Vinyl fence installation
Vinyl is the default in many newer Twin Falls and Kimberly subdivisions. Here's what keeps it standing on open, windy lots.
Drive through the subdivisions that have filled in around Twin Falls and Kimberly and white or tan vinyl lines most backyards. Owners like that it never needs paint or stain and won't rot or splinter. The trade-off is that a solid vinyl panel acts like a sail. The City of Twin Falls designs homes for a 115 mph gust wind speed, and a new lot with no mature trees has nothing to slow the wind down.
What vinyl styles can you choose from?
| Style | Common use | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Solid privacy (5 to 6 ft) | Backyards and busy-street screening | Highest wind load; ask about post stiffeners |
| Semi-privacy or lattice top | Yards where some airflow is fine | Less load, softer look |
| Picket (3 to 4 ft) | Front yards and gardens | Stays under the 3-ft sight-triangle limit |
| Two- or three-rail | Acreage frontage and horse areas | Won't hold dogs without added mesh |
How should vinyl be built here?
- Posts below frost. Twin Falls uses a 24-inch frost depth for footings; plan post depth with that and the fence height in mind.
- Stiffened posts. Aluminum or steel inserts, or concrete-filled posts, at gates, ends, corners and long exposed runs.
- Room to expand. Vinyl grows in summer heat and shrinks in winter cold, so rails need a little play in the post so they don't pop or crack.
- Framed gates. A vinyl gate needs a metal frame or insert. Hollow gates sag quickly.
- Better material. Thicker, UV-stabilized profiles handle strong sun and cold better than thin, low-cost panels.
Is vinyl brittle in winter?
Vinyl stiffens as it gets cold, so a snowblower, a ball or a kick in January can crack a panel that would have flexed in July. Damaged panels, rails and caps can usually be replaced individually if the style is still made. Keep the manufacturer, style and color on file.
Check your HOA first
Many subdivisions set fence colors, heights and styles in their covenants, and some require written approval before you build. Get approval before signing a contract and give the contractor a copy of the rules.
What affects the price?
- Total length, height and style
- Number and width of gates
- Post reinforcement on exposed runs
- Removing and hauling away an old fence
- Rock in post holes, slope and yard access
A fence is priced after the contractor walks the line, checks the digging, counts gates, corners and grade changes, and hears what the fence has to do. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone before someone has seen the property is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Will a vinyl fence hold up to Twin Falls wind?
It can, if it's built for it: reinforced posts, solid footings and a metal-framed gate. Semi-privacy styles also reduce the load.
Can a single broken vinyl panel be replaced?
Usually, if the same style and color are still available. Keeping the manufacturer's name makes it easier.
Related services
More background: Twin Falls fence guide.
Fence flattened by a west wind, or a new backyard with nothing around it?
Call the number above and a Magic Valley fence contractor will set a time to see the job and quote it directly.