topic Re: VInyl fence in Community Chat

VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:29:49 GMT

I was not sure where to post and thought maybe garden may not get enough response.

We have a 6' vinyl fence that covers our entire back yard. It is probably 12ish years old there is nothing wrong with the fence...it is the installation.

I am getting quotes because it will not stay in the ground, we think the last contractor (who is no longer around) did not dig deep enough to pour the concrete...that is why it will not stay level, it looks pretty bad.

I am getting quotes for repair, one contractor wants to install a totally new fence I am not sure that is necessary. I think we could reuse the panels but would need new posts. Other contractors never suggested that idea,...although I have not seen their quote in writing so not sure what their plan is.

I looked at the big box stores for ideas of a new fence, panel prices are all over the place - does anyone know why such a cost difference between companies for the same size panel and design? I am thinking of calling Lowes just to ask, if I can get someone on the phone.

Any replies appreciated...sorry this is so long!

Re: VInyl fence

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:45:43 GMT

Its anyones guess why prices vary so much. Did the contractor who suggested replacing the whole fence give you a reason?

Did any of the contractors give you any idea why your old fence wont stay upright?

Remember if you go to Lowes they hire subcontractors for the installation and that cost will be hidden in the price or tacked on to the bill as labor.

I think you need to contact the companies you have already got quotes from and ask these questions and make sure you get quotes in writing.

Re: VInyl fence

RespectLife — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:52:29 GMT

@Mom2Dogs

That happened to our vinyl fence at our last home. Looked like a roller coaster in some areas.

As you said, installer did NOT dig deep enough or use proper amount of concrete for the posts. We live in a seasonal climate and the bitter cold can cause it to heave.

We had estimates to repair and ALL said they could reuse the panels but we'd need all new posts.

It was almost as much as getting a totally new one because of the labor to take down along with costs of new posts. No guarantees if any would break in the process.

No guarantees about color matching as the fence had been out in the elements for years.

This was 8 yrs ago though...maybe prices have come down? COUGH, COUGH

Most of the bad parts were at the bottom where it heaved. We put in landscapng all along the bottom to just cover it.

If you can get a Lowe's associate on the phone...and one that has ANY clue about fencing...then you are the luckiest woman in the world.

Good luck!!!

Re: VInyl fence

We rescue cats — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:05:29 GMT

@Mom2Dogs if you get the proposals in writing pay attention to the depth they are using for the posts, and make sure that it exceeds your frost line depth. Folks shook their heads when our builder went to 40" for our deck, after 30+ years our deck and fences have not shifted. We just removed the fence that stood around the former pool area and it was a lot of digging for that team!

Re: VInyl fence

CelticCrafter — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:08:37 GMT

@Mom2Dogs it could be because of the age of the fence being out in the elements and it may be brittle from the changes in temperatures.

Re: VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:10:52 GMT

@RespectLife You had the same issue we have, but our fence is really high in places..higher than what is allowed by our city. I don't know if they saw the fence they would force us to fix it or not.

I did call LOWES, she tried to be helpful but was not at all. I looked at specs on panels, some are a tad thicker but there is no industry standard on thickness from what I understand.

My husband is going to see red - a new fence is not in the budget.

@Imaoldhippie I always get written quotes and I prefer independent contractors (local).

Re: VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:12:00 GMT

@CelticCrafter. The fence is not that old - the product is good - I am sure it is because of the lack of depth of the posts.

Re: VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:14:32 GMT

@We rescue cats Hmmm, we thought 3' was deep enough.

Re: VInyl fence

We rescue cats — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:19:37 GMT

@Mom2Dogs depends on your frostline, ours is 30-36", you can check yours, just google Frostline depth and your zipcode.

Re: VInyl fence

Fressa — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:31:25 GMT

We have an older vinyl fence. Our patio yard is rocky and clay soil so it was a challenge to get the proper depth for the posts. The vinyl that we selected was a thicker vinyl that had a 20year guarantee. I had never heard of thickness variety in fence panels. There must be some truth to this because the fence held up to trees falling on top of it during some nasty storms.

My one question I would ask the fence rep would be if they would be digging in the same post hole and what extra charge for hitting rock. If they have to dig in a new area then what happens to your fence panels made for the current area?

I would get a few estimates from both indepentents and Lowes, etc. See what selections and warranties they have.

Good luck.

Re: VInyl fence

SilleeMee — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:35:22 GMT

I would not go to Lowes or Home Depot for fencing. I would look for a fence/deck company and see what they have to say. To me it seems wasteful and really unnecessary to buy new panels when the ones you already have are good. Sounds to me like the posts have to be redone.

Re: VInyl fence

LindaSal — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:57:36 GMT

@SilleeMee I totally agree with you. We had a vinyl barn fence put in along a 300 foot driveway at our home. You denfinately need a fencing company that has the proper knowledge and equipment rather than just a contractor.

Re: VInyl fence

SilleeMee — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:27:02 GMT

Usually when you see a huge price difference in vinyl fence panels, the cheaper ones will most likely be made of recycled materials. They may look the same but read the fine print and see what they are actually made out of.

Re: VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:08:54 GMT

@LindaSal @SilleeMee Totally agree on the post replacement only. This last contractor is the only one that suggested a total new fence, which is not going to happen, just to expensive.

He needs to figure out another way to get the posts out of the ground with out damaging the panels.

This last contractor is the 3rd one I have had at the house - the other two showed up but no bid yet. If I have to nudge to get a quote, not sure I want to deal with them.

The issue I am having with an actual fence company is there is no one closer than 45 min. to an hour away.

Re: VInyl fence

Kachina624 — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:14:51 GMT

I see commercials on TV frequently for those fences and from what they say, assume there are different qualities on the market. I wouldn't trust alowes or HD to carry the best quality based on my prior experience with some of their products.

I'd go to a fence company where they have samples of their products on display and ask a salesman to point out the features at various price points.

Re: VInyl fence

SilleeMee — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:35:44 GMT

@Mom2Dogs

If someone is going to redo the posts then the panels have to be removed and set aside so the existing posts can be accessed. If the panels are removed properly then they shouldn't get damaged in the process.

Re: VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:37:37 GMT

@SilleeMee True and if they would ruin a panel I am not sure I can get an exact replacement, since styles are constantly changing and some no longer available.

Re: VInyl fence

SilleeMee — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:39:05 GMT

@Mom2Dogs

What kind of posts are in the ground right now? ...wood, steel?

Re: VInyl fence

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:02:04 GMT

@SilleeMee Wood covered by vinyl post

According to the contractor depending on how the fence is manufactured some posts need a wood insert others do not.

Re: VInyl fence

Nightowlz — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:39:58 GMT

I would assume the vinyl fence would be installed in sections between the posts. Whoever you hire to repair it should be able to take it down by the section to replace the posts as needed.

It may be easier to repair it if they take it down? I don't see any reason you would have to buy all new fence?

We have an almost 40 yr old cedar fence on east & west sides. We replaced the back fence plus added another large gate right before covid.

Haven't been able to get the cedar boards since covid. Before covid the fence boards were $10 each. They are now $20 each. DH is in the process of replacing the west side. He took it down. All the posts are broke off in the ground so he either has to dig those out or dig new holes.

When he installed the fence he used screws instead of nails. If he needs to change anything on it the screws make it easier.

DH will install a post at each end with a string connected from each end so he can install fence straight.

Came back to add DH said our frost line is 2'. He is setting posts in 3' deep holes.