Professional Deck Builders in Sarnia, ON

NO. UV stabilizers, although essential for long time performance of the product, cost money. One easy way for some competitors of "PVC/VINYL manufacturers" to compete is to cut back on the amount of "expensive" UV stabilizer included within the product.

It is normal for materials to expand and contract during temperature changes. As with most plastics, vinyl becomes less flexible in colder weather conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will not break or crack. Country Estate Fence products have been engineered to accommodate normal temperature swings. Planks, pickets and rails are easily replaced if damaged.

As with all exterior products, a fence or railing will become dirty when exposed to the elements. Under normal condition all that is required is an annual washing of the product to keep it looking new. A mild detergent and water solution should be sufficient to keep your fence or deck rail looking new. For tough stains, Soft Scrub or baking soda work well.

The initial cost of PVC is similar to the initial cost of Western Red Cedar left unstained. However, when all the varied cost factors are taken into account over the life of your fence, vinyl (PVC) becomes the true money saver. Factors such as having to replace the wood fence in 5 to 10 years, and yearly maintenance costs (labour, paint, replacement boards, etc), and the effects on the environment because of treated wood or the toxic chemicals needed to maintain a wood fence show that wood truly isn't as cost effective in the end.

Remember those cheap chairs going grey and break, that is the lack of UV stabiliser. The black particles is the carbon exposed to the sun. The expensive UV stabiliser in PVC is called Titanium Dioxide therefore a higher content is a better product and better warranties.