Plastic fencing is a popular alternative to traditional wooden fences. The low-maintenance, durable barrier can sustain in any landscape or climate, making it a cost-effective investment. This type of fencing is located on residential and commercial properties alike, and its professional design makes it as aesthetically pleasing as a wood fence. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Among the types of plastic fences available are garden, snow, deer, silt and vinyl. Garden fences help support crops and surround the gardening area. Snow fences prevent drifts from forming. Deer fencing keeps deer and other wildlife from entering someone's property. Silt fences make a barrier against ground debris to prevent water erosion of freshly laid soil. Vinyl fences, which are the common choice for residential areas, are made of durable material for long-term use.
Benefits
Plastic fences require less maintenance than wooden ones. Plastic is stronger and more flexible, so it can take more abuse. Because these fences can be created from recycled materials, like milk jugs, they are more environmentally friendly than cutting down trees. Plastic post and rail fencing is popular among those who keep livestock, since it can't rot, grow mold or attract termites, and it doesn't need repainting---factors that make wood fences more expensive in the long run.
Function
Plastic fences are multi-functional. Orange mesh ones are used as protection from blowing snow, to fight beach erosion and for safety fencing, garden fencing and blocking off streets to control crowds or construction sites. Plastic fences are also designed in the same style as the traditional split-rail ones that surround farmland or the picket fences that are posted around homesteads.
Identification
From a distance, unless you're looking at an orange mesh fence, plastic fences are indistinguishable from ones made of wood. When you get closer, however, you can tell if a white split-rail or a stylish picket fence is made of plastic when you see the smooth and shiny exterior. Some plastic fences are manufactured with a wood-grain pattern to give them a more natural look, but they will always be shinier than wood.
Considerations
Vinyl fencing is more expensive than wood, so keep in mind that you're making a bigger investment upfront in exchange for a product that requires less care. Also, check the strength of the material before purchasing; the product can handle outdoor exposure for years, but hollow vinyl posts and pickets can be cracked, dented or broken without a lot of force.
Potential
Because of its durability and neat appearance, plastic fencing isn't limited to use in residential, farming or construction areas. The barriers can be installed anywhere since they can sustain any kind of weather. Because of advances in design, plastic fencing is an attractive alternative for public areas like parking lots, hotel patios, recreational fields, parks and swimming pools.
Warning
Although fences are primarily designed to protect, they also can pose a danger. Any fence that stands low to the ground can be tripped on if it doesn't have a good marker, like bright paint, to show its location. Animals can get tangled up in mesh fencing. Also, fences that aren't properly installed can be hazardous to curious horses who may rub against, kick or bite them.
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