Wood vs Vinyl
Spector Lumber Wants You To Decide:
While vinyl fencing offers "maintainace free" advantages, its potential environmental impact in a fire cannot be ignored.
Potential Environmental Concerns:
- Melting and Deformation: Vinyl fencing can deform or melt when subjected to extreme heat or direct flame exposure. This could lead to molten plastic runoff which can contaminate soil and water sources.
- Release of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl): While vinyl fencing is designed to self-extinguish and char rather than fully combust, burning PVC (the primary component of vinyl fencing) releases hydrogen chloride gas (HCl). HCl is a hazardous gas that can be irritating to skin and respiratory systems. In large amounts, it can contribute to acid rain when it combines with atmospheric water vapor.
- Charring and Potential Emission of Other Substances: When vinyl burns, it may form a protective charcoal layer. While this charring can help slow fire spread, the process may also release other substances into the environment.
