Fences & Railing FAQs

What is the Benefit of Custom Fence or Railing?

As the name implies, custom fence or rail is made specifically for your installation assuring you evenly spaced pickets, rails or other accents.  This eliminates any possibility of an annoying or unattractive randomly cut piece of fence or railing being wedged into your layout which is what results from using pre-made lengths.

Is Vinyl Strong?

Our vinyl has 5 times the tensile strength and 4 times the flexibility of wood. We improve that performance and make our systems even sturdier, where size and building codes dictate, by adding cross-braces in gates, reinforced ribs in rails, a sturdy self-notching rail system and maintenance-free metal inserts.  Flexibility is the norm and a benefit of vinyl fence, allowing the fence to retain its strength and shape. Although virtually maintenance-free, the product is not indestructible. When subjected to severe impact, vinyl may crack.

Is Vinyl More Expensive Than Wood?

Initially, our products may cost more than wood (unless you're buying premium wood, then they're about on par). But you'll never need to invest any more time or money into them because they come with our lifetime warranty. Wood, on the other hand, will need to be maintained for the rest of its life span, whether painting, staining, repairing or replacing.

Can I Paint Vinyl?

We do not recommend painting the vinyl as the paint will not adhere to the surface.  If you select a color vinyl fence, the color of the vinyl goes all the way through eliminating the need to be painted.

Will it Become Brittle Over Time?

As with most plastics, vinyl becomes less flexible in colder weather conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will not break. It is normal for materials to expand and contract during temperature changes. Our product has been engineered to accommodate normal temperature swings and changing climatic conditions.

Is It Safe and Durable For Everyday Use?

Our products are safe enough for even the youngest members of your family, because they have smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp edges or splinters. Not only do our fences hold up to regular property maintenance, but they're also made to bounce back on impact because they're reinforced with steel inserts. It is wise, however, to be careful when using mowers, weeders or clippers along your fence line.

Can I Install It Myself?

Mercury Excelum products are only available through licensed installers or building professionals.

Should I Be Concerned About Fire?

PVC has a high flash point of 900 degrees F and does not readily ignite; it is therefore categorized as being “self-extinguishing”.

Does It Chalk?

Light chalking is a normal occurrence of all vinyl products. Washed away by rainfall and normal changes in weather, this process helps to keep your fence looking like new. In effect, it could be described as virtually maintenance-free.

How Do I Clean It?

Most dirt washes off with rain or plain water.  Use of a non-abrasive liquid cleaning agent is normally sufficient for more stubborn stains.

Will It Fade or Discolor?

Unlike the mass-produced plastic products you may be familiar with our products have a UV inhibitor called titanium dioxide which creates a “sunscreen” to prevent the sun from breaking down the vinyl.  The color in our vinyl goes all the way through so it will not scratch or chip, thereby maintaining its true color for a lifetime.

Are Your Fence and Railing Products Warranted?

Yes, our warranty lasts the lifetime of the original purchaser.