Plastic fence: advantages and disadvantages

Currently, in hardware stores you can find a huge selection of fences. Plastic fences on the Russian market appeared not so long ago, so not everyone is still familiar with this kind of structures. Due to their attractiveness and ease of maintenance, plastic fences are becoming more popular day by day.

A beautiful plastic fence can decorate any home, giving it comfort and a modern look, while the cost of such a model will be much cheaper than other options. With the help of a plastic fence, it is possible to bring to life a variety of designers' ideas. The very first fencing made of polyvinyl chloride appeared many years ago in America. In our country, plastic products were first used during the Second World War. Uncomplicated installation technology will allow you to install the structure in a short time on your own, without resorting to the services of specialists. The PVC fence also performs a decorative function, decorating the landscape of the personal plot. If desired, you can make arches, gates, wickets, suitable in style.

The latest developments make it possible to improve these designs. For this reason the quality of products is improving daily. The production of fences is similar to the production of metal-plastic windows. PVC is an excellent frost-resistant material that can also withstand contact with acids, fats, alkalis, salts and other substances. It contains certain additives that protect the structure from external influences.

Based on the above, it can be noted that plastic is ideal for making fences. If it is necessary to implement a design in a European style, such a fence would be very appropriate. Before starting the installation, you need to carefully study the area on which the structure will be installed, and also draw up a project. If there are any obstacles on the territory, then it is important to remove them very carefully, and then carry out the marking of the future fence. Where there will be supporting pillars, it is necessary to drive in small stakes, connect them with a rope. The optimal installation spacing is considered to be 2.5 m or less. When making markings, it is important not to forget about where the wicket and gate will be installed.

For the production of fiberglass fences, ether resins are used, due to which such fences are lightweight, while maintaining strength. In addition, plastic models have a long service life.

Plastic fences have their positive aspects. You should consider them in more detail:

• attractive appearance. Plastic fences are good in quality of both the main and additional construction;
• environmental friendliness;
• long service life. Such fences last up to several decades;
• resistance to various influences. Plastic products are not harmed by the sun's rays, changes in temperature and humidity;
• increased strength. PVC is stronger than many materials, such as concrete or corrugated board. The main thing is not to allow strong blows;

• ease of installation. Installation can be done on your own;
• ease of care. In case of contamination, cleaning and washing of the fence is carried out without the use of chemicals;
• light weight.Thanks to this, the installation and transportation of structures is not complicated by anything;
• fire resistance. Products are non-flammable, therefore, they are safe enough;
• a wide variety of models and shapes.

Despite the abundance of advantages, plastic fences also have disadvantages:

• Manufacturers often make fences from low-quality and toxic materials. When purchasing fences, ask the seller for a quality certificate.
• Raindrops on white and beige fences leave dirty marks.
• Painting of products should be carried out exclusively by specialists and only with professional paint.

A fence made of polyvinyl chloride can be of a variety of colors, types and sizes. If we talk about dimensions, then, as a rule, the maximum height of a plastic structure is 6 m. Most often, two-meter fences are used to fence the territory of the dwelling. For decorative items, plastic sheets no higher than 1 m are preferred. Today, several types of plastic fences are known:

• fence. This classic version of the fence is in great demand among buyers and is a relatively inexpensive construction. A gap is left between the panels; externally, the panels look like a wooden board. It is recommended to plant flowers and shrubs next to this structure, since it perfectly transmits sunlight and air, while protecting it from gusts of wind. The picket fence is great for areas with frequent winds and bad weather.

• deaf fence. It is used to protect the home from prying eyes of neighbors. The panels are fixed without gaps. A strong wind can destroy the construct, so a metal frame is installed to protect it.

• combined. A combined structure can be installed on the site, giving elegance. Below is a monolith, and above it is a braid. Such a fence will protect the territory from prying eyes, and will allow the owners to see what is happening around;

• net. This type of material is sold in rolls. The mesh is an analogue of the well-known chain-link, only plastic. In terms of strength, the metal mesh wins, but in appearance it is inferior to a plastic product. The net is used both for fencing the entire site and for decorating flower beds and front gardens. To make such a fence more durable, it is additionally reinforced with metal wire;

• wattle. Current technologies even make it possible to produce a wicker made of polyvinyl chloride. Most often, the wattle fence is installed in areas made in a rustic or ethnic style. This version of the fence plays a more decorative role, giving a special and unique look to the landscape.

Also, to decorate and highlight individual areas of the territory, a sliding decorative fence is often used.

As mentioned earlier, similar plastic fences that meet the highest requirements appeared in our country relatively recently. In the past, of course, there were attempts to use PVC foam fencing, but the structures were not very strong, so people chose more reliable materials. Most often, a plastic fence was used for the front garden.

The situation changed completely at the moment when the technologies used for the production of plastic windows began to be used for the manufacture of fences. Modern enclosing structures are made of polyvinyl chloride. It consists of a polymer compound and is characterized by increased strength and ductility.

Equipment for the manufacture of fencing products is a device that implements the PVC processing process.The plastic is heated to a flowable state and then passed under high pressure through molds called dies. The result is panels with a special configuration. They are used in the future for the production of a fence.

The panels are cut in accordance with the required dimensions, then connected, as a result, sections are formed. For connection, welding or mechanical elements are used. The fence is assembled both at the factory and directly at the facility.

A separate group of enclosing structures is metal-plastic fences. At the edges of the profiles, and sometimes in horizontal parts, metal reinforcing elements are installed. Typically, these elements are shaped pipes with a thickness of no more than 1.5 mm. Thus, the strength of the fence is increased. The quality of the fence coating directly depends on the components that make up the raw materials for the manufacture of the product. These components include:

• stabilizers... Thanks to them, the plastic acquires strength. The use of stabilizers reduces the fluidity of the material, and therefore exposure to high temperatures does not deform it;
• plasticizers... They reduce the fragility of PVC. The presence of this component is especially important in regions where the air temperature during the cold season drops below 35 degrees Celsius. If there is no plasticizer in the composition, then there is a risk that in the cold the structures will be extremely fragile;
• pigments... The most common color for plastic fences is white, so manufacturers pay close attention to whitening pigments. Titanium oxide is considered to be the highest quality and most expensive. It perfectly protects the surface from yellowing. Other pigments are also used to increase the attractiveness of hedges. The higher the quality of the substance, the longer the pigment will resist exposure to sunlight without losing its original appearance.

Customer reviews of plastic fences are varied. The owners of such designs include an attractive appearance and almost complete absence of the need to care for the product to the indisputable advantages. As a disadvantage, consumers named high cost of fences, since their price often exceeds 20,000 rubles. Also, some have noticed that plastic fences are best placed on the site, in the courtyard.

The growing popularity of PVC structures confirms that they have more advantages than disadvantages.

Today on sale you can find a large assortment of different types of plastic fences in all sorts of shades. White, beige, gray fences are in demand. Some consumers combine these tones in one design. Fences of bright colors are made to order.

The combined white fence looks beautiful. It ennobles any home, brings comfort.

You can decorate flower beds and flower beds with wicker of a juicy green color. This option will be original, it is ideal for decorating a plot of a private house or summer cottage.

Fences in dark shades look attractive. For example, a dark brown fence with an unusual arrangement of panels will emphasize the excellent taste of its owners.

For information on how to install a plastic lattice fence, see the next video.