, which contains an element known as titanium dioxide (TIO2). In essence, it’s a chemical sunscreen for increased UV protection. (As noted on Chemical Safety Facts.org, it is a common ingredient for human sunscreen, as well.) Because of this component, your fence is resistant to discoloration—even in winter when ultraviolet exposure increases thanks to reflections of sunbeams off surrounding snow. With the passage of time—year after year of sun exposure—your fence should merely experience a slight reduction in its natural sheen. TIO2 means extreme resistance against fades, discoloration, and yellowing.
Easy winter clean-up with vinyl fences
When maintaining property during winter—snow blowing, shoveling, etc.—slush, dirt, and other detritus might end up splashed upon your vinyl fence panels. And when the snow and ice melts, the liquified snow on your panels will start running toward the ground—and might leave colored debris on your panels. Fortunately, little effort goes into properly cleaning a PVC fence. In most cases, water—used in combination with a mild detergent—suffices in removing dirt and debris. For more reluctant stains, try Soft Scrub or baking soda.
Be diligent when cleaning your vinyl fence in winter. Use a soft broom to dust snow off the panels. Make a point of shoveling snow out from around your fence posts. If accumulating snowbanks become too thick, they can push against the posts, damaging or misadjusting them. When using a snowblower, we recommend setting the chute so that snow’s propelled away from your fence.
What happens if my vinyl fence becomes damaged this winter?
Of course, there’s always the possibility of fence damage this winter. No matter what type of fence you have—no matter the material used—blizzards generate winds of exceptional force; and sometimes it’s enough to bend and break posts, shatter rails, etc. There are also external threats. Is your fence situated close to a road? In winter, streets become icy, increasing the odds of vehicles spinning out of control and careening into—more than likely right through—your vinyl fence panels.
Whether you need repairs or total replacement of demolished panels, look no further than American Fence Company. Leading all contractors throughout the Midwest, we require thorough education of our installation team, requiring them to learn not only fence construction but also repairs and maintenance. Naturally, they are well-versed in installing vinyl fences of all styles: privacy, semi-privacy, picket, etc. Presently, we maintain branches in the following locations:
- Omaha, NE
- Lincoln, NE
- Grand Island, NE
- Kearney, NE
- Des Moines, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Sioux City, IA
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Rochester, MN
- Kansas City, MO (as AmeriFence Corporation)
- Madison, WI (as AmeriFence Corporation)
- Fargo, ND (as American Security and Gate Company)
Winters throughout these locations tend to be erratic and unpredictable. You can never be sure when you’ll enjoy a calm winter day or be victim to a rampant blizzard. Consider installing an attractive vinyl fence and select a reputable fence contractor to handle everything from installation to repairs and maintenance.