Tag Archive for: Trex Fencing

, , ,

Neighbor Friendly Fence Designs

As a homeowner and deciding the right fence style for your property lines shared with neighbors, I recommend choosing a neighbor friendly fence design. What is a neighbor friendly fence design? A neighbor friendly fence design provides the same look on both sides without adding additional materials to have the same look. For instance, a dog-eared wood fence usually has 2 or 3 2×4 rails on one side and the pickets (slats) are on the other side. On the property line with this fence style, one property owner is getting the good looking side of the fence which is the picket side and the other property owner is getting the ugly side of the fence with the 2×4 rails which is the rail side. Yes you can alternate the fence sections so each property owner will be getting a good side of the fence every 8’ on center but this does not keep a consistent uniformed neighbor friendly fence design along the property line. See the picture below to know what a typical dog-eared alternating section fence looks like.

Now selecting a neighbor friendly fence design can be sometimes difficult because these fence types typically cost more than a dog-eared wood fence but usually have virtues such as low-maintenance: no painting or staining, product warranty, resistant to insect damage and won’t warp, rot, or splinter. The following fences are known as neighbor friendly fence designs without modifying the original design: Trex fencing a wood composite (www.TrexFencing.com), SimTek Fence a simulated rock wall (www.SimTekFence.com), vinyl fence a poly vinyl chloride, Ornamental fence a manufactured galvanized powder coated product (www.FortressFence.com), or Jerith an aluminum alloy product. (www.Jerith.com), and depending on the style of wood fence there are options for a neighbor friendly fence design.

Not known as neighbor friendly fence designs without modifying the original design: Fiberon Fence, TimberTech Fence, Nature Composites, Moisture Shield, WoodShades, Veranda, cedar wood.

/by
, , ,

Trex Fencing Wind Load Testing

When Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing was first brought into production in 2005, Trex® wanted to make sure that they had a more superior product to the common dog-eared composite fences that were being manufactured. In March of 2009, the Trex Company sent their fence product to York, PA to have it tested for its Miami-Dade wind load capacity.

The setup included a steel fixture to simulate an embedded rigid post. The bottom rail was a standard 2” from the ground. The panels tested were 6’ high by 8’ wide and the posts are 5” x 5”. The fence was assembled by the testing company Architectural Testing at their York, PA campus.

In the test, wind speeds started out at 75mph for 50 seconds, then reduced to zero for one minutes to check for recovery. Recovery is the distance the panel, pickets, posts, and rails move from having the wind blowing against it, to when the wind ceases. Winds speeds were then increased to 110mph for 35 seconds, then reduced to zero for one minute to determine recovery.

In the observations, there was neither separation of fence components nor any visible damage. The Trex Seclusions® fence withstood a maximum sustained wind of 110mph, which is equivalent to a “three-second gust” wind speed of 126mph.

In a separate test, the posts were used to see what kind of support the post could withstand. One end of the post was securely anchored to a horizontal test frame. The load was set 38” from the end of the post frame. The post was then loaded with weights until the post failed. The final load the post could withstand was an astonishing 1737lbs.

Trex is a very rigid and durable fence; one that will outlast the tests of time… and wind. You can learn more at www.trexfencing.com or call Fence and Deck Supply at 1-877-700-8739.

/by
,

Trex Fencing Creep Testing

When Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing was first brought into production in 2005, Trex® wanted to make sure that they had a more superior product to the common dog-eared composite fences that were being manufactured. Between the months of March and June of 2006, the Trex Company sent their fence product to York, PA to have it tested for its “Creep Test”. In a creep test, a product is tested at a specific temperature for a specific length of time. There is also a specific amount of weight added to the product. With these three specifics in place, the product is viewed and any movement in the product, i.e. sag or warping, is recorded.

The two Trex® panels that were tested were both 6’ high by 8’wide Trex Seclusions wood composite fence panels. They were enclosed by an insulated box designed for high temperature conditions. The testing facility added windows to be able to view the dial indicators installed on both the top and bottom rails. The fence panels were then loaded with 100lbs attached to the middle of the rails. Any movements in the fence rails were then recorded.

Once the temperature reached its target of 125°F ± 5°F, the measurements were recorded. The testing lasted for a period of 90 days at the same temperature with the same amount of weight on it. The results were staggering. Most consumers in heat driven areas of the country (like Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and California) know that composite does not do well in high temperatures for long periods of time.

The final test specifics were: actual weight hung from panel – 103.54lbs and steady state temperature – 124.4°F. The top rail in this test only moved a minimal 0.0158 inches and the bottom rail moved a minimal 0.039 inches.

Other composite fences in this test would have sagged or warped in temperatures of 125° for 90 days. Also, with the added weight of 100lbs, one would assume that there would be more movement than what was witnessed. So, the next time you replace your fence and think that you have to settle for a cement, wood, or masonry fence, give CFC Distributors a call at 1-877-700-8739.

/by
, , ,

Trex Composite Fence Sound Test

When Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing was first brought into production in 2005, Trex® wanted to make sure that they had a more superior product to the common dog-eared composite fences that were being manufactured. In December 2006, the Trex Company sent their fence product to York, PA to have it tested for its sound barrier quality. In a sound barrier test, the product is placed inside well insulated walls using three layers of 5/8” gypsum board. The wall cavities are filled with R-13 fiberglass insulation. The perimeter and seams get sealed with acoustical sealant.

A total of five microphones are used and tested before placement behind the fence panel. After the fence panel is in place, the microphones are strategically placed behind the fence panel to catch sound from one end of the panel to the other. Because air temperature and relative humidity affect sound, those tests were also performed and monitored during sound testing.

The test company used a hertz range from 80 on the low end up to 5000 on the high end. By using a wide range of frequencies, this assists in the testing accuracy of its final score. Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing can block up to 95% of direct sound.

Knowing this, the state of Utah and the Department of Transportation installed over 17,000 linear feet of Trex Seclusions® along a light rail project. In most areas the fencing is 12’ tall. Try doing that with any other wood composite fence product on the market today. In Florida, they are in the works to get Trex Seclusions® approved for their light rail project. In Colorado, there is a 40 mile project going on to fence the perimeter of an HOA. No matter your application, keep the noise out and install Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing. Call Fence and Deck Supply s at 1-877-700-8739.

/by
, ,

Next Generation of Fencing Part 4

Market Adoption

Costs for composites are higher than wood or vinyl. The manufacturing process adds a labor and material acquisition element that does not exist with wood and, though pound-for-pound a composite product is more in line with the cost of vinyl, the significantly higher volume of material in a composite means higher cost. However, the cost benefit over time is clear once the lifetime of a fence is considered.

In a recent study by SBI Reports, forecasted demand for alternative fencing will continue to grow with composites growing the fastest. A case study for Highlands Ranch Metro District in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area was developed to evaluate various materials and design for appearance, life span, structural integrity, costs, and construction logistics. Several conclusions led to the selection of composite fencing as the best overall solution:

  • The posts are as durable as needed and more attractive than masonry.
  • The fence wall has a smaller footprint which was important to reduce utility conflicts.
  • Requirements for long-term maintenance – staining, post replacement, reduced impact from damage such as snow plowing and low-impact situations – are lower overall than other products compared.
  • The analysis indicates that while costs for installation of Trex (the selected brand of composite) are higher at the outset, virtually all of the costs are front-loaded. Comparatively, over the lifespan of fence, the outlay of a wood fence matches Trex at around 10 years and continues to rise while the costs of a Trex product remains constant over its 25-year warranted period. The overall longevity of the fence is anticipated to be 40+ years.

This type of analysis, although perhaps more thorough than an average consumer is likely to perform, creates a growing awareness of the benefits of composite fencing. Consumers expectations of better solutions for low-maintenance fencing will cause the market to continue growing.

The introduction of products creates challenges for fence contractors and their suppliers both in creating a successful sales strategy and becoming acclimated to building with the new product. The economic downturn over the last several years has been disruptive to the traditional business model of standing pat on a core competency. As their consumer base shrinks, the contractors that selectively expand their portfolio of products will have a competitive advantage over those that do not adapt. For the short term, the contractors that make an early entry into composite fencing will be able to differentiate themselves until composites become a more widely accepted commodity as vinyl fencing has become.

/by
, ,

Next Generation of Fencing Part 3

Design and Attributes

As mentioned, while a fence is primarily a functional element, aesthetics matter. In privacy fencing, this is particularly true because of the high visibility of the object. A consumer that is willing to invest in the landscaping of their property is likely to see a fence as an extension of their living space environment. Manufacturers of composites generally have taken one of two approaches with their products: 1) create a design that simulates a wood fence (examples are Timbertech FenceScapes and Fiberon Fencing), or 2) create a distinct design with a premium appearance. In the former, the advantage of a composite is that part of the material is composed of natural material, typically wood or another form of reclaimed organic waste. This gives the product a more wood-like appearance and texture, and is much less reflective than vinyl.  In the latter, a well-designed composite fence takes advantage of the natural attributes of its wood-based elements but because it is a manufactured product, the dimensions and aesthetics of the fence can carry a look of exceptional quality and greater value.

The benefit of a simulated look is that if a proximity to a wood appearance is preferred, composites are the best low-maintenance alternative. Composites tend to hold a richer color value than vinyl, have excellent durability, and perform better in the elements over time. However, cost becomes an issue with this design. The traditional stockade (dog-ear) style fence is more expensive than a similar wood fence, so the low-maintenance benefit may not be enough to overcome the price difference. Adding fascia rails or a top “cap” rail to create a more attractive design increases the cost, further challenging the justification for a higher-cost composite.

System-oriented fencing, on the other hand, can differ considerably in appearance but can keep the costs closer to a stockade style composite fence. Trex in particular has been successful with this design. The picture frame, shadow box (board-on-board) design creates an identical look for both sides of the fence. This is significant, particularly in residential installations where neighbors often share the cost of a fence. The fencing also centers within the post profile making it easy to center the fence on property lines. Despite its durability and strength, no composite is load bearing so the propensity for sagging is quite high. Rather than using treated wood support rails, however, the Trex fence design uses a metal (galvanized steel or aluminum) bottom rail which supports the entire fence. Because the fence is also constructed in components, the number of fasteners required is fewer than traditional wood or other composite fences.

Another unique element of a composite product is that they typically made from at least some recycled content. As sustainable building gains ground in public interest and in building requirements, composites are increasingly included in plan specifications. Timbertech, Fiberon, Terra Fence, and Trex use 51%, 84%, 94% and 95% recycled content respectively. All have green manufacturing processes as well and qualify for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification points. Partially due to”green” criteria, Trex was selected recently in a Utah for public transportation initiative to run approximately 17,000 along a light rail line. The U.S. Forestry service also selected the product for the Black Hills National Park in South Dakota for similar reasons.

/by
, ,

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.

/by