How long does composite fence last

Wooden fence panels often need to be treated with wood cleaner, preservative and a fresh lick of paint. However, this is not the case for Hyperion® composite fencing which has been engineered to resist rot and mould.

Yet, as it is still exposed to the everchanging weather, we often get asked if composite fencing has the same fading issues as timber fencing.

Tannins & Fading

Most composite fencing boards on the market will fade in the first 6 months of being exposed to the elements. This is a natural process and is largely due to the way composite materials are engineered.

Hyperion Pioneer fencing is no exception. When the fence panels are manufactured, the 60% FSC certified recycled wood and 30% recycled plastic are combined with natural wood oils called tannins. These are dark brown coloured (they contribute to tea’s colour) and ensure the panels are the same colour throughout. When the fencing is exposed to the elements, particularly rain and wet weather, these tannins will start to leach out of the boards in a process sometimes called ‘extractive bleeding’. As a result, your fencing will look slightly lighter than it did when it was originally installed.

As fencing is perpendicular to the ground, unlike decking, not as much water will sit on the panels meaning that it may take 8 to 16 weeks for the natural wood oils to wash out, slightly longer than it does for Hyperion decking. In some situations, especially if the fencing has been installed in a dry summer, the extractive bleeding process may take as long as 6 months. The colour change is greatest in the lighter colours where the tannins contribute a higher percentage of the original colouration.

To help you make an informed purchase, the below timelines show what your fencing may look like after the tannins have leached out:

What are the watermarks on my fencing?

When the tannins start to leach out of the fence panels, marks may appear on your fencing like in the pictures below. You may first notice these tannin marks after a period of rain, especially if the materials have been installed over a dry period. This is nothing to be worried about and should disappear after the boards have been wet and dried several times, for example, after the fence panels have been rained on a few times. Please note that the picture below is what tannin marks look like on Hyperion cladding. A similar mark may appear on fencing.

We understand that you want your outdoor space to look as good as possible, so if you’d like to get rid of the marks quicker, you can wash your fencing with water and let it dry several times. Alternatively, the marks should disappear after 6 months.

UV Protection

After the natural process of extractive bleeding, the fence panels are subject to standard weathering, primarily from the UV rays of the sun. All Pioneer fencing panels contain a UV stabiliser, but will undergo some minor further fading over time.

If you are unsure about which colour to choose, feel free to contact our team on +44 (0) 208 088 4888 or [email protected] for expert advice.

Miura Board is one of many composite wood solutions on the market. Like other composite fencing materials, Miura Board allows users to create strong and reliable fences that stand the test of time. However, Miura Board is a superior alternative to both wood and wood composites for a variety of reasons.

This blog post will compare Miura Board to competitive solutions to help you determine if our proprietary product is right for your wood fencing project.

Composite vs. Wood Fence

Wood composite fencing and wood fencing differ from one another in several ways. Wood fencing had few market competitors until fairly recently, but wood composites have offered an appealing alternative. Composite fences are made of a mixture of plastic and real wood to create an eco-friendly alternative to standard fencing.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding between wood and wood composites.

Installation Costs

One of the most notable differences between wood and wood composites is their upfront cost. Cost plays a central role in most projects and standard wood fences are cheaper to purchase than their composite counterparts. Wood fences tend to cost around $15 per foot, while composite wood fences may run $25 per foot or more.

While increased upfront costs may be a deterrent, it’s important to consider the overall lifespan of the product. The significantly longer service life of wood composites makes them much more affordable over time by delivering a lower cost of ownership. With a minimum service lifespan of 15–20 years, composite wood is ultimately much more cost-effective.

Maintaining Composite

When comparing maintenance requirements, wood and wood composite fences vary considerably. While wood fences require frequent repainting and/or repair, composite wood fencing simply requires occasional wash downs with water. Composite holds up better than wood when exposed to weather, UV rays, and other environmental factors such as insects and mold.

The natural decomposing process of wood can only be delayed through frequent treatments and coatings. Wood must frequently be repainted, repaired, or replaced. In climates with significant moisture, inclement weather, or insect problems, a wood fence may only last a few years.

Miura Board: The Ideal Composite Fencing Solution

Fiber-reinforced composites present several advantages over their wood counterparts. They last longer, require much less maintenance and tend to be cheaper in the long-term. Miura Board fiber-reinforced composites contain zero wood and are used in a variety of private and municipal projects for:

• Boardwalks
• Stadiums
• Parks
• Ramps
• Bleachers
• Fences

Miura Board is the highest-quality fiber-reinforced, wood-free composite solution on the market. Compared to wood-plastic composites, Miura Board offers comparable or superior performance while remaining a sustainable solution. We use only recycled materials to help divert plastic waste and carpet from landfills.

The below photo illustrates how regular wood fences require regular maintenance and repair, and when a new wood board is added, it creates this “eye-sore” contrast between the new and old pieces. Miura Board’s product doesn’t have this “weathered” look and can seamlessly be replaced for a more consistently cohesive look.

             Common contrast seen between the new and old wood boards

Advantages of Miura Board Composite Fencing

Compared to common conventional wood and wood-plastic composite fencing, Miura Board offers a broad range of benefits, including:

• Longer service life
• Low maintenance requirements
• Better weather resistance
• Pest-resistance
• Higher strength and durability
• Easy installation

If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of Miura Board composite fencing, contact our team today.

4 Comments

1. Brenda Carter, CMCA

   May 12, 2021 at 10:59 pm

   I manage a 35 acre property that has a termite problem and is in a high moisture environment. The Board is looking for a fencing alternative to its current wood split rail fencing. I considered composite but there is little appetite for the cost. Please reach out to me and let me know if Miura has an options for the Board to consider.

   Looking forward to hearing from someone.

2. Marg Blaszczyk

   May 31, 2021 at 12:07 am

   Hey looking for pricing for a townhouse complex. 37 total units.
   3 blocks of buildings – 3 blocks
   -. 10 units backyard 20x20x20 with 8’ fence
   – 20 units 20x20x20 with 8’ fence and
   – 17 units. Same dims.
   Real wood isn’t the way any more.
   Looking for mod info also.

3. Susan Rice

   May 21, 2022 at 4:31 pm

   Where is there a show room where I can find your product? I lived near Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. I’m willing to drive 50 miles if needed

   Is composite fencing any good?

   Longer lasting - Synthetic wood panels with reinforced plastic materials will last significantly longer than standard wooden fence panels. Being weather-resistant too, composite fencing are extremely long lasting and won't let you down.

   Does composite fencing fade?

   Most composite fencing boards on the market will fade in the first 6 months of being exposed to the elements. This is a natural process and is largely due to the way composite materials are engineered.

   What is the longest lasting type of fence?

   Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance required. Unlike wood that can warp, rot, or shrink over time, vinyl is rigid and resilient. It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.

   Which fencing material lasts longest?

   It's Vinyl. Long story short: Vinyl is hands down the material that is going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. Vinyl fences can last over 30 years if they are properly maintained. And that maintenance doesn't actually require that much.