Vinyl Fences Beat Wood in Many Ways
Question: I like the look of a decorative, white wood fence, and I hear one can be an energy-saving windbreak, but I do not want to paint fences. Are vinyl fences a good alternative? Are there gate openers available?
Answer: Decorative vinyl fences are an excellent alternative to wood, especially for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. The materials to erect a vinyl fence are more costly initially than wood, but if you consider the long-term overall costs, a maintenance-free vinyl fence is your best buy.
Vinyl fencing looks identical to freshly painted wood fencing and much better than wood fencing that needs to be painted. The only maintenance for vinyl is to occasionally spray it off with a hose. Often a heavy rain every month or two is enough to keep it clean and looking new.
Vinyl fencing is made with PVC, in a somewhat similar process to making plastic drain pipe. Most manufacturers offer several colors in addition to white. The color goes completely through the material so scratches are not apparent.
A fence need not be extremely tall nor totally closed (privacy fence) to be an efficient windbreak for your house. A typical 4- or 5-foot-high picket or rail fence will disrupt the direct force of strong, cold winter winds. In the summer, the gentle breezes tend to pass through.
Another advantage of any type of fence is security. Even if a fence is easy to climb over, thieves tend to avoid houses with fences. It is difficult to carry heavy items over a bright white fence without being seen by neighbors.
The best vinyl fencing material uses a co-extrusion process. A very thin layer of vinyl with a high concentration of titanium dioxide is formed on the surface. This layer blocks the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and allows for a very durable vinyl compound to be used underneath.
Vinyl fencing is simple to install yourself. Some companies, like Genova, have do-it-yourself kits. You do not even have to dig a post hole. Drive standard metal T- or U-posts into the ground (usually spaced at 8 feet). Snap on special spacers and slip the vinyl fence post over the top.
You can design your own fence and make it very ornate. All of the individual parts (rails, posts, pickets, lattice, decorative caps, etc.) are ordered separately. You may want to have more privacy or a tighter windbreak in one area and an open high-low picket fence in another.
Remote control (like a garage door opener) swing-type gate openers are available. GTO makes one that operates by battery with a tiny solar panel to keep it charged. It works even during power outages. All the gate openers have stops and sensors so they are safe to use around children.
Write for (or instantly download https://www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 708, a list of 12 vinyl fence and gate-opener manufacturers, styles, colors, warranties and features. Please include $3 and a business-sized, self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
Testing Temperature of Refrigerator, Freezer
Q: I am trying to operate my home as efficiently as possible and I am ready to tackle my kitchen. I have heard that there is a proper method for checking the refrigerator-freezer temperatures. What is it?
A: It is important to maintain a 37-degree to 40-degree refrigerator and 0-degree freezer temperature for efficiency and food preservation.
To check the refrigerator temperature, place a thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator. Check it after 24 hours. To check the freezer temperature, place the thermometer between two frozen food packages. Check the temperature after 24 hours.
James Dulley has written a new 208-page book, “Earth Friendly Home.” You can order this book directly from James Dulley for $13.95 (includes delivery) with check payable to James Dulley. Mail to James Dulley, Earth Books, P.O. Box 54987, Cincinnati, OH 45254 or visit https://www.dulley.com/earth.htm.
