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Vinyl FenceBuyers Guide

Everything you need to know about buying and installing Vinyl Fence

By

Michael Goldman

&

David Spangenburg

VinylFenceBuyersGuide.comCopyright 2008 Goldman & Spangenburg

Table ofContents

Introduction

Chapter 1 Not all Vinyl is Created Equal

Chapter 2 Vinyl vs. Recycled

Chapter 3 The Vinyl Process

Chapter 4 Thickness vs Formula

Chapter 5 Commercial Grade Vs Residential

Chapter 6 Home Improvement Chain Stores

Chapter 7 Foreign vs. Domestic

Chapter 8 Samples

Chapter 9 Receiving Shipments

Special Offer

2

Introduction

I am so happy to be able to offer you this sample of the Vinyl Fence

Buyers Guide!

Michael and David put together an impressive 70 page book that

can be purchased at www.vinylfencebuyersguide.com. We have been

given permission to offer 9 select chapters to you here. Michael now

works in our Sales Dept so if you have any questions for the author don’t

hesitate to give him a call.

I started on the construction side of the equation building fences

with my father across most of the southern US. My personal experience

on installations is second to none. If you can’t find the answer to your

questions give me a call.

We pride ourselves on offering the

highest quality at the lowest prices.

Please give us a chance to earn your business.

Thanks again,

Richard Fish

Owner - Fence Supply Online3

CHAPTER ONE

Not all Vinyl is Created Equal

1

Not all Vinyl is Created Equal

Hey! Do you want to know a secret? Vinyl is actually PVC! That’s right, like

the pipe. Vinyl is in essence, plastic. What separates it from common, everyday plastic, is it’s ingenious formula, the processes it goes through and the ingredients they add during it’s creation to make it stronger and able to stand up against constant sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Some say that not all vinyl is created equal. Let’s take a look!

Through the years and thousands of discussions about vinyl this was the most misunderstood topic in the vinyl fencing business and has created the # 1 reason for unhappy purchases which ended up in a number of future problems. We’ll examine this startling fact in depth and shine the light on all the aspects. First, let’s talk about the basics of vinyl.

As you are conducting your search to purchase vinyl fencing, you will hear many different things regarding the properties of vinyl. Believe me, you’ll hear many contradictory statements. Just bear in mind the suppliers and dealers you’ll be talking to, are all trying to sell you what they have to offer. Therefore their view of vinyl products is, in most cases, limited to what it is they are selling. You’ll run into quite a few opinions about vinyl. Just remember that is what they are, just opinions.

This guide is meant to, above all else, dispel the myths and present the facts. We’ll sort through the contradictions so you can easily get past the sales presentations and into what is really important. The undiluted truth about vinyl fencing.

5

CHAPTER TWO

Virgin vs. Recycled

2

Virgin vs. Recycled

PVC’s formal name is poly-vinyl-chloride and it is a petroleum based product and thus subject to all the nuances of oil. There are two types of vinyl, virgin vinyl and recycled vinyl. Virgin vinyl is the original product, fresh out of the labs, all shiny and new! Hmm, so does that make recycled vinyl the tramp of the family?

It kind of sounds like it’s been around the block a few times, doesn‘t it? You see? That’s how rumors start. Recycled vinyl is merely a combination of unused scraps and out pieces blended and recycled to make a finished product. “It’s alive..alive!!” However, unlike the Frankenstein monster, it’s not made of used parts. It’s kind of like making a quilt out of scraps of new fabric.

Recycled but still new.

One of the most distorted statements is that, “Recycled vinyl is vastly inferior to virgin vinyl.” I have sold both and the candid story is that recycled is just that, recycled virgin vinyl. It hasn’t been used before and it’s quality is microscopically less than virgin vinyl. In my years in the industry I have not encountered any inherent problems that would separate recycled vinyl from virgin vinyl.

To be totally honest, the only thing that separates recycled from virgin is the concept not any physical defects or flaws. Rhetorically speaking, if I found commercial grade recycled vinyl at a better price than commercial grade virgin vinyl I’d buy it in a heartbeat. You already know that all commercial grade vinyl fencing lasts a lifetime. Virgin or recycled.

When you think about it, recycled is actually the green buying option with vinyl fencing. You wouldn’t think that plastic and green would go together but recycled is a good vindication for buying vinyl as opposed to wood fencing.

7

Virgin vs. Recycled

You are making use of a recycled product which is better for environment. Also, the fact that you’re installing a lifetime fence helps to lessen the wholesale slaughter of trees to supply the temporary world of wood fencing.

Actually all of the above is basically a moot point because recycled vinyl is not usually offered for sale. In reality, you will never really know what type of vinyl you are purchasing unless you ask. If you purchase white vinyl fencing and it is, in actuality recycled, it will be white on the outside but the inner parts will range from blue to a light gray. Sometimes recycled vinyl is called gray back due to the internal color.

To further add to the confusion, there is an ingredient or dye they can add which will make recycled vinyl look white all the way through. This is rarely done because this additional ingredient is costly thus raising manufacturing costs and prices but you need to be aware of it.

So if you can’t really tell the difference. Does it all really matter? Yes. I would want to know if the product was virgin as opposed to recycled. Not because it is an important quality factor, as some would make it out to be. However, I would expect to get a better price for it, knowing that it costs them less to manufacturer it, since they are using unused virgin vinyl scraps and out pieces which would, ordinarily, be a wastage for them.

The whole concept of virgin vs. recycled is really convoluted and is only important if you can actually save money by buying recycled directly. However, just knowing about it can give you a possible bargaining chip when you deal with the supplier. That is of course, if they’re honest about the types of vinyl they are trying to sell.

8

CHAPTER THREE

The Vinyl Process

3

The Vinyl Processes There are two processes used to produce vinyl and again you will hear different theories

as to which is better. The processes are Mono Extrusion and CO Extrusion.

With mono extrusion, the UV inhibitors and impact modifiers are blended throughout the vinyl materials to protect it from the elements and to add strength.

With CO extrusion, the UV inhibitors and impact modifiers are contained in the outside layer of the vinyl where it is most needed.

Can you guess which process is the best? That’s right! It depends on who you’re asking and what their selling. This is actually a rhetorical question because each process is equal to the other when it comes to the strength and durability of commercial grade vinyl fencing.

A good example of this, is a guy my company contracted out to sell vinyl fencing. When he was selling CO extruded products, he stated on the website that it was the better process. However, when he converted over and sold mono extruded products, they became the superior product according to his website. He currently is selling both and therefore offers no quality comparisons between the processes.

I will mention, at this point, that he is a very honest man and takes great care of his customers so this flip-flopping was never an issue. When I researched this question on the internet for a more formal opinion this is where my search lead me.

The 1st site stated that their mono extrusion process was far superior and their competitors used CO extrusion because it was cheaper and increased their (the competitor’s) profits. They added - Buyer Beware!

The second site espoused that “CO extrusion, the most advanced and used method, takes the process further!” While CO extrusion (the newer process) is the preferred method, by many manufacturers. Some companies still tout the original technique, mono extrusion, as being superior because of the 100% blended virgin vinyl.

When it comes down to it, both methods provide the same result. Excellent quality fencing with a lifetime warranty! But as you can see, you’ll hear varying opinions on extrusion process. Stay the course. They’re just a few more potholes on the road to the perfect fence.

10

CHAPTER ONE

Thickness vs. Formula

4

Thickness vs. Formula

Thickness vs. Formula

Another major point and in fact maybe the first thing you will hear in a sales call, is that their product is thicker than the others. It is therefore stronger than the other fencing on the market. Thicker is stronger? Not when you’re talking commercial grade vinyl fencing.

The thickest vinyl product on the market is, of course, typically found in PVC pipe. It can be in excess of ¼ inch thick. However, if you have ever looked at PVC pipe that has been left outside for a year. You’ll notice that it has yellowed and possibly turned brittle from excessive exposure to the sun. That is due to the fact it hasn’t been blended with impact modifiers and Ti02/titanium oxide. Just because vinyl is thick doesn’t mean it is strong enough to stand up against the elements.

Thickness is important, but it is only one factor in the formula and means nothing without the addition of UV inhibitors, Ti02/titanium oxide (a sun block) and impact modifiers. These are the elements that provide enhanced strength, impact resistance and flexibility.

When analyzing the numbers to determine a superior quality commercial grade vinyl fencing you’ll want…

A minimum of at least 10 parts Ti02/titanium oxide per 100 pounds of resin. This will provide greater stabilization against the sun’s harmful rays.

Thickness for a commercial grade vinyl 5 inch post, should be at least .135 inch and even better, .150 - .160 inch. A 4 inch post should be .120 inch or more. Thickness is important but it must be just one of the ingredients in the complete formula for quality commercial vinyl fencing.

12

CHAPTER FIVE

Commercial Grade vs.

Residential Grade

5

Commercial grade vs. Residential grade

I have mentioned the differences between commercial grade and residential grade vinyl in various chapters throughout this guide. This is a great place to sum up those differences.

Residential grade vinyl fencing…

• Thinner and generally hollow inside the pickets and rails.

• Has lesser amounts of UV inhibitors and impact modifiers.

• Has no aluminum insert in the bottom rail, which adds extra strength and prevents sagging over time.

• Usually uses inferior bracket system for installation which has visible hardware and is more labor intensive.

Commercial Grade vinyl fencing…

• Thicker pickets, rails and post walls.

• Added ribbing and spines running the length of the rails, making them strong.

• Substantial amounts of Ti02/titanium oxide, UV inhibitors and impact modifiers.

• Straightforward and easy snap and pop-in installation system, strong and secure with the simplicity of “legos“.

14

CHAPTER SIX

Home ImprovementChain Stores

6

Home Improvement Chain Stores

You see them advertise on the TV every day, orange aprons fluttering down the aisles at Home Depot, “You can do it! We can help!?”, the warm voice of Gene Hackman telling you “Lowes, let’s build something together”. These big names spend big bucks to convince you that if you want to improve your home you need to do it up big time at their big name, big box, home improvement chain stores.

Whew, that’s a mouthful and in a lot of ways very true too. Except for vinyl fencing. Oh, they sell vinyl fencing and their prices seem to meet the big box standards but everything is not always as it seems.

One of the first questions clients always ask me is, “How do you compare to them?” or “Why was our fence more expensive then theirs?” (If it was more). I found the best way to respond was by simply telling the truth. Sometimes our prices were more and sometimes they were less but one thing was certain. We always delivered a higher quality product.

I have nothing against them and have even advised certain people that the H. I. C. S. might better suit their unique needs. For example, I had a guy who was flipping a property and needed the cheapest fence he could buy.

He wasn’t concerned with how long the fence would last, he just wanted to sell the property. I suggested, Home Depot. The key to big box store shopping is to know, what you are getting for the price you are paying. I highly urge you to go and look at their fencing first hand. Feel it, touch it, push it and you will see that it gives quite a bit. The panels are thinner and are generally hollow with no internal ribbing and reinforcement. They also utilize a bracket system which is an inferior way to assemble vinyl fencing and requires external hardware which distract from the clean lines of vinyl. Their fencing usually comes pre-assembled. Oh, I hear you out there, “Isn’t that more convenient?” Yes, assembled sections do provide more convenience but always remember that lower quality residential grade vinyl fencing normally comes assembled, as fence panels, while prime quality commercial grade vinyl fencing always comes unassembled. Why? To be able to ship your order more securely so you receive it, complete and undamaged. It also allows you the opportunity to personally attend to each stage of construction, insuring the lifetime strength and durability of your fencing investment. Keep in mind that the slide and pop assembly of commercial vinyl sections are very similar to “legos”, making them relatively easy to assemble. I, personally, am not a very handy man and I can tell you, from experience, they are not hard to put together.

16

Home Improvement Chain Stores

One last thing to realize when evaluating prices between the H.I.C.S. and a vinyl fence dealer. The H.I.C.S. ’s panel pricing, generally, does not include the costs of posts and caps. This is very misleading. They get you in on the appearance of a lower price, which is usually for the fence panel only. Then they add in these costly but essential items at the time of sale. Right when you have reached that point when you are ready to buy.

Odds are, you usually carry on with the sale and find out the hard way that the posts and caps are where these stores make their money. Which is why they sell their fencing in six foot panels (rather then eight) as this means more posts and caps. You will of course, need posts and caps to assemble a vinyl fence. So when you’re pricing various options, you’ll need to add these costs into the total.

Wow! That great chain store price wasn’t so fabulous after all, was it? Think about it. If you are going to make a lifetime investment in vinyl fencing for your beloved home. The rule of thumb is that, quality always trumps economy. In the long run you’ll end up paying less for a whole lot more.

17

CHAPTER SEVEN

Foreign vs Domestic

7

Foreign Vs Domestic

Everybody likes discounted products. However, there always

seems to be a catch. If something is discounted in price it is more

often than not, discounted in quality. Then again, what if the

discounted fencing, was also high quality, commercial grade

fencing! Your average American home owner would say “What’s

wrong with that?”

I have sold both domestic and foreign made vinyl fencing.

The foreign being, of course, made in China. Most domestic

suppliers will have nothing positive to say about the Chinese

product but I’ll lay out the real story, as I have seen it, and let you

decide.

I have found the Chinese product to be equal in strength and

durability as most of the domestic vinyl. Their fence quality is

excellent and their pricing is generally lower than domestic pricing.

These are the positives!

On the other side of the coin, I wasn’t too keen on dealing

with the Chinese manufacturers. Frankly, they didn’t seem as

responsive as their American counterparts. If a problem arose and

the domestic supplier wasn’t prepared to take care of it, you’re

smack dab in the middle of what seems like an international

incident.

19

Foreign Vs Domestic

As far as supply and availability issues, imagine this scenario.

When someone, either a customer or a dealer, wanted to resell the

Chinese product. They had to purchase by the container only, which could

cost approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the size of the

container. This meant, there were times when the dealer would run out and

not have the fencing in stock.

This could be a major issue to the customer, if they needed more to

match-up to their fence. It also took 6 - 8 weeks to receive your product. A

long wait when you have to put out $30,000 -$60,000 up front. I always

wondered why they couldn’t be more proactive and keep some extra

product here on this side of the Pacific. Just in case our customers needed

more product but in smaller amounts.

My fear was that if there were, would they take care of it? If they

wouldn’t what would we able to do about it? Call the Chinese ambassador,

complain to the UN?

We do need to realize that they live in a dissimilar culture and

therefore think and react differently than we do. Their economy is spurred

on by discounted pricing and is not as service oriented based, as ours.

I’m not saying, don’t buy it. However, if you do, make sure that you

buy their fencing through a good domestic supplier who has established a

working rapport with the Chinese. More importantly, one who stores lots of

product and can deal with the situation personally if problems do arise. You

won’t be able to count on the Chinese manufacturers.

20

CHAPTER EIGHT

Samples

8

Samples

Just a few words about samples. Most companies will provide

samples upon request but I need to emphasize your returning the

courtesy. Be considerate. Keep in mind that, not only does it cost

the company and/or their Rep money to send out samples, it is

also extremely time consuming.

If you are serious about your fencing purchase, have narrowed

down your research to a likely manufacturer and wish to study the

product first hand. I recommend that you request samples to

insure your satisfaction with the companies’ product. Most

commercial quality vinyl will be very comparable as to looks,

thickness and durability so be discriminating in your sample

requests.

Please, don’t be a collector. Some people request samples from

everybody just to have them. Though, I’m not sure what they want

them for. I am sure, that there are far more pleasurable items to

collect.

Collectors are especially frustrating in the spring and summer

months when the season is going full bore. Everyone in the

industry is extremely busy and it is very frustrating to have time

and money wasted on someone who is not really serious about

actually purchasing vinyl fencing.

22

CHAPTER NINE

Receiving Shipments

9

Receiving Shipments

I’ll apologize before we begin, as this is the most negative chapter in

this guide. However, since I promised you the true story, I need you to be

completely aware of any possible perils in your vinyl purchase.

You need to realize upfront, that when an order is shipped it is

possible that said order could be off-loaded and reloaded at several

terminals and travel great distances before it reaches you. Not only is this

time consuming, it also provides more opportunities for damage and/or loss

to happen.

Receiving shipments from a freight line is the part of the business I

like the least. The main reason? It’s completely out of our control. At this

point of the sale we are completely at the mercy of the freight line and their

drivers and at times, the freight line’s service(?) leaves a lot to be desired.

Why, you ask?

Frankly, they don‘t seem to give a damn because they never end up

dealing with shipment shortages or damages. The person you bought it from

and/or the dealer has to answer any customer complaints and fix any

problems the freight lines created. The freight line remains isolated and

assumes no responsibility. I believe that if they were forced to deal with their

own shipping deficiencies, they would do a much better job. Sad to say, this

is not the way it works.

So are forced to establish simple procedures and prepare ourselves

for any possible contingency.

24

Receiving Shipments

First, you need to know that freight lines can be very

inconsiderate as to establishing delivery times (or even days). Like

the cable company, they give a ballpark estimate such as early

morning or late afternoon.

It is important for you to understand that none of the freight

lines require their drivers to help you offload your fencing from the

truck (possible work comp claims?). The drivers only responsibility

is to get the product to your driveway and at the back end of the

truck, where you have access to it. It is your responsibility to take

it off the truck. If they offer help, take advantage of the offer but

don’t expect it.

I will say that unloading a shipment is not really hard to do

but you need to know about this detail so you are not unpleasantly

surprised. I always make a point to discuss these facts whenever I

am transacting a purchase. However, not all companies do, so be

prepared when the truck pulls in.

25

Receiving Shipments

When you are aware of the shipping and offloading procedures ahead of

time, you will be more confident and things will go a lot smoother.

When you are notified that your order has been shipped, I recommend that

you...

• Get the name of the freight line, their phone number and the tracking

number.

• Call the freight line and schedule a delivery day.

• Try to establish a delivery time if at all possible.

• Ask the scheduler’s name at the beginning of the call, be friendly and

courteous and establish a rapport.

When the truck comes.

• Try to establish that the shipment is complete and undamaged before

you sign the driver’s freight bill. If it is not complete or you can see

actual visible damage, note that on the invoice before you sign it.

If you are not available to personally attend the off-loading make sure

that your representative is aware of all of the above.

Many times you have only a few days to report any discrepancies with your

order so go through everything without delay.

• Itemize the actual contents of your order against the freight bill.

• Determine if there is any damage or missing items and mark any

inconsistencies on the freight bill.

Damage is not always immediately visible so be very meticulous in your

inspection. If there are any inconsistencies report them to the freight line

and your dealer without delay.

Now, I will say that the vast majority of shipments arrive safe and sound and

without incident. However, problems can occur and if they do, they can get

ugly. 26

Caption and Photo Credit: Special thanks to Vinyl Fence

Buyer’s Guide for allowing us to share this abbreviated

version with you.

“ Knowledge is power.

Sir Francis Bacon

“

27

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As a thank you for downloading this whitepaper.

We would like to offer you a free vinyl fence rail

remover tool with your vinyl fence purchase.

This is a $45 dollar value and will come in handy

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section of fence.

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