What is vinyl
made of?
The base ingredient is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
modified to provide superior impact strength and ultraviolet
(UV) resistance. The formulation is similar to that of vinyl
siding, which has a 20-year history of providing long-term
durability and structural integrity.
Is vinyl
recycled plastic?
Technically, "recycled" refers to post-consumer or
post-industrial materials coming from the waste stream. PVC
can, and is, being recycled. We use CertainTeed's vinyl fence,
decking and railing products that do not use the waste stream as
a source. However, we do reprocess our own PVC where it
meets our rigid specifications. The use of this reprocessed
material keeps it out of the waste stream, positively
affecting our environment.
How strong is vinyl?
Vinyl is impact-modified for flexibility and overall
durability. All vinyl fence, deck and railing
meet or exceeds the requirements necessary for excellent
performance in the field.
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Will vinyl
break in cold/hot weather?
As with most plastics, vinyl will become less flexible in
colder weather conditions. However, unless subjected to
unusual impact, it will not break. It is normal for
materials to expand and contract during temperature changes.
Our vinyl products have been engineered to
accommodate normal temperature swings and changing climactic
conditions.
Why can't I get vinyl fence, deck or
railing in dark colors?
Titanium dioxide is the main ultraviolet inhibitor. It is a
white pigment. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a dark
color while having this significant amount of white pigment.
Dark colors also absorb heat. There is no current technology
that dissipates this heat buildup.
Does it chalk?
Light chalking is a normal occurrence of any pigmented
surface. Washed away by rainfall and normal changes in
weather, this process helps to keep your fence looking like
new. In effect, it could be described as virtually
maintenance-free.
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Is vinyl safe for children and animals?
Vinyl products have smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp
edges or splinters. You, your children, pets and animals are
all safer. Vinyl has a tough surface, retains virtually no
moisture, has no taste, and is non-porous.
Will vinyl turn yellow?
No. Vinyl products contain 10 parts titanium dioxide (TI02),
which prevents ultraviolet degradation.
Will vinyl burn?
PVC has a high flash point of 900°F and does not readily
ignite. It is therefore categorized as being
"self-extinguishing".
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Will a weed eater scratch or hurt a vinyl
fence?
Vinyl fencing holds up to routine property maintenance,
including the use of most types of weed eaters.
What is the warranty and what does it
cover?
All of our fence, deck, railing and garden
products are backed by a lifetime limited warranty (not
installation or labor). The warranty covers rotting,
peeling, cracking, chipping and discoloration. Refer to the
warranty certificates for additional information.
How do I clean vinyl?
Use of a non-abrasive liquid cleaning agent is normally
sufficient. However, for more stubborn stains, a product
similar to Soft Scrub may be helpful. Refer to the Care and
Maintenance section of the warranty certificate for
additional information.
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Can I paint it?
There should be no reason to paint vinyl. If you decide to
paint it, an epoxy-based paint needs to be used in order to
adhere to the smooth vinyl surfaces. As with any painted
product, it would have to be repainted in time. Any painting
of your vinyl product voids its lifetime warranty.
Will my vinyl deck fade? Is
one color less likely to fade than the other colors?
As is similar with siding, everything fades some over time.
Our PVC products will not fade, over the life of the
product, to the point in which there is a visible difference
between pieces. Lighter colors do better against fading and
all the colors we carry tend to be on the light side.
Can I butt the vinyl deck planks together
for a 50' run?
If the temperature at the time of installation is within 30
degrees of maximum temperature seen for the area, the deck
planks can be butted. If not, you should allow for an
approximate 1/8" gap.
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How do you install vinyl
products?
Similar to most fencing, vinyl fence is installed with
concrete around each post. In addition, there is concrete
and rebar inside each gate post and end post. Railing posts
are reinforced by galvanized steel post supports available
for wood or concrete mounting. Posts can be routed for top
and bottom rails. Rails can also be attached to existing
posts using wall mount brackets. Deck planks install
directly to joists and handle like wood. Refer to
installation guides for more step by step instructions.
Why is vinyl fence more expensive than a
wood fence?
Very simply, it's not! Although your investment is more
initially, this is where your expense ends. The cost
difference is quickly eliminated once the substantial cost
of continuous maintenance of a wood or metal fence is
considered. Vinyl fence, deck, railing, and garden products
are the economical way to go, confidently saving you time
and money with a fence backed by a lifetime limited
warranty.
What is the best way to install a railing
in a wall to wall situation? Is it possible to use the wall
mount bracket without plate?
Using the wall mount bracket with plate is the easiest
method. However it is possible to do with the brackets
without the plate if you slit the end of the rail to slide
over the bracket. This cut will be visible from below once
the job is complete and may not be as aesthetically pleasing
as the wall mount bracket with plate method.
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Will uplift be an issue with the Colonial
Porch Post?
In high wind areas it could become an issue. We recommend on
our structural porch post packaging to take uplift into
account when installing the product and to utilize the tie
down kit if unsure. We offer an optional tie down kit to
provide metal to metal tie down connections.
How do I install vinyl railing between
existing wood posts?
Rails can also be attached to existing posts using wall
mount brackets, sold separately.
Can I install vinyl fencing on a concrete
surface?
Yes. A hole can be core drilled into the cement. Use
hydraulic cement to hold a pipe in place and utilize EZ-set
brackets (similar to a railing installation) with the vinyl
post sleeved over the brackets. Another installation would
be to use rebar cemented into the concrete in the corners of
the post and then fill entire post with standard concrete to
solidify.
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Can the vinyl railing be used on a second
story?
Yes, it meets all building codes when installed per
instructions. It is also important to remember that liquids
won't leak through the vinyl but can leak through the gap
between planks. Most water will run along the length and off
the ends. Liquids will not be absorbed into the non-porous
surface.
What can I use on my vinyl deck to
melt ice?
Rock salt or Halite will work fine without harming PVC.
How do I install vinyl railing at a 45
degree angle?
We have 45 degree end and line posts. Posts are turned to
22.5 degrees to split the angle, rails are miter cut on 22.5
degree angles, and the remaining assembly is the same as for
straight sections. If attaching to a wall/wood post, you
will need to use wall mount brackets with an angled shim
block in back. Refer to our updated step by step
installation guide for additional instructions. |