What is Vinyl?

Poly Vinyl Chloride can refer to the resin used in Vinyl production, or can refer to the finished product itself, including all the additives. Thus, PVC is Vinyl. In many countries, the term uPVC is used. This simply refers to Ultra-Violet (UV) protected PVC. All PVC used in the manufacture is UV – inhibited, therefore, is uPVC.

Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Salt are the raw materials used in the production of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Resin. Vinyl compound is formulated from premium grade raw materials, which include Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Resin, UV inhibitors, impact modifiers, stabilizers and toners.

The basic formula and manufacturing process are the same as vinyl windows and siding. The difference is that the vinyl formula has been specially enhanced to meet the demands to lifetime use. The natural ingredients used to make the vinyl resin are combined with chemical additives to make it rigid and strong enough for fence, deck and rail.

How is vinyl fence, deck or rail made?

Profiles: Vinyl fence, deck, and rail starts out as a PVC powder (Resin) that, when blended with all the required ingredients in a formulation, is called compound. The compound is then fed into an extruder, the compound becomes a malleable vinyl. This vinyl is then fed through a die in the shape of the finished profile. Using vacuum technology to keep the soft pliable vinyl in the proper shape, water is used to cool the vinyl into its final rigid shape.

Fabrication: For fence and rail, the manufacture or the fabricator cuts the wide variety of profiles to the proper length for the design of fence or rail required. The fabricator then routes holes into the rails, so that pickets can be inserted. Railing systems typically use brackets to attach to posts instead of routed holes.

Accessories: Fence, deck and rail vinyl accessories are injection molded, thermo-formed, or blow moulded.

How strong and durable is vinyl?

Vinyl has 5 times the tensile strength and 4 times the flexibility of wood. Performance is improved by adding cross-braces in gates, reinforced ribs in rails, notching rails, or adding metal inserts.

As with most PVC products, vinyl will become less flexible in the cooler weather conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will nor break or crack. Vinyl products are engineered to accommodate normal temperature swings.

Any vinyl product will break when enough force is applied. However, most vinyl (PVC) profiles are formulated using impact modifiers to ensure the greatest impact resistance.

How is Vinyl Fence put together?

Most assembly of vinyl fencing is done by snapping the rails into the post using the rails that are tabbed with a special tabbing or notching tool. Depending on the styles of fence, different fasteners can be used. Vinyl channels, which are often used in the fabrication of privacy and semi-privacy styles, are attached using rivets and screws.

Will vinyl fence, deck or rail mildew?

Mildew feeds off organic materials. Vinyl (PVC) is non-organic and therefore does not support mildew. Mildew that grows on vinyl is actually feeding off the organic materials (dirt) that have become embedded in or stuck to the vinyl. Most fence, deck or rail profiles have a high gloss and smooth, non-porous surface that makes it very difficult for organic materials to attach to, and therfore, for mildew to thrive on. Only under consisttently damp conditions will the possibility of mildew occur. If mildew does appear, a mild solution of bleach or household detergent and water will easily remove it.

Will vinyl discolour?

Light coloured vinyl (PVC) is typically formulated using Ti02 that protects the vinyl (PVC) from harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. As long as your fence, deck or rail is kept clean, with a periodic wash from a garden hose, it will not turn yellow.

Titanium DiOxide. This is the most common ingredient used for Ultra Violet ray protection. TiO2 is a white pigment that reacts with water and oxygen. Water, or moisture in the air is necessary for this product to do its job effectively. It is not noxious, in fact, TiO2 is commonly used as a preservative or colourant in baked goods like the little donuts you buy at the corner store.

Will vinyl burn?

Vinyl fence, deck and rail are classified as “self extinguishing” and will not readily ignite.

Vinyl has a high flash point of 900°F, so it doesn’t ignite easily. If fire is held to it, it will burn. But as soon as the flame is removed, the vinyl will self-extinguish.

Can PVC Fence Break?

Any fence will break if there is enough force applied. However, Paramount PVC Profiles are formulated using only the highest quality impact modifiers in precisely engineered amounts to ensure the greatest impact resistance available.

How environmentally friendly is vinyl?

Most vinyl (PVC) products are safe and non-toxic. They will not breakdown and release harmful chemicals into the ground and do not require chemicals (stains, waterproofing, paint, paint thinner) for regular upkeep like treated timber. Vinyl is used in everyday life including PVC piping, water hoses, cutlery, etc.

Because of the exceptional long life of vinyl profiles, several times the amount of wood that is needed to manufacture the same fence in wood can be saved over the lifetime of the vinyl fence.

If the vinyl ever needs to be taken down it can be recycled into other products, such as hoses and watering cans.