There are very few exterior remodel projects that are as effective and fun as installing a new fence. Of course, the actual labor involved with fence installation might not be exciting, but the results can be very rewarding. You have to make some major decisions when choosing what type fence to install. Most important is choosing the right material for your home style and maintenance needs. This article looks at vinyl fencing and explains why it is such a popular material.

Styles

Most people think of wood when they imagine a residential fence. The classic style of a white picket fence can look great on any home. Luckily, you can achieve this same look with vinyl. Wooden fences are stylish and durable, but they require much more maintenance than vinyl. Also, vinyl fences are now made with very convincing fake wood finishes, complete with textures, wood grains, and multicolored prints. These materials look surprisingly close to real wood. Most people will be able to actually tell that they are not made out of real wood, especially when you take a close-up look. However, it can definitely create the illusion when you are looking at your home from the curb.

Durability and Maintenance

Ultimately, most people end up choosing vinyl over wood because of the easy maintenance and longer lifespan. Vinyl is nearly a zero maintenance product. That is, all you have to do to keep up vinyl is to lightly clean it on a regular basis. You don't need to worry about refinishing it, sanding it, staining it, texturing it, or doing any other expensive projects. Remember, vinyl is the same material used in the construction of boats and surfboards, so you know it is going to be able to stand up to all of the moisture it will receive. Your fence is going to get wet from rain, dew, and the sprinklers. Basically, it will get wet on a daily basis, so having a waterproof material like vinyl is a huge plus. A vinyl fence will last well over 50 years, as long is it kept clean. This is about twice the lifespan of a wooden fence.

Over the years, the time and money you save easy vinyl maintenance could be significant, especially when compared to what is necessary to maintain wooden fences. Since vinyl fence now looks so much like real wood, it is easy to see why they are becoming more popular.