Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Outdoor Vinyl Products, Inc. vinyl made of?Our vinyl fence and railing products are fabricated from lineals manufactured by Outdoor Technologies, Inc. (OTI), a leading manufacturer of PVC vinyl extrusions and accessory products. OTI’s exclusive vinyl is formulated from the finest materials to deliver superior performance. Outdoor Technologies also integrates the finest additives to optimize the weather ability of our fence and rail. And only OTI has SPT Solar Protector, CPT Color Protector and WPT Weather Protector.
How is the vinyl extrusions manufactured?Our Fence and Railing products are fabricated from lineals that are manufactured using a state-of-the-art process called co-extrusion. This process bonds the ingredients into two layers. These layers are fused through extreme heat and pressure ensuring long-lasting performance. What are the available styles?There are numerous styles available. We offer a range of fence styles from privacy, picket, semi privacy, and ranch. Our porch and deck railing is available in a wide variety of styles as well. All of our porch and deck railing includes a metal insert in both top and bottom rails for maximum strength. What are the available colors?Our products are fabricated in 2 colors mainly: white and tan. However, some selected styles of fence and rail are available in Clay. Our garden products are available in white only. Do I have to use the post caps shown in your photos?No. We offer several styles of post caps in all 3 colors, so you can choose a specific style or mix and match as you like. Does it look like wood?Stylistically, our vinyl resembles standard wood profiles, but it doesn't have a woodgrain finish. Is it safe and durable for everyday use?Our products are safe enough for even the youngest members of the family. They have smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp edges or splinters. Not only do our fence and porch railings hold up to regular property maintenance, but they're also made to bounce back on impact because they're reinforced with metal inserts. However, you should be careful when using mowers, weed-eaters or clippers along your fence line. Does your product meet safety and building codes?Most of our products meet or exceed local, state and national building codes. Because building codes vary from region to region, you should contact your local Building Authority for information on your local standards. Is your vinyl Fence and Railing environmentally safe? Does it have lead in it?Our vinyl fence and railing is safe and non-toxic. It doesn't contain lead or require the heavy metals and chemicals needed to treat and maintain wood. It is environmentally safe! There aren't any chemicals used that might contaminate your yard, and our vinyl doesn't break down when exposed to soil, groundwater or the elements. Is it safe for horses?Yes. Outdoor Technologies vinyl fencing has been serving the equine community since 1984, and our vinyl's smooth surface discourages horses from chewing, leaning and rubbing against the fence to scratch themselves. Is it strong?Our vinyl has 5 times the tensile strength and 4 times the flexibility of wood. We improve that performance and make our systems even stronger by adding cross-braces in gates, reinforced ribs in rails, a sturdy self-notching fence rail system and maintenance-free metal inserts. Is it heavy?No. Our vinyl weighs only about 1.1 pounds per linear foot, which is much lighter than the typical wood used in home projects. But it's stronger, lasts longer and is easier to work with than wood. Will it burn?OTI’s vinyl extrusions have a high flash point of 900 °F, so it doesn't ignite easily. If fire is held to it, it will burn. But as soon as the flame is removed, the vinyl will self-extinguish. Will it turn yellow?No. Yellowing in vinyl products is due to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Our products contain an industry leading 10 parts per 100 of titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is an extremely effective UV inhibitor. This amount of TiO2 is more than enough to prevent breakdown from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Will it crack?All materials expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures. But impact modifiers act as an added safety measure, adding flexibility to our vinyl so that it'll give instead of crack or splinter like wood. Our products are designed to operate under normal home or horse owner conditions, and will only crack under extreme circumstances. How can it be cleaned?Our vinyl is designed to be maintenance-free, and usually only requires the occasional rinse with a garden hose. But if more serious cleaning is necessary, a soft bristled brush with detergent or even a mild bleach solution will do the trick. Cleaning products should always be tested on a hidden section of your product before using on exposed areas. Will it mildew?Our vinyl has a smooth, non-porous surface, which makes it difficult for mildew to grow. But if conditions are humid enough, mildew can appear. If it does, it can be easily removed with water and/or a mild bleach solution. Can I paint it?Our products are designed to look like they're always freshly painted, so the only reason to paint them would be to change color. Epoxy-based paint is the only paint that will adhere properly to a vinyl surface, but it also damages the surface and therefore voids our lifetime warranty, so we don't recommend it. How is your fence installed?Basically, our fences are installed just like wood fences. Most components, such as pickets and rails are precut and routed when you receive them. Under certain circumstances and upon special request, we can even pre-assemble some styles into 6-foot wide sections. First, posts are secured in the ground with concrete footings and dirt is tamped to the top of the hole. Then rails are inserted into the posts and finally pickets are placed into the rails. Our fence when properly installed is a strong, durable, lifetime fence. Does Outdoor Vinyl Products fence and railing come with a warranty?Yes. Outdoor Technologies, Inc., the manufacturer of out lineals offers a Lifetime Warranty like no other in the industry, because it's non-prorated and transferable. It even covers materials (repair or replacement), and freight and labor costs. Our warranty lasts the lifetime of the original purchaser or until the property is sold. It can then be transferred to the next owner for their lifetime or until the property is resold. Is your Vinyl more expensive than wood?Initially, our products cost more than wood (unless you're buying premium wood, then they're about on par). But you'll never need to invest any more time or money into them because they come with our lifetime warranty. Wood, on the other hand, will need to be maintained for the rest of its life span, whether painting, staining, repairing or replacing. And with wood's cost increasing while its quality decreases (most of it is young growth lumber), vinyl products have never been a more attractive purchase. What is Polyvinyl Chloride?Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is the main component in the manufacturing process of our products. There are many chemical forms of vinyl. Some formulations are flexible. Others are termed "rigid." Our vinyl is formulated out of this rigid dry-blend compound developed for high output extrusion. Our exclusive formula is blended for outdoor toughness and color hold. What is Titanium Dioxide?Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a chemical additive that acts as a bleaching agent and sunscreen for our vinyl. Our vinyl products contain 10 parts per 100 of TiO2. Because our lineals are manufactured using co-extrusion, the majority of TiO2 is concentrated on the outer layer where it is exposed to the sun. This ingredient is critical to the long-term weather ability of our products. What are Impact modifiers?Impact modifiers are important ingredients for our vinyl fence and railing. We add just enough flexibility to our vinyl so that our fences will flex under impact but not sag over a period of time or during the heat of the day. We reinforce many fence styles with rust resistant metal inserts to assure strength and stability. Our fence and railing is designed to look like new, even after years of use. What is Co-extrusion?Co-extrusion is the manufacturing process that OTI uses to molecularly bond the ingredients into two layers. These layers are fused through extreme heat and pressure and cannot be physically separated. Co-extrusion allows OTI to have the ability to control the placement of the majority of the UV inhibitor TiO2 to the outside where it is exposed to the sun. The product quality and color are true throughout. As a coextruded manufacturer that uses only premium ingredients, OTI can assure you, you'll get the best quality possible and guarantee the vinyl won't decay, blister, rust or suffer insect damage. |