How Long Does Vinyl Fencing Last? (It’s Longer Than You Think!)

Fencing puts the final touches to back gardens, porches, and front yards. A good fence is one of the most important investments you can make when designing your perfect garden or deck, and choosing the right style is essential.

When choosing what kind of fence you want, one of the primary considerations is longevity. A long-lasting fence is really important since the last thing you want is your garden fence falling apart at an inopportune moment, or having to keep spending more money on maintaining and repairing your fencing. 

In general, choosing a fence designed to last is a better investment, even if it’s a little more expensive, as it’ll save you money and effort in the long term.

Vinyl fencing is one of the most durable materials on the market. When it first came on to the market, there were some issues, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight, but these have been fixed with the addition of titanium oxide. Vinyl fencing these days is light, strong, affordable, and immensely durable.

How long does vinyl fencing last compared to wood fencing?

When choosing materials for your fence, it’s likely to come down to vinyl versus wood fencing. Both materials have a range of pros and cons. But, how many years does vinyl fencing last compared to wood?

Durability is one of the main aspects of vinyl fencing, where it consistently outshines the wooden alternative. While wooden fences can be treated to withstand some weather, they’re susceptible to rot and to fungus, as well as water damage. 

Wood can also be susceptible to pests like termites. Wood fencing can last up to about 20 years, but after roughly 15, you’ll find a wooden fence splitting or warping with age. Plus, you’ll likely see discoloration due to wear and tear as well. 

Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, can last for decades! Vinyl fences don’t need to be chemically treated, pressure-treated, or sealed. They have no problems with pests, mold, rot, or water damage. They don’t get out of shape or split as they age, and they’re splinter-free, which is excellent if you have kids.

Best of all, vinyl fences are incredibly low maintenance. If you want a wooden fence to last, there is a whole load of things you need to do to it regularly, from staining and painting to sealing and treating with chemicals. Vinyl fences, however, are reliable and hassle-free. Of course, there are things that you can do to preserve them in the best possible condition, but ultimately all that a vinyl fence needs is a good hosing down from time to time!

How do you get your vinyl fence to last for years?

So how do you ensure that your vinyl fencing lasts for decades? Here are some tips:

Clean it regularly

Cleaning a vinyl fence is a pretty simple matter, but it can add around five years of life to your fence, particularly if it picks up a lot of dirt and grime. Cleaning vinyl fencing is usually just a matter of turning the garden hose on it or wiping it with a cloth and some domestic cleaning products. Still, more serious cleaning measures can sometimes be necessary.

Pay attention to where and how you install your fencing

It’s common sense that if you put your fence somewhere unstable or insecure, it’ll be more vulnerable than if it were elsewhere. Planting your fence in swampy, damp areas is inadvisable, as is trying to guide it over uneven ground.

It’s also always recommendable to have it professionally installed, as a poorly installed fence will have a significantly reduced lifespan. 

If you’re considering vinyl fencing for your next garden project, get in touch with us or check out our vinyl fencing gallery. We’re always happy to help people understand more about the great advantages of vinyl fencing!