Our Commitment

The Vinyl Manufacturers Association (VMA) originated in 2004 as the Vinyl Fence Deck & Railing Manufacturers Association (VFDRMA). In an effort to raise the standards for the vinyl industry VMA instituted a certification program to maintain product quality. We were proud to be a certified Tier 3 fabricator, one of only 3 in the country. Unfortunately the VMA did not last, but the principals they stood for are engrained in Signature Series Products. Our products meet or exceed industry standards and are produced through a quality manufacturing process.

ASTM D4216

ASTM D4216 specifies the requirements for rigid (PVC) and related PVC and chlorinated poly vinyl chloride (CPVC) building products compounds. These compounds are used in various applications such as pipes, fittings, and other construction materials. The testing methods for these compounds typically involve evaluating their physical and mechanical properties. Here are some common tests conducted according to ASTM standards:

  • Tensile Strength and Elongation: This test measures the maximum force a material can withstand before breaking and its ability to stretch without breaking. Impact on Quality: High tensile strength ensures the material can withstand stress without breaking. Adequate elongation prevents premature failure due to stretching. Quality Assurance: Products with optimal tensile properties are less likely to fail during installation or use.
  • Flexural Strength: Determines the material’s resistance to bending or flexing under load. Impact on Quality: Higher flexural strength indicates better load-bearing capacity. It ensures the material won’t sag or deform under typical loads. Quality Assurance: Sturdy pipes, profiles, and other components rely on sufficient flexural strength.
  • Impact Resistance: Evaluates the material’s ability to withstand sudden impacts or blows. Impact on Quality: Materials with good impact resistance withstand accidental blows or impacts without cracking. Quality Assurance: Impact-resistant products are safer and more durable.
  • Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): Determines the temperature at which a material deforms under a specified load. Impact on Quality: High HDT ensures stability under elevated temperatures. Low HDT may lead to deformation or softening. Quality Assurance: Products exposed to heat (e.g., pipes carrying hot water) must maintain their shape.
  • Vicat Softening Temperature: Measures the temperature at which a needle penetrates a sample under a specified load. Impact on Quality: Determines the temperature at which the material becomes soft. Higher Vicat temperature indicates better heat resistance. Quality Assurance: Heat-resistant materials are essential for long-term performance.
  • Density and Specific Gravity: Determines the mass per unit volume of the material. Impact on Quality: Proper density ensures consistent product dimensions and uniformity. Quality Assurance: Uniform density leads to predictable behavior during processing and use.
  • Flammability: Assesses the material’s resistance to ignition and flame spread. Impact on Quality: Low flammability reduces fire risk. Fire-resistant materials protect lives and property. Quality Assurance: Meeting flammability standards is critical for safety.
  • Chemical Resistance: Tests the material’s resistance to various chemicals and solvents. Impact on Quality: Resistant materials withstand exposure to chemicals, acids, and bases. Quality Assurance: Chemical-resistant pipes and fittings prevent leaks and corrosion.
  • Dimensional Stability: Evaluates how the material changes in size due to temperature variations. Impact on Quality: Minimal size changes due to temperature variations ensure proper fit and function. Quality Assurance: Stable dimensions prevent leaks, misalignments, and structural issues.
  • Color and Appearance: Ensures consistency in color and surface finish. Impact on Quality: Consistent color and surface finish enhance aesthetics and brand reputation. Quality Assurance: Uniform appearance reflects attention to detail.

In summary, rigorous testing ensures that PVC and CPVC building products meet safety standards, perform reliably, and contribute to durable infrastructure. Manufacturers rely on these tests to deliver high-quality materials to construction projects.

Product Quality

PVC fabricators all preach the same thing, "Our product is the best on the market". Unfortunately you can't get the best finished product when the ingredients are flawed. In todays market, many Extruders have made the decision to use recycled plastic as fillers in their lineals. This isn't neccessarilly in your best interest. It is true that it reduces the cost of the lineal, but it also introduces an uncontrolled variable by making the PVC formulation inconsistent. One time the recycled plastic may be from milk cartons and the next it's from credit cards. Maybe the inconsistency won't have a negative affect on the longevity of your new fence, but you won't know for sure and that defeats the purpose for getting a maintenance free fence.

For a better explanation check out the video below.

A Simple Explanation