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SimTek's Simulated Stone Fence
FAQ's

Q:  What is the SimTek Simulated Stone Fence made of?

A:  SimTek Simulated Stone Fence is made from polyethylene, which is the same type of plastic that "Little Tikes" toys and playground equipment is made from. 

Q:  How is the SimTek Simulated Stone Fence made?

A:  It is made by using rotational mold technology.  This patent pending process produces the very realistic look and feel of real stone wall!

Q:  How long has the this roduct been in existence?

A:  In 2003, research and development began to produce the SimTek fence.  The product has been installed primarily in the Utah and surrounding areas since 2004.  The product has performed extremely well in this harsh environment.

Q:  Can the SimTek fence withstand high winds?

A:  The SimTek fence has been tested to withstand 110 m.p.h. sustained winds, and 130 m.p.h. wind gusts.

Q:  How durable is the SimTek Simulated Stone Fence?

A:  Like all fences, the SimTek fence is not indestructible.  However, it is very durable.  For example, a baseball pitching machine set at 70 m.p.h. threw baseballs towards the SimTek fence, and they simply bounced off leaving no marks.  If a panel was damaged from a tree falling on it, for example, it would take less than five minutes to replace the section.

Q:  How does the SimTek fence perform in hot and cold weather extremes?

A:  Unlike other plastics, the SimTek fence doesn’t become brittle in cold weather until it reaches a temperature of -40 degrees Fahrenheit.  This, of course, is more than adequate for our St. Louis winters.  The SimTek fence also performs well in hot climates as well, and is very stable at 110 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Q:  Does the polyethylene material expand and contract?

A:  Yes.  The fence panels expand and contract up to approximately 3/4" horizontally and vertically.  The panels are designed with steel tubing that horizontally reinforces the “top and bottom rails” of the panels.  This steel tubing is longer than the panel is wide.  This allows the panel to expand and contract during temperature changes without adversely affecting the performance of the fence.  If a six foot wide panel needs to be reduced in width, the steel tubing needs to be cut approximately ¾” longer than the panel width to allow for this expansion and contraction.

Q:  Can I cut the posts?

A:  All SimTek fence posts are reinforced on the inside with steel.  Since the polyethylene plastic will expand and contract, if you need to cut the post, cut the bottom of the post.  If you cut the top of the post and fasten the pressure fitted cap to it, when the plastic contracts it could potentially force the cap off the post.

Q:  Does the SimTek Simulatd Stone Fence fade?

A:  The SimTek fence has undergone accelerated weather testing which has produced excellent results.  Although the color technically fades over an extended period of time, 15 years of accelerated weathering has produced no fading that can be detected by the human eye.

Q:  What colors for the SimTek fence are available?

A:  SimTek fence is available in the colors of white granite, gray granite, black granite, beige granite, brown granite, and desert granite.  The most popular color is the brown granite.

Q:  Like some plastics, will the SimTek fence turn yellow?

A:  No.  The SimTek fence will not turn yellow or chalk, and is not toxic.

Q:  What heights is the SimTek fence available in?

A:  The most common height available is 72” high.  It is also available in a 36” height as well.

Q:  Are gates available for the SimTek fence?

A:  Yes. The 72” high single gates are available in 4’ and 6’ wide.  Double-drive gates are available in 8’ and 12’ widths, or you can combine one 4’ wide single gate with one 6’ wide single gate to make a 10’ wide double-drive gate.  Each gate needs to be hinged on a heavy duty steel reinforced gate post.  The gate hardware is made of powder coated stainless steel.  The latch is pad lockable from both sides of the gate.  There are currently no gates available in 36” high.  As an alternative, ornamental aluminum gates complement the SimTek fence very well.

Q:  Will mold or mildew grow on the SimTek fence?  Can I get grass stains or paint off the product?

A:  Polyethylene is referred by some as "Poor Man's Teflon" since most things can't adhere to its surface.  Any mold or mildew that grows on the SimTek fence can easily be removed with a power washer.  Consult your power washer manual to determine the proper tip to use to remove the mold or mildew.  Grass stains and most paints can also be removed with the power washer, making this product very graffiti resistant.

Q:  Is the SimTek fence expensive?

A:  The "Nicest Looking Fence on the Planet", the SimTek fence is a high quality product.  Fortunately, when compared to an actual "stacked" stone or brick wall, it's actually much less expensive.  The SimTek fence is a very cost effective alternative to these types of products.

Q:  Can the SimTek fence be used to hold back earth like a retaining wall?

A:  No.  The it has been designed to be a fence, not a retaining wall.  Attempting to use the product as a retaining wall will create a potentially unsafe situation.  It will also void the warranty of the product.

Q:  Are you able to turn the SimTek fence at a degree other than 90 degrees?

A:  SimTek fence posts are available as end posts, gate end posts, line posts, and corner posts.  Although the corner post is designed for a 90 degree angle, you can insert each panel into each side of the corner post up to approximately 10-12 degrees from the side of the post that the panel is being inserted into.  This allows the corner post to accommodate an angle range of approximately 68 to 112 degrees.  Line posts can accommodate a range of approximately 22 degrees (compared to a straight line), while end posts can allow a variance of approximately 11 degrees.  For angles that don’t fall into the above ranges, you will need two end posts. Dual post caps are available for two end posts set next to each other at a 45 degree angle.   

Q:  Can the SimTek fence rack down a hill, or does it need to be stepped?

A:  Racking is a term used to describe keeping the lines in the pattern of the fence panel horizontal and vertical, while the rails follow the downward slope of ground.  The SimTek fence can rack down a hill, but it's not recommended.  When racking down the hill the six foot wide panel will lose a portion of its width, and the pattern of the panel will be tilted the same degree as the slope of the ground.
Instead of racking, stepping the fence is recommended.  It’s permissible to trench the “high hill” side of the panel into the ground in order to eliminate any gap between the bottom of the panel and the ground on the “down hill” side of the panel.

Q:  Is the SimTek fence able to be installed on concrete patios and walls or on a wood retaining wall, or can it only be installed in ground?

A:  The SimTek fence is designed to be installed in the ground.  However, a mounting bracket is available to install it on concrete or wood.  Fasteners to secure the mounting bracket are sold separately.  Also, remember that a fence is only as secure as what it’s fastened to.  Therefore, make sure you attach the fence to a secure foundation.

Q:  What is the warranty for the SimTek fence?

A:  The SimTek Simulated Stone Fence is backed with a Lifetime Limited Warranty.  Click on “Warranty Information” for a copy of the warranty.