PVC Fences May Be Affordable, But Consider These Disadvantages Before Installing

Since they are easy to install, durable, low maintenance, and modern, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fences seem to be the jackpot of all outdoor barriers. On top of that, even though they are pricier than wood fences when you consider upfront costs, the fact that all they'd need is the occasional hose-down with a pressure washer for upkeep makes these fences cheaper in the long run. Unfortunately, it's not all roses with PVC partitions as some cons will pop up with time and make you wonder if you've fallen prey to the mistake everyone makes when buying a new fence. A few disadvantages to these gates are that they're susceptible to algae and mold, they're difficult to customize, they're hard to recycle, their color can fade, and their repairs may be expensive.

Now that was a mouthful, wasn't it? While we're not saying PVC fences don't have their advantages, knowledge of these downsides will guide you in making the right choice for your home, whether that's PVC or an alternative, like wood or wrought iron. PVC fences are very popular among homeowners because of their many benefits; however, you don't want to determine what style of fence your home needs by following trends, but rather through a proper understanding of the pros and cons of your desired choice.

PVC fences don't do well in damp conditions and can attract mold and algae very quickly, especially in areas that get hit by sprinkler water. Further, if your preferred design choice is those textured PVC fences with finishes that mimic wood, this problem could be worse because the grooves can trap dirt, moisture, and organic debris, providing meals for mold and mildew. Mold can easily discolor the fence if you don't clean it on time, too. Another thing that can discolor your PVC fence is the sun. Ultraviolet rays can cause your fence's color to fade, and harsh temperatures can even make the material brittle with time. Some vinyl panels are manufactured with a UV coating to prevent this, but not all are. That's something you want to be on the lookout for before you purchase the outdoor feature.

Another unfortunate aspect of this fence is that when the vinyl discolors or fades, it's stuck like that. Unlike wooden fences that you can just repaint, repairing PVC fencing is not so easy. It is possible to change the color of your vinyl fence, but the process is cumbersome and will most likely void the manufacturer's warranty. Also, customization options are limited with this type of fencing. Yes, there are tons of design options, but once you make your selection, there's no way to upgrade it. If you eventually get tired of a particular design and want something different, chances are you'll have to get an entirely new fence.

Furthermore, vinyl fencing isn't the sturdiest choice out there. While it will probably hold its own on a normal windy day, PVC fencing won't stand much of a chance against high winds. You could reinforce the fence posts with concrete on installation to make it stronger, but that would add to the cost and still wouldn't guarantee the above panels stay put during a storm. On the bright side, some manufacturers are including aluminum inserts in their PVC panels to increase their durability.

PVC fences are also made from plastic, which means they are not environmentally friendly. They are non-biodegradable and harder to recycle or reuse compared to wood or aluminum fences. Additionally, plastic does not do well in fluctuating temperatures. Extremely cold weather can crack or break your fence and intense heat can warp or bend it. This issue gets worse when the seasons change and temperatures becomes less predictable. And if you do want to repair a vinyl fence that has warped or cracked, it's going to cost you. Repairs to PVC fences are not needed often, but they can be expensive as you might have to replace the entire fence panel if a problem occurs. For a fencing choice with so many promises, there are also a lot of possible cons. However, every type of fence has its downsides, not only PVC. Just ensure to consider their advantages and disadvantages before installation to avoid regrets down the line.