We're looking into the SimTex vinyl privacy fence that is sold at Home Depot. Anyone know anything about SimTex? Thanks!

Question

Vinyl fences

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I have not...I'm a big fan of wood decks and fences...but these will require periodic maintenance.

the products in my local Home depot are mostly from Veranda...the same company that makes the plastic decking

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

I have yet to see any of the manmade materials that do not look quite so artificial. Maybe it is because I really like the look of all the different natural materials, but that is my thought. I also remember working with a client a few years ago that was also the HOA president. He mentioned that they were setting money aside to replace the vinyl fence that surrounded part of the neighborhood as it just did not look good after a few years of being installed. I believe the fence had turned into a maintenance nightmare to keep it looking good as a white fence. I think they were going to tear down the vinyl fence and put back in a wood fence. I googled the issue and found this discussion http://www.lawrencevillefence.com/what-about-vinyl-fence

HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC · Answer

Nope - wouldn't buy it.  Vinyl will look good for bit...but it will fade, crack, split, warm and discolor.  UV rays will also gradually break down the finish..making it chaulky looking over time.  For my money, nothing beats pressure treated.  Stick build the fence with galvanized screws, let it sit up for 6 months, clean it down and stain it whatever color you like.

Becky · Answer

Thank you all for your input. SimTex claims 'it's fade resistant with UV-12 inhibitors for a lifetime of vibrant color & will not wrap, fade, crack or bow & carries a 25 yr warranty '.  It looks like stacked stone (we would use the beige color) so it's not at all like the white vinvy privacy panels you usually see ( l personally would never have that type of fence ). At $50. a foot installed it's not something we'll do without serious consideration. We're on a corner lot and will need 327' plus gates so replacing our wooden white picket fence will be quite an investment and we want to make sure it's something that will last. Maintaining a stained cedar fence is out of the question as I have too many plants to make that feasible (same problem with painting the fence we have now). Thanks again for any advice as I really appropriate everyones input.

Becky · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Cheryl F · Answer

We have several homes in our neighborhood that have used this product or similar ones - all high-end products that tout their ability to maintain their look year after year.  From my observations, there has been some disappointment on that score.  Also, after this season of recent high winds and storms in our area, many of the vinyl product fences sustained a great deal of damage.  If you go with a vinyl fence, maybe use one with spaces between the 'boards' to allow plenty of wind flow.  Have you looked at the product that they're using now to do decking?  I know it's expensive, but maybe that could be used for fencing that would last longer with minimal maintenance?  One of the pros could weigh in here...

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

One thing to always consider when a company presents a very long lasting warranty is just how long will the company be in business?  If the business is only a few years old, will they be around in 40 years, even 10 years, if you have a problem?  The guarantee won't be worth anything if the company no longer exists.

Becky · Answer

Thanks Cherry & Southern Trillium,  you both raised some good points. EcoStone is the fence company name so I'll check them out. We were thinking if we let Home Depot install it that they would back the warranty.  Again for,I need to look into it. Cheryl could you tell me if the vinyl fences that received the damage were the ones that look like stacked stone? This vinyl fence has steel reinforced post & panels & is suppose to withstand hurricane winds of 110 mph.  Also I have looked at the boards made by Trex ( or something like it) & that is an alternative,  however, I just wanted something unique.

Becky · Answer

Thanks Cherry & Southern Trillium,  you both raised some good points. EcoStone is the fence company name so I'll check them out. We were thinking if we let Home Depot install it that they would back the warranty.  Again for,I need to look into it. Cheryl could you tell me if the vinyl fences that received the damage were the ones that look like stacked stone? This vinyl fence has steel reinforced post & panels & is suppose to withstand hurricane winds of 110 mph.  Also I have looked at the boards made by Trex ( or something like it) & that is an alternative,  however, I just wanted something unique.

Cheryl F · Answer

Becky, the ones I was talking about are the vinyl fencing (upright) that are made to look like wood fencing.  I've not seen the stacked stone vinyl fences used much here.  Having said that, and being a lover of stacked stone - I'd much rather have one made of real material than vinyl.  When properly installed and tended, those will last a lifetime - and longer!

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

Briefly looking at the Home Depot website, this is what I found. http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=SV_HS_Fencing_Installation This sounds like many of their other installation services. Home Depot creates a list of contractors that they sub-contract the actual installation work. You do not exactly know who will be doing the installation work. Based on the Home Depot website, it appears that they provide a 1 year labor warranty on the installation. This means that it is the manufacturer's warranty that carries the long-term warranty. Some of the other problems that you could possibly run in to is that the product material is covered, but the labor is not. Then you will be forced to spend the money to take down the damaged fence, and spend the money to have the replacement fence materials installed. And as is the case normally, labor is not cheap.

Becky · Answer

Southern Trillium you beat me to it. Was going to check out Home Depots warranty policy today. Thank you so much for the information!   I really wanted something different then the traditional 6' wood fence however it's not looking like the vinyl stacked stone is a smart choice.  Back to square one. Thanks again for your input ---Hometalk has got to be the best available information site there is especially because of people like all of you who responded. Sincerely appreciate all of your help.

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

Glad to help Becky.  I enjoy being able to help others with their landscape problems.  I am lucky enough to be able to do what I love day in and day out with our clients in transforming their yards. And since there far more people that have questions and are looking for help, I enjoy being able to answer some questions and share knowledge from our past experiences.  Hope it all works out for you.

Becky · Answer

I know this maybe too much to ask but do you have photos of wooden fences you have built that you could post? We're restricted to wooden or  vinyl fences in our subdivision (no stone, brick or stucco). We have an inground pool and are on a corner lot so two thirds of the backside of the fence is exposed. Thank you again for all of your help. Becky

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

Becky, we typically only build very custom fences that serve as garden focal points. For a normal boundary fence, we have referred and sometimes subcontracted a local fence company to handle the installation. Their website shows a nice selection of different fence styles you could consider. http://www.fenceworksofga.com/fence-types-photo-gallery.php

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

This is one of the fences we designed and installed a few years ago. You can always try and come up with something unique if you are not wanting a standard 6' wooden privacy fence.

Becky · Answer

The picture of the fence you built is absolutely beautiful.  I looked at the fences on the web site you sent and am sure we'll be able to come up with something a little better then the standard 6' fence based on the photos. Thanks again for all of your help.You make the world a better place by so graciously sharing your knowledge.  Sincerely,  Becky

Sherrie S · Answer

Becky, I, too. like the wood; however we installed the PVC/vinyl  Picket fence for my dog run.  It has been installed since 2004 and I use a pressure washer to clean it when it get algae or other dirt on it.  It gets no other maintenance and is in perfect condition.   By the way Southern Trillium, I love your fence designs.

Southern Trillium LLC · Answer

Thanks Sherrie for the compliments.

Becky · Answer

Thanks Cherries for your input.  I'm looking into Trex for a privacy fence and still not sure I want to give up the look of my white picket fence so I do appreciate your comment.

Gina · Answer

what Did you end up with?

We're looking into the SimTex vinyl privacy fence that is sold at Home Depot. Anyone know anything about SimTex? Thanks!

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We're looking into the SimTex vinyl privacy fence that is sold at Home Depot. Anyone know anything about SimTex? Thanks!

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