Vinyl fences are popular for those who want a cheap, sturdy, low maintenance fencing option. Vinyl fences are made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a flexible type of plastic that is resistant to damage from weather, insects, and rust, making it a durable option for customers on a budget. Polyvinyl chloride fences are ideal options for customers who live in harsh climates prone to extreme frost or heat, making them popular in sunny states like Florida.
While the vinyl used in Gainesville Fencing Company’s fence installation services are high-quality, they are not immune to discoloration. To ensure that your vinyl fence always looks as good as new, follow our professional fence maintenance techniques to deal with sun, dirt, and mold discoloration!
If you’ve ever seen a really old vinyl fence, you may have noticed some discoloration. A white fence may look yellow from certain angles, or a darker-colored fence might appear generally faded. Over time, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun can break down the plastic vinyl, slowly eating away at the vibrancy of a fence’s color. Dark colored fences are especially vulnerable to sun discoloration, as darker colors have higher light absorption rates than lighter ones.
Luckily, here at Gainesville Fencing Company we only use the highest quality of polyvinyl chloride in our fence installation services. Modern vinyl fences are built with an ultraviolet blocking compound called titanium dioxide (TiO2), which eliminates the possibility of sun discoloration in vinyl fences.
Considering the fact that most modern vinyl fences contain titanium dioxide and are immune from sun discoloration, oftentimes a dirty fence can be mistaken for one plagued by sun discoloration. A dirty fence may be obviously patchy, with green, brown, or yellow streaks spanning large swaths of panels – or it may merely appear faded, with a thin layer of dirt, dust, or grime muting the fence’s true color. Sprinkler water that regularly makes contact with a vinyl fence can result in a yellow discoloration indicative of hard water stains.
While vinyl does not accumulate dirt, dust, or algae growth faster than any other material, they do show signs of wear more readily than their wood counterparts. Vinyl fences are shiny, reflective, and oftentimes white, meaning dirt buildup can become evident over time. No need to call a fence repair service! Vinyl fences can easily be cleaned with a garden hose and some dish soap.
Vinyl fences can be especially prone to mold growth when they are installed in damp, shaded areas. This makes mold a significant cause of vinyl fence discoloration in Florida, as frequent rainstorms and abundant tree cover create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold is not only unsightly; prolonged exposure can cause adverse health effects in humans and wildlife. While exposure to mold from an outdoor fence is likely to be minimal, inhalation can cause allergic reactions and lung problems depending on the severity of the overgrowth. If left unchecked, mold can even threaten the structural integrity of a vinyl fence and create stains that are hard to remove.
Removing mold from vinyl fencing is easy when caught early. A mixture of vinegar and water, scrubbed with a coarse brush or sponge should be sufficient to remove most mold colonies on a vinyl fence. Tougher mold can easily be removed with commercial mold and mildew remover products.
Are you considering installing a vinyl fence in your commercial property of residence? Contact Gainesville Fencing Company for a quote on our installation services today!