Cold seasons can be unpredictable, ranging from mild weather with dry streets to heavy snowfall and icicles clinging to roofs. As a permanent outdoor installation, a fence is perpetually exposed—and therefore vulnerable—to the whims of nature. If you're considering installing a fence, PVC should rank among your top choices. When comprised of high-quality materials—like the ones available at American Vinyl Works—these fences can withstand the harsh winter effects without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. But why are vinyl fences so dependable during winter?
Why is vinyl so resilient to winter damage?
The best way to answer this question is to compare vinyl to other fence types. Have you ever walked around a neighborhood and noticed wood fences marred by bulges and cracks? Wood is an absorbent material, so any liquid it comes in contact with—such as rain, dew, or sprinkler overspray—can seep into the surface. When winter's cold temperatures turn these fluids into ice, the ice physically breaks apart the wood. Granted, this phenomenon can be prevented with proper staining but it comes at a cost and is best applied by an experienced contractor—not to mention you’ll need to re-stain your fence every few years.
However, with a high-quality PVC fence, you can put these concerns to rest. Our vinyl fence parts are expertly fabricated to resist temperature-related physical changes. Even in sub-zero temperatures, the most significant change you'll notice in your fence is increased flexibility. Even then, it takes excessive force to actually break the panels. (That said, avoid hitting your fence with shovels and plows.) Unlike metal fences, which can rust if not properly fabricated, vinyl doesn't rot after prolonged exposure to water.
Vinyl fencing resists increased UV rays in winter
At American Vinyl Works, we utilize premium modern PVC containing an element known as titanium dioxide (TiO2). Essentially, it acts as a chemical sunscreen, providing enhanced UV protection. During winter, UV exposure increases due to sunlight reflecting off snow. But titanium dioxide allows your fence color to resist fading, discoloration, and yellowing. Even after the passing of multiple winters and years of sun exposure, your fence should only experience a minimal reduction in its natural sheen.
Easy winter cleanup with vinyl fences
When maintaining your property during the winter (through activities such as snow blowing, and shoveling), slush, dirt, and debris sometimes splash onto your vinyl fence panels. As the snow and ice melt, the liquid on your panels may carry colored debris with it. Fortunately, cleaning a PVC fence requires minimal effort. In most cases, a mixture of water and a mild detergent is sufficient for removing dirt and debris. For more stubborn stains, you can try using Soft Scrub or baking soda.
During the winter, it's important to be diligent when cleaning your vinyl fence. Use a soft broom to gently remove snow from the panels, and make sure to shovel snow away from your fence posts. If snowbanks accumulate and become too thick, they can push against the posts, potentially causing damage or misalignment. When using a snowblower, it's advisable to set the chute so that the snow is propelled away from your fence.
