Plastic Fence Panels.

[bookbinder]

Have any ABers had any experience of installing and using PVC fence panels? (See link below.) By this I mean fence panels that measure approx.
one foot high by six feet long, and which slot into existing concrete slotted posts, above a concrete gravel board of one foot high by
six feet long. My existing fence is made of concrete slotted posts, with wooden panels that are slid into the slots in the posts. Recent
strong winds have damaged 5 of my existing 10 panels, necessitating replacement. My fence contractor has suggested fitting plastic
panels, which can be used in the existing concrete posts. I can see the advantages, but are there likely to be any disadvantages to installing these
plastic fence panels?
http://www.ecofencing.net/benefits-with-concrete/

[B00]

Giz asked about 'em way back in May, here's his replies, see if they are any use to you.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/Question1240515.html

[bookbinder]

Thanks for the link, BOO. If I could get at the back of the fence to put preservative on, I might go for wooden panels again, but I have no access to the other side. In any case, I think that putting preservative on ten large wooden panels is a deeply unattractive prospect. The discolouration of plastic doesn't bother me, but I was wondering if the plastic panels would stand up to the kind of very strong winds that we had the other week.

[kjn2]

They use them a fair bit in the USA , and they have some strong winds out there, I personally would go with it, cant see any negatives, just think no more staining etc.

[bookbinder]

Thank you, kjn2, for that. It looks as if I shall go for the plastic, despite the higher cost as compared to wooden panels. And ... the prospect of no more staining, etc. is quite attractive!

[kjn2]

Good choice. I have been changing all the wood on and outside the house over the past three years so that in the future it will be all plastic and maintenance free, just have to pay somebody to come and wash it all down twice a year. Nice and easy.

[Old_Geezer]

Find it difficult to believe they would look as good. Plastic window frames/facias/etc were sold as maintenance free, but they stain and warp.

[bookbinder]

Thanks, Old_Geezer. I reckon that I could get used to the appearance, and, as far as warping, etc. is concerned, well, I am 74, so I might not be around long enough to worry about that. I do appreciate all the useful answers that my post has received.

[Gizmonster]

This rings a bell - I thought I'd come back and reposted this lol ....
On a serious note, I'm still contemplating replacing mine .........

[mazie]

My husband's a retired carpenter bookbinder and even he was impressed with how good they look. The price is a bit of an Ouch though.

[Gizmonster]

I've just looked at the prices on Bookbinder's link ........... all I can say is ........... fekin' 'ell ....... I hope I can find some cheaper ones, somewhere else .......

[jomifl]

Wood over 6" above the ground will last for decades without treatment. It will just go a grey colour. If you are 75 years old I would go for wood and spend the money you save on a bit of self indugence. I just like wood.

[bookbinder]

Cost is certainly an item here, but my main consideration is 'get it and forget it.' My present wooden panels have lasted almost 9 years with no treatment at all, but they have partly rotted and I do not want the hassle of having to replace them again. Maybe it's something that comes with getting old, I don't really know. Plastic is still top of my list, anyway. So far, the replies that I have had have not pointed up any significant, material disadvantages, just æsthetic, really. I was concerned that plastic might deteriorate too quickly, but that does not seem to be the case. Anyway, once again, folks, many thanks for the interesting and informative information.