Vinyl Fence Panels

[TJinPgh]

I'm curious if anybody has tried to do anything with vinyl fence panels.

I'm sure we've all seen them... usually outside the lumber entrance to HD or Lowes. Usually in 4' or 6' high sections, 6' wide. Usually a series of hollow rectangular tubes. Pretty light weight.

HD had some 6'x6' panels (which, I suppose are actually closer to 5.5'x5.5', but, I digress) on closeout for $20. Seems like one ought to be able to do some kind of wall out of something like that. Splice two of them together and cut to the height/length you need.

Anybody ever tried?

[KIDZAGN]

If these panels are PVC expansion and contraction will create a problem. At one time I thought I had the perfect exterior finish material, sign grade PVC 1/8-1/4" thick lots of color choices and very affordable..... then thankfully I told the supplier what I planned to do with it. He explained that PVC expands and contracts with temp change, and can't be glued or screwed down or it will buckle. He advised thats why signs are built in a loose frame. Even though I'd still like to use PVC for exterior panels I haven't figured a way to secure and float them at the same time.

Just an FYI

Mike
Wichita

[KCStudly]

PVC can be brittle, too, especially when cold. Can shatter with surprisingly little impact.

[TJinPgh]

Well, with respect to them being brittle when cold. My thoughts are that these are already designed for outdoor use so I doubt that would be a huge issue. Other than that, it's not likely that I'd be using a TD in sub zero weather anyway.

Expansion could be a bigger issue. Although, I've not seen a problem with buckling in the fencing applications I've seen. So, either they've found a way to compensate for it or it doesn't occur with that grade of vinyl.

Not sure how much difference there is between the vinyl compound they use for fencing and the PVC sheets that were being discussed.

[KCStudly]

Anyone else getting an error stating that resources have been exceeded when attempting to preview or submitt even a short post? I've had two today; one was lost entirerly.

I suppose I should have clarified re: concerns about PVC being brittle. If you have any concerns about tree branches reaching out to your trailer on narrow trails, or about tree branches falling on it when stored out doors in winter snow storms or even summer squals when the leaf heavy branches get soaked or wind blown and tend to come down, then maybe it would not be the preferred material. If those conditions do not exist in your area, then maybe it would be ok.

I am planning to build "Foamie" and I know that NO build method is indestructable, but I feel that either a traditional wood, wood and foam, or foam with some wood construction would be easier to repair than shattered PVC. My 2 cts.

It's all good.

[TJinPgh]

I've gotten the error message once or twice when going into a sub-forum. I've just had to back out and click to enter it again. Haven't had the problem posting yet.

With respect to the PVC being brittle, yeah, I figured that was what you meant. In and of itself it's not much of an issue here. Not much chance of anything falling on it where it would be kept for the winter.

That said, I looked into Mike's comment about expansion. Obviously, the box store websites wouldn't say anything about it so I just did a google search for vinyl privacy fencing. A couple of other websites brought it up so, yeah, that would likely be an issue and, as such likely rule it out.

Just seemed like it is such a strong, lightweight material that it could be used in some way.

Oh well.

[eamarquardt]

Well, with respect to them being brittle when cold. My thoughts are that these are already designed for outdoor use so I doubt that would be a huge issue.

Expansion could be a bigger issue. Although, I've not seen a problem with buckling in the fencing applications I've seen. So, either they've found a way to compensate for it or it doesn't occur with that grade of vinyl.

Polyvinyl choride is polyvinyl chloride. It will become brittle after a few years exposure to sunlight. Not much to discuss beyond this.

The coefficient of linear thermal expansion of PVC is 2.3 times that of aluminum and about 4 times that of fiberglass. In short PVC is gonna expand a lot when it's hot and shrink a lot when it's cold. It is a poor choice for use on the exterior of a trailer exposed to the hot sun and cold nights. Not much to discuss beyond this.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Gus

[egjacks]

I have a small amount of experience with plastic siding on houses and with the plastic fences (I was not the person who bought the materials so I can't be 100% sure it was pvc, but I think it was) Anyways the way they get around the expansion with the siding is each piece has lots of overlap and the nails are not hammered in tight and the nails go into slots instead of holes. finally there is special trim that covers about a one inch gap on the ends. It feels incredibly sloppy and wiggly until it is all the way done, but you can't see the gaps in the finished siding because of the trim and overlap. Fences are built the same way, lots and lots of wiggle room.