Vinyl Fencing Frequently Asked Technical Questions (FAQ)
Installing or maintaining a vinyl fence can come with a lot of technical questions that you may not even think about until you get far into your project. There's a lot of information to be aware of, such as what types of parts you may need, what sort of maintenance is required to keep your fence clean, what to do about repairs, etc. This compiled collection of frequently asked questions should be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to technical inquiries regarding vinyl fence. We've also included links to articles that expand even more, so hopefully we can put you on the right track and answer any questions you may have.
Don't see the question you're looking for on this list? Take a look at our general FAQ article and our installation FAQ article, or give our expert sales team a call.
What Parts Do I Need For My Vinyl Fence or Railing?
There is a wide variety of parts that make up a vinyl fence, but some of the core components include:
- Post Caps: To protect the interior of your fence posts
- Post Skirts: To provide a decorative element to the bottom of your vinyl railing
- Picket Caps: To cover vinyl fence pickets, offering a decorative and protective element
- End Caps: To finish the edge of a vinyl fence or railing, preventing debris from entering the open end of your rail
- Rail Mount Brackets: For mounting vinyl railing to a post
- Post Mounts: A mounting and support system option for vinyl railing
- No Dig Post Mount Brackets: The support necessary to keep posts stable in a no-dig vinyl fence installation
Learn More About Vinyl Fence Parts
How Do I Clean My Vinyl Fence?
For light dirt or debris, you can clean your fence using a rag or a sponge along with a diluted mix of dish soap or white vinegar. For heavy mildew or algae, the best course of action would be to carefully use a pressure washer. If you're having trouble removing tough stains, you can use bleach, but ONLY if the fence is a white vinyl fence.
Learn More About Cleaning A Vinyl Fence
Are Vinyl And PVC Fencing The Same?
While Vinyl and PVC are both types of plastic and have similar qualities, they are technically not the same. PVC is an abbreviation for polyvinyl chloride, while vinyl is made of ethane that incorporates different ethylene compounds.
Learn More About Vinyl VS PVC
What Is A Plastic Fence?
When you hear the term plastic fence, what people are most commonly referring to is a vinyl fence. Vinyl is a type of plastic, but the way it's made ensures the fence is durable and easy to maintain.
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How Do I Repair A Damaged Vinyl Fence?
- Small Repairs: For repairing something small, like a hole or a crack, you can fill the damaged area with expandable foam, seal it with plastic filler, then sand and paint over it.
- Large Repairs: For repairing large cracks or holes, you may need to replace the fence panel. This process involves removing the post caps, unscrewing the top rail, removing the fence panels that need to be replaced, installing the new ones, then replacing the top rail and post caps.
- Post Repairs: For repairing large issues on a fence post, you may need to replace it, which is a bit more work. You'll follow similar steps to remove the fence panel, then you'll need to dig out the fence post. Measure the distance between your existing poles, then set the new post in the same hole and reinstall the fence panels.
Learn More About Repairing A Vinyl Fence
What Are The Spears On Top Of A Vinyl Fence Called?
Picket caps are the spears that are on top of a vinyl fence. They add the finishing touch on pickets and prevent debris from entering the picket and rails.
Learn More About Picket Caps
What Are Fence Post Donuts Used For?
Fence donuts provide stability to posts for no-dig vinyl fences. A no-dig fence typically relies on galvanized steel pipes that are driven into the ground as the main support system for the fence itself, with a vinyl post sleeve that is placed over top of it. The fence donut slips over the pipe and fills the gap between the pipe and post sleeve.
Learn More About Fence Donuts
What Is The Purpose Of Vinyl Fence Clips?
Vinyl fence clips are used to join horizontal rails or vertical posts without the need of glue or brackets. They provide an easier way of installing vinyl railing or fencing.
Learn More About Vinyl Fence Clips
What Type Of Vinyl Fence Is The Best?
We recommend using virgin vinyl, which is essentially vinyl that is brand new and has not been recycled or used before. Using recycled vinyl can compromise the durability of your fence, leading to issues and more maintenance when compared to virgin vinyl.
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Do I Need Vinyl Fence Glue?
Vinyl fence glue is an important tool to have on hand when you are installing or doing maintenance to a vinyl fence or railing. It is designed for outdoor use and is made specifically to be used on vinyl products, ensuring a strong hold that is long-lasting.
Learn More About Vinyl Fence Glue
Can I Remove a Vinyl Post Cap That Is Glued On?
Vinyl glue creates a very strong hold that can be difficult to break. However, if its necessary to remove your cap that has been glued, you can use pure acetone to break the chemical bond.
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Still Have Questions?
Hopefully we were able to answer some of the technical questions that you may have had regarding your vinyl fence or railing. If you still need some guidance, don't hesitate to call our knowledgeable sales team. We will be happy to guide you in the right direction for your vinyl fence installation or maintenance!
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