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High-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fencing is an attractive option for both homeowners and businesses for a number of reasons:
Strength – PVC is five times stronger and four times more flexible than wood, so it won’t bend or crack easily. This means that it is easier to deal with impacts from falling or flying debris caused by, for example, inclement weather or an unruly mower.
Durability – because it won’t absorb moisture, scratch, stain, warp, rot, chip, rust, corrode or blister. UV protection makes it fade resistant. Life expectancy ranges from 25 to 50 years – up to seven times longer than that of a wooden fence.
Safety – PVC does not split, does not conduct electricity, has no nails or sharp edges, making it a great choice for children and pets.
Flame Retardant – PVC does not burn easily, making it ideal for climates and locations prone to drought. Once ignited, the by-products of combustion are considered to be no more toxic than other natural materials.
Customizable – There is a wide variety of styles, colors and heights to choose from.
But PVC is not “natural” like wood, so it can’t be environmentally friendly, right? Not necessarily! Determining environmental friendliness is not an exact science – there’s more to consider than the material itself. Consider other health and environmental impacts such as: Where was the raw material collected? How far was it transported and at what cost? How is it processed or chemically treated for the market? What Happens After Installation?
The birth of the ecological fence
PVC is a “thermoplastic polymer”, the third most produced plastic. While it sounds counterintuitive to refer to plastic as “green”, PVC is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to wood.
Although PVC is classified as a plastic, unlike other plastics, it is not made of 100% fossil fuels and the manufacturing process is different. The PVC process efficiently uses water and energy, and only uses half of the fossil fuels. This makes it more climate-friendly, reducing its impact on global warming. Once produced, PVC is light and easy to transport to the market.
In contrast, wood begins to deteriorate once the tree is felled, and there are concerns about the preservation of older forests. The wood is heavy, and toxic chemicals and pre-treatment are used during production to slow the fencing down.
Ecological care and feeding
PVC fencing is easy to clean and maintain, usually requiring only soap and water. It sticks to the elements better and does not require sanding, painting, staining or waterproofing. This saves resources and protects the air and soil from vapors and chemicals.
PVC fencing can be more expensive upfront but requires less maintenance saving you time, materials and energy. They can withstand other materials as well, making them more affordable over time.
Other fences require regular maintenance that requires stains, paints, or other treatments that can penetrate the ground.
Eco-after death
PVC is referred to as “recyclable” but more often it is “down-processed” – used for a variety of purposes where scraps are remixed and reused as opposed to re-fabrication as a new version of the original. PVC is reused for things like hoses, packaging, floor tiles, and signposts on billboards.
Virgin PVC is stronger than recycled (which can introduce contamination), so some producers may pay consumers to recycle through buy-back programs. However, due to their durability, PVC fencing is not often recycled… it doesn’t have to!
The bottom line
Consumer compromises depend on the type and quality of materials used for each fence option. But PVC fencing is an excellent alternative that creates a strong, environmentally friendly contender.
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Source by Adam Maxum