Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about vinyl. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please send us an email through our contact page or call us at 888-644-2844.
The main ingredient in vinyl is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Added to the mix is titanium dioxide, an ultraviolet inhibitor that prevents yellowing. In order to provide impact resistance and weather ability, controlled quantities of specialized components are also added to the blend.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is the main component in the manufacturing process of our products. There are many chemical forms of vinyl. Some formulations are flexible. Others are termed “rigid.” our product is formulated out of this rigid dry-blend compound developed for high output extrusion. Our exclusive formula is blended for outdoor toughness and high quality.
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a chemical additive that acts as a sunscreen for our vinyl. Our product contains 10 parts per 100 of TiO2. Because our vinyl is manufactured using coextrusion, the majority of TiO2 is concentrated on the outer layer where it is exposed to the sun. This ingredient is critical to the long-term weatherability of our vinyl products.
Impact modifiers are important ingredients for our vinyl. We add just enough flexibility to our vinyl so that our fences will flex under most impacts. We reinforce many fence styles with rust resistant steel inserts to assure strength and stability. Our fences are designed to look like new, even after years of use.
Co-extrusion is the manufacturing process the manufacturer uses to molecularly bond the ingredients into two layers. These layers are fused through extreme heat and pressure and cannot be physically separated. Co-extrusion allows the manufacturer to have the ability to control the placement of the majority of the UV inhibitor TiO2 to the outside where it is exposed to the sun.
As a co-extruded manufacturer that uses only premium ingredients, we assure you, you’ll get the best quality possible and guarantee the vinyl won’t decay, blister, rust or suffer insect damage.
Our vinyl has 5 times the tensile strength and 4 times the flexibility of wood. We improve that performance and make our systems even sturdier by adding cross-braces in gates, reinforced ribs in rails, and maintenance-free metal inserts.
Initially, our products may cost more than wood (unless you’re buying premium wood, then they’re about on par). But you’ll never need to invest any more time or money into them because they come with our lifetime warranty. Wood, on the other hand, will need to be maintained for the rest of its life span, whether painting, staining, repairing or replacing. And with wood’s cost increasing while its quality decreases (most of it’s young growth lumber), vinyl products have never been a more attractive purchase.
No. Some vinyl products (usually found in big box stores) are an economy product made with a thinner product that may not conform to industry standards or building codes, or by using recycled materials (indicated with a dark gray or brown inside). Also, their products may be fabricated using inexpensive and inferior methods, such as gluing the pickets to the rails. Usually these lowered standards result in a greatly reduced warranty coverage and period.
Our picket, privacy, and board fencing, and our railings are available in white and beige and clay. Check styles for colour availability.
It is normal for materials to expand and contract during temperature changes. As with most plastics, vinyl will become less flexible in colder weather conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will not break.
No. Yellowing and fading in vinyl products are due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Our vinyl contains at least 10 parts per 100 of titanium dioxide. This amount of titanium dioxide is like using SPF 40 sunscreen on your skin. It is more than sufficient to prevent damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Our vinyl has a high flash point of 900°F and do not readily ignite. If fire is held to the vinyl, it will burn. As soon as the source of the fire is taken away, the vinyl will self-extinguish.
We do not recommend painting any of our products. Epoxy-based paint is the only paint that will adhere properly to the smooth vinyl surface. This type of paint damages the vinyl’s surface and voids the warranty.
Vinyl is virtually maintenance free, but you will need to keep it clean, just as you would do with a new vehicle. Cleaning can be done with very little effort using water, a brush with detergent, or even a mild bleach solution. The surface of vinyl is a difficult environment for mildew to grow on. Only under the wettest conditions will mildew grow on our vinyl. If it does appear, it can be easily removed with a mild bleach solution.
Most of our products meet or exceed the national building code. Because building codes vary from region to region, we recommend contacting your local code compliance office for information on your community’s standards.
Our vinyl has smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp edges, or splinters. You, your children, pets and animals are all safer. Vinyl has a tough surface, retains virtually no moisture, has no taste, and is non-porous.