FAQ & Why Us
What is the difference between mono-extrusion and co-extrusion?
What is Mono-Extrusion?
Mono-Extrusion is the original form of extruding vinyl. It uses a one-step process taking all the “ingredients” and mixing them together then extruding it to form. What this means to you is that if they use 10% UV inhibitor in the product it is spread from the inside to the outside of the product. There are fence companies that still use mono-extruded material although it is proven outdated & inferior to new co-extruded methods. Dig It Fencing does not.
What is Co-Extrusion?
Co-Extrusion is a two step process that uses an inner core of virgin vinyl and an outer core that has the most important materials. These materials like the UV inhibitor are moved to the outer core layer so they aren’t spread where the sun doesn’t affect the product.
In Co-Extrusion the UV inhibitor(Tio2), is all in the outside layer. (See What does the warranty cover paragraph below.)
Also on the outer core are impact modifiers that are essential in making a fence that will not chip, flake, crack, peel, split or chalk for the lifetime of the fence.
What is the difference?
After a period of time Mono-Extruded vinyl had issues with break down, chalking, and fade in the product. Thus Co-Extrusion was developed by Vinyl fencing Manufacturers to correct these imperfections, offering more color options, longer life expectancy and better strength. As this process has developed in the fence industry it has also allowed Vinyl Fence Manufacturers to add better impact modifiers and ultra-violet blockers (Tio2)’s.
Presently 95% of the vinyl fence manufacturers know the value of co-extrusion and make their products this way. Don’t be fooled by companies that tell you this is a cheaper way to make vinyl products. It is actually more expensive to manufacture co-extruded products due to its two-step process. Westech is one of the leaders in co-extruded material manufacturing.
Why are some companies more or less expensive than others?
At Dig It Fencing no job is too big or too small. We are competitively priced to earn your business. There is however a few companies out there that will be priced lower than us. Why? Plain and simple - they use shortcuts. For example, Privacy fence the competition advertises at 6’ tall is actually misleading. If you measure from the bottom of the bottom rail to the top of the top rail it will be 68″ or 70” tall. They will tell you it is 72” to the top of the post. We will install a true 72” tall fence.
U-Channel: This is a big one. In order to cut costs, some fence companies do not install this necessary component to a true Privacy fence. U-channel are the pieces of matching vinyl that are securely fastened to the sides of our vinyl posts that hide any cuts that might have to be made or gaps that occur. This is something you would normally have to pay extra for, but with Dig It Fencing, its a standard.
Steel Bottom Rail Insert: A steel bottom insert is sleeved into the bottom rail of all our vinyl fence systems to prevent the sagging of said section. This is another way companies cut costs by leaving this vital part out. This is something you would normally have to pay extra for, but with Dig It Fencing, its a standard.
Other shortcuts used will be putting post only two feet in the ground and using 30-40lbs of concrete. Dig It Fencing will install the post 2 1/2’-3’ in the ground and use a minimum of 90lbs of concrete per post.
Most importantly, we have found some fence companies have gone as far as importing unregulated Vinyl Product’s. All fence products made in the USA have to meet a stringent code of guidelines. Unfortunately in some countries they do not have the same guidelines or warranty.
Never buy vinyl fencing made by other countries or come on a “container” - it is known that other countries extrude vinyl using lead - which is harmful to humans.
In countries outside the United States, it is not out of the ordinary for lead to be used as a stabilizer in Vinyl compounds because it is less expensive then the high-quality, safe alternatives.
Also - you do not want a warranty from a foreign country. Some companies are selling foreign products that are new and unproven, we only sell the highest quality American made vinyl fencing. Always ask where the materials are produced not where they are being shipped from.
How does the cost of vinyl fencing compare with traditional wood fences?
The initial cost of vinyl (PVC) when compared to wood is slightly higher for the material costs in most regions of the country. However with the ever-increasing cost of wood this difference is becoming very minor in some regions. When all the varied cost factors are taken into account over the life of your fence, vinyl (PVC) becomes the true money saver. Factors such as having to replace the wood fence in 5-15 years, yearly maintenance costs (labor, paint, replacement boards, etc), and the effects on the environment because of arsenic in treated wood or the toxic chemicals needed to maintain a wood fence show that wood truly isn’t as cost effective in the end. Some costs are hard to measure such as you having a fence that looks in need of maintenance. The cost difference quickly vanishes, and in fact vinyl becomes a sound and financially viable investment in the future of your home. Once your Westech vinyl (PVC) fence is installed you do not have to worry about painting, nails rusting, boards rotting, or splinters.
Will this fence hold up to wind storms?
In test wind conditions our manufacturer has tested the fence up to 80 mph. However, in a real storm with debris flying around no company will guarantee the fence not to fail. Remember the ground will be saturated and the post may pull up or lean. No company has a warranty that protects against “acts of god”. At Dig It Fencing we install your fence to manufacturers’ specifications. We bury the post 2 1/2′-3′ feet deep and use a minimum or 80lbs of concrete around each post. This is designed to minimize damage in a storm.
What does the warranty cover?
Our vinyl fence systems come with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. The vinyl fence is guaranteed not to chip, crack, flake, peel or chalk due to weathering. The co-extrusion method in Westech brand fencing is unmatched. Westech vinyl (PVC) is formulated using a superior durable grade of non-chalking TiO2 that protects the vinyl (PVC) from the harmful effects of the Sun’s UV rays. As long as your fence is kept clean, with a periodic wash from a garden hose, it will not turn yellow.
For more warranty information, visit link: Westech Fence Warranty
Why choose Dig It Fencing?
Our reputation is based on repeat business and customer satisfaction. We back up our products with the best installation to make sure that your new project goes as smooth as possible. You choose to have a company do the work for you, so why should you expect any less?