A fence is a perfect addition to any yard. Vinyl fence typically fares well against inclement weather, extreme temperatures, pests, and fungus. Here are the four most prominent environmental dangers that vinyl fencing can deflect, making it the best option for a weatherproof fence around your back yard.
Sun Exposure
If you live in a humid climate where both rain and intense sunlight are common, heat from the sun can dry moist wood and pull apart the wood fibers. This can cause the wood to splinter and warp. If you live in a dry, desert-like region, constant sunlight will make the color of your fence fade over time. Prolonged sun exposure to your fence can do one of these two things to your fence depending on the climate you live in.
Extreme Wind
If your property sits on higher ground or in the valley, strong wind gusts are a normal part of the day. When the wind whips through your yard, your fence will take some damage. Vinyl posts can slowly shift and the fence will start to lean.
Frost Heaves
When the ground freezes in colder climates, anything buried in the soil is susceptible to frost heaves. This happens when the temperature is cold, the moisture in the soil freezes. Because the soil is frozen, it expands and takes up more volume underground.
Frost heaves are accelerated when the underground frost line moves. When the temperature rises, the frost line becomes more shallow, leaving behind ice lenses. The ice lenses attach themselves to surfaces below the ground. These surfaces are pushed upward as the underground frost line shrinks, shifting the soil up toward the surface.
When the soil moves upward underneath a fence post, it pushes the post up. A fence post that is slowly unearthed is less stable than when you originally put it in the ground.
Corrosion
Corrosion caused by rain is one of the most common dangers to any fence. Metal fences have a hard time keeping their shine throughout the years when rain is a factor in your climate. Moisture is equally detrimental to wood. After a while, it wears away wood fibers which will weaken your wood fence. Stains can be applied to your fence each year to help slow the process of moisture damage.
In the end, the best way to prevent nature from harming your fence is to use the most durable material. Vinyl fencing is manufactured to outlast wood and metal.