4.1 The purpose of this specification is to establish a recognized standard of quality for rigid poly vinyl chloride (PVC) exterior profiles for use in assembling agricultural, commercial, and residential fencing and railing. The term “PVC fence” refers to complete fencing and railings systems in which the primary structural members such as posts, rails, spindles, pickets, and gates are made from PVC exterior profiles. Accessory components (not included in this specification), including bolts, screws, hinges, latches, caps, and brackets, may be made from PVC or non-PVC materials, or both. The information contained in this specification is intended to be helpful to producers, distributors, and users and to promote understanding between purchasers and sellers.

This specification deals with rigid poly vinyl-chloride (PVC) exterior profiles used for agricultural, commercial, residential fencing and railing. The material used in these exterior profiles is limited to rigid poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds in a single homogeneous extrusion or in a coextrusion of two or more PVC compounds in distinct layers. Loadbearing characteristics for fence and railing assemblies are not addressed within this specification (for example, windload, horizontal or vertical guardrail loading). Materials shall be tested and shall conform to requirements for the material properties and physical properties, including dimensional tolerances, extrusion quality, and weatherability. Methods for testing and for identifying exterior profile extrusions, such as impact resistance, warp, dimensional stability, and impact test on weathered specimen that comply with this specification are also provided.

1.1 This specification establishes requirements for the material properties and physical properties, including dimensional tolerances, extrusion quality, and weatherability, of rigid poly vinyl-chloride (PVC) exterior profiles used for agricultural, commercial, residential fencing and railing. Methods for testing and for identifying exterior profile extrusions that comply with this specification are also provided.

Note 1: Information with regard to application, assembly, and installation should be obtained from the manufacturer or in accordance with Practice F1999, or both.

Note 2: Loadbearing characteristics for fence and railing assemblies are not addressed within this specification (for example, windload, horizontal or vertical guardrail loading).

1.2 The material used in these exterior profiles is limited to rigid poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds in a single homogeneous extrusion or in a coextrusion of two or more PVC compounds in distinct layers.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.