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New Generation of Fencing Part 2

Composite fencing as a next-generation product

Composite products have risen in recent years as a newer generation alternative to wood and fully-plastic materials. Composites combine natural and man-made elements for a stronger and aesthetically different product than traditional PVC-based materials. They have been substantially successful in decking, siding, and flooring applications gaining traction year-over-year.  Companies like Fiberon, Nature’s Composites, Timbertech, and Trex that have been successful previously with composite decking or other products began introducing composite fencing profiles in the mid-2000’s.

Until recently, adoption of composites in fencing has lagged. Key limiting factors were poor product design and quality, high production costs, and difficulties in using traditional distribution channels. Introducing new products also mean significant investment in marketing to build product and brand awareness. In principle, the key attributes of composites dictate that they are the most likely alternative to vinyl fencing. Composites are stronger and more durable than other synthetic products. They use a dense, thick-wall profile that makes them resistant to the types of breakage common in vinyl or other PVC products. For example, in tests where Trex Seculsions posts and pickets were subjected to strikes from objects such as gravel, golf balls, and baseballs, the material did not break. In a Miami-Dade County wind test, Trex also performed well sustaining 110 mph constant and 130 mph burst speeds with no failure.

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New Generation of Fencing Part One

Composite Fencing – the growth of a new generation fencing product

Each year, new products are introduced at FENCETECH. Timing, cost, demand, and practicality are some of the factors that impact the potential success of new offerings. Some will fail to take hold. However, some products establish a foothold because they are viable solutions that fulfill a market need. The best new products typically have some historical precedence or key attribute that fill the niche that they serve. PVC fencing, manufactured ornamental steel and aluminum systems, and simulated rock walls are all game-changing products that at some point were “new-to-market.” They addressed a growing demand for low-maintenance products. In privacy fencing, plastic-based products that simulated traditional wood designs have established themselves as the best alternatives overall given their anticipated longevity and low maintenance requirements. Vinyl fencing in particular has grown aggressively to claim significant market share for privacy fencing.

It’s natural that newer products build on the successes of their predecessors, and then add refinements to address previous limitations. In our industry, wood fencing traditionally addressed the needs for privacy, and containment or exclusion, but as consumers increasingly find their time consumed with priorities other than maintaining a fence, the demand has amplified a low-maintenance requirement. Synthetic products such as PVC were developed as the next generation of privacy fencing. Over the years, vinyl and similar fencing performed well as a solution for the market needs. However, many products have inherent limitations that do not make them a complete solution. This is true for vinyl fencing. Although vinyl offers low maintenance and expense, the product has challenges in terms of durability and aesthetics. As a relatively lightweight product, production and transportation costs are lower but less material also increases the risk of degradation or damage in comparison to other more durable products. There is also something to be said about the impact of subjectivity. Buyers don’t just purchase based on price or performance. Decisions are heavily affected by the consumer’s individual sensibilities. What appeals to some may not appeal to all.

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AFA FenceTech 2013

Join FDS Distributors and Trex Fencing at AFA’s FenceTech in Houston, TX February 25-March 1. We’ll be showcasing Trex Composite Fencing in booth #919. We’ll be there to answer all of your questions about the benefits of Trex Fencing and how you can obtain it in your area.

We hope to see you there.

Trex Fascia as Fencing: DIY Highlight

As wonderful as Trex composite fencing is, there are some design limitations. It is not a picket fence. You cannot make it a standard picket fence. There is just no way. The pickets interlock making it a full privacy fence all the time. It’s one of the beautiful things about it. What do you do, then, if you want a picket fence, but still want all of the great features of Trex composite materials?

Trex Fascia Boards as Fencing

These homeowners in California decided to use Trex Fascia boards as fencing. They secured the fascia boards with a Trex baluster and overlapped the posts. To save time on their part, they had all of the fascia boards cut by our shop and delivered the proper length to their house. To finish it off they ordered and installed a custom Trex Mission Gate. The colors match perfectly because Trex Fascia is available in all of the colors of Trex composite Fencing.

Trex Fencing Has a New Facebook Page

Trex Fencing just announced a new Facebook page. Visit them for all of the best information about how you can obtain Trex composite fencing.

Trex Fencing on Facebook.

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Spring Fortress Iron Promotion

 

Spring is here and with it means fence season is upon us. To celebrate CFC Distributors is offering a Fortress Iron V1 Residential Promotion for contractors.

Try it again for the first time. Our challenges in the past have only made us stronger! With all the issues resolved, we are so convinced you’ll like our product that we’ll give you $10.00 off per panel* on your first project of the season (up to 25 panels) just for trying fortress again.

New for 2011 Improved Performance

Nominal Size panels:

  • Allow for 2″ clearance under fence and gate
  • Longer Brackets with shorter length panels allow for more adjustability (posts 8′ on center)
  • More Durable coating with increased adhesion

Visit our new gallery to see what you can do with Fortress Iron.

*Offer good through May 1, 2012 or while supplies last. Applies only to V1 residential 6′ tall flat top iron. Fortress Iron instant rebate voucher is required at time of purchase for discount.