We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate disclaimer here.
A vinyl fence can withstand about 65-90 mph winds before it is damaged. If you live in a high wind area, this may not be the best choice for your fence.
Generally speaking, a vinyl fence will withstand the wind much better than any other type of fence mainly because it’s flexible. A vinyl fence can bend in high winds without sustaining damage. This flexibility also works well in protecting the fence against the elements. A vinyl fence does not expand or contract with extreme changes in temperature so it won’t crack, split or warp over time.
A vinyl fence is a good choice when it comes to security in your yard. It’s tough and durable, yet flexible enough to not be easily damaged by wind or weather elements. Since they’re made of plastic, they will never rot or rust.
Our Pick
Black Fence Privacy Screen Windscreen
It is made of a high-quality knitted HDPE material that provides 90% blockage for privacy while still allowing water and air to pass through. The screen comes with heavy-duty black bindings and stainless copper grommets along the edges and is easy to install with the included cable zip ties.
How to protect the vinyl fence from wind?
The vinyl fence is a strong and versatile material, but the sheer power of a windstorm can cause damage. To protect your vinyl fence against the wind, you must take into consideration the following:
1. Consider a windscreen: Adding a windscreen or privacy screen to the fence can help to reduce wind exposure and protect the fence from damage.
2. Install windbreakers: Consider installing solid panels or windbreakers to the windward side of your fence to help break the wind and reduce its impact.
3. Add reinforcement: Reinforcing the fence posts with additional supports, such as concrete footings, can help to increase the stability of the fence and prevent it from being damaged by wind.
4. Height of the vinyl fence: The higher your vinyl fence, the more wind it can withstand. However, the taller the fence, the costlier it is to build and maintain.
5. Use fasteners: Make sure that all fasteners used to install the fence are sturdy and secure, such as stainless steel or galvanized screws. The material of the fasteners used in creating your vinyl fence must be strong enough to resist high winds.
6. Secure loose components: Check for loose components, such as fence pickets or rails, and secure them in place to prevent them from becoming dislodged during windy conditions.
7. Use anchor systems: Consider using an anchor system, such as ground sleeves or surface mounts, to secure the fence posts and prevent them from tipping over during strong winds.
8. Location– Your location plays a big part in deciding whether or not you need any additional protection against high winds. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, fasten-down devices should be provided by your fencing company before installing your fence.
Some experts even recommend digging deep holes in each panel’s bottom rail and inserting 1/2-inch anchor bolts to provide an additional measure of security against the wind.
9. Fencing Company– The fencing company you hire for installing your fence should also provide adequate fasteners and anchors, such as turnbuckles and T-stakes, to help secure your vinyl fence in case of high winds.
The bottom line: For maximum wind protection, it is recommended that you set up a maintenance schedule with your fencing company every six months or so to conduct inspections and tighten any loose screws or brackets that may have become loose over time due to wear and tear caused by the weather ingress.
Get Matched with Local Fence Professionals
Answer a few questions and we’ll put you in touch with pros near you.
Do vinyl fences break easily?
No, it doesn’t. Vinyl fences are known for their durability and resistance against the elements. They are commonly used to fence in various areas, such as backyards and pools. However, like any other strong material, they need to be treated with care.
Vinyl fencing is available in many colors, shapes, and styles; vinyl is also sold in different weights per square foot. Generally speaking, the heavier the weight of vinyl used in a fence, the stronger it becomes.
Vinyl fencing has a high resistance to wind and holds up well under harsh weather conditions: high heat and direct sunlight fade and crack vinyl over time.
Vinyl fences are nearly unbreakable by any normal means and cannot be busted through. The material is strong and has a high body: it can support itself and won’t budge when leaned upon or when weight is put upon it.
fence advise editor’s choice
Black Fence Privacy Screen Windscreen
How strong are vinyl picket fences?
Vinyl picket fences add a classic look to any home and are popular for this reason. Vinyl picket fences can resist strong winds because they’re built with many pickets that hold the fence together tightly. Vinyl picket fences are only as strong as the pales that they are made of.
Should a vinyl fence move in the wind?
In areas that are prone to high wind, strong considerations should be made in choosing your vinyl fence type and color strength. While the vinyl is great for resisting corrosion from moisture and rot, it will not hold up in high winds when pressure is applied to it.
Not all vinyl fences are designed to stand against the wind which could lead to serious damage.
The safest way of choosing a proper fence for windy conditions is to choose one that will hold up in the face of high winds without much extra installation work required.
For example, if you plan on installing a white vinyl picket fence you will want to make sure that the individual pickets themselves are sturdy enough not to bend in the wind when added pressure is applied.
If you add a metal support bar in the center of each picket it will add extra support and ensure that your fence will be able to stand up against even the strongest of winds.
Find the right fence contractor for your project
Avoid installing fences that are thinner than 1 ½ inches which can result in bending or damage due to high wind. Vinyl is a very strong and durable material, but it will not hold up against high-speed winds without extra support.
Movable vinyl fence posts should be anchored with a larger post to keep them from moving and breaking the vinyl material. Cheap, small anchors will not hold up to high winds.
Depending on the location of your fence, it may be a good idea to place a permanent post inside the vinyl post and screw them together for stability.
Even though a vinyl fence is not designed to move in windy conditions, there are some situations where movement can be beneficial, such as:
– Overhangs that are large enough to keep the fence from blowing in, allowing it to move freely. – A vinyl privacy fence is installed on a deck or porch where the movement of the fence helps shade occupants.
– A vinyl privacy fence is installed on an exterior wall of your home where wind blocks out light and noise (such as near air conditioning units and appliances). This type of fence should not be located near a door or window.
– Locations where high winds are expected and movement is beneficial to the plants along the fence line such as on hilltop areas, windy balconies or other areas that need the fencing to move freely. Because the vinyl fence isn’t meant for this kind of movement, it will likely require replacement sooner than you might expect.
– Fences that are installed in the open yard where the excessive movement of fence posts is allowed.
– Fences installed on a concrete or stone foundation where movement is needed to allow for ground settlement.
fence advise editor’s choice
Black Fence Privacy Screen Windscreen
What are some signs that my vinyl fence may have moved in the wind?
If your vinyl fencing material has moved due to high winds, you will likely see these signs of damage:
– Post pressure against corner posts or other posts.
Talk to a Fence Contractor Near You
Hurricane strength fence
The concrete fence post is a good idea for this type of fence because the concrete will not bend or move in high winds. It can ensure your safety and improve the strength of your home.
The fence is made of high-quality materials and has a strong and durable structure.
Installing a concrete fence post is a reliable idea for protecting large fences from damage due to high wind. The concrete fence post will not bend or move which is one of the essential advantages.
It has a high performance and can reinforce your fence to ensure its safety.
In addition, it ensures that the fencing will not buckle, bow or warp as a result of wind pressure.
Read More
How do you windproof a double gate vinyl?
To windproof a double gate vinyl fence, you must make sure that the hinge points on both sides of the gates are secure enough to hold up under high wind conditions. The hinges should be marked “Heavy Duty.”
It is also possible to windproof a double gate vinyl fence by using weather stripping around the bottom of each panel. To do this, place two strips on the inside of the fence, one on either side of the gate.
If the vinyl is not already marked with a groove for weather stripping, you can add your own by using a utility knife to cut it into place.
Peel back the adhesive and stick each strip over and under the lip at the bottom of each panel. If there is a gap, use small strips of weather stripping to fill the space until the bottom is completely sealed.
When the wind blows through a vinyl fence, it can create a whistle or howling sound which will detract from the beauty of the fence and make you wish you had taken steps to prevent it long before now.
What is the best vinyl fence brand?
In my opinion, the best vinyl fence brand is Ply Gem. Here is why:
- Ply Gem’s Vinyl fencing is a solution for a high-quality product that won’t break the bank.
- They use premium resins and solar stabilizers to prevent fading and UV degradation so your fence will look new for years to come.
- Guaranteed using the latest technology by Large Manufacturer
- Made in the USA with a Lifetime warranty, Ply Gem is ICC-ES AC174 certified for safety railing, versatile & low maintenance for wherever your imagination takes you.
Conclusion
Vinyl fences are a great way to add beauty and security to your home, but they can be susceptible to damage from high winds. If you see signs of movement in the vinyl fence after an intense storm or hurricane has passed through, it’s time for some repairs. Take steps now before another disaster strikes!
At FenceAdvise, we pride ourselves on being the most reliable and trustworthy source of fencing information. Our articles are based on only the highest quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to ensure that our readers always have access to accurate information. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines.
