Pros - Cons - Applications of SimTek LLDPE Molded Fence Panels
Bay Area Fence Factory Fence School 2026 Edition
Here we'll try to help you out with a few things related to SimTek Molded fencing that we hope you will find useful.
Planning Your Fence to help you figure out how much fencing you need.
Chain Link Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about Chain Link fencing.
Wood Fence Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about Wood fencing.
PVC Vinyl Fence Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about PVC Vinyl fencing.
Ornamental Aluminum Fence Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about Aluminum fencing.
Molded Fence Panels (Simtek/Bufftech) Pros & Cons - Information about SimTek Molded fence panels.
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Pros & Cons of SimTek Molded Fence
Superior Sound Barrier: These solid, dense panels block up to 98% of direct sound. With a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 26, it is one of the best residential options for homes near busy roads.
Extreme Durability & Impact Resistance: Made from high-impact Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and reinforced with galvanized steel at top and bottom, it is virtually indestructible. It is tested to withstand impacts that would shatter standard PVC vinyl fences, such as stray baseballs or heavy rocks.
Authentic Appearance: Molded from real stone and wood textures to provide a realistic look without the "plasticy sheen" of some vinyl options.
High Wind Ratings: SimTek fencing is engineered to withstand constant hurricane-force winds of 110 mph gusts up to 130mph.
It is certified to meet strict Miami-Dade county hurricane standards.
Maintenance Free & Graffiti Resistant: It never requires painting, staining, or sealing. It's non-porous surface also makes it graffiti-resistant; most spray paints can be removed with a pressure washer.
Eco-Friendly: Panels are often made with 25% - 100% Recycled content and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Property Value Enhancement: Simtek fencing is a premium product with a premium aesthetic.
Higher Upfront Cost: It is one of the most expensive privacy fence options. In 2026, Composite/molded fencing typically costs $50 - $75 a linear foot installed.
Limited Customization: Unlike wood, you cannot easily change the color of the fence once it is installed. iit is available in a specific range of designer granite colors and wood grain textures.
Precise Installation Required: Requires exact measurement and specialized expertise to prevent warping or buckling caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
Potential for Long Lead Times: Ordering product can sometimes have long waits for certain colors and for specialized hardware and components.
Component Dependency: Installation requires proprietary posts, brackets, caps and accessories that cannot be easily be matched or sourced from other fencing systems.
Limited Gate Variety: While "Matching Gates" textures and colors are available, SimTek gates come in standard sizes, no option for custom widths or heights
Wide Gate Gaps on the Hinge Side: SimTek gates are made with a LLDPE molded "skin", fitted over a galvanized square tube welded frame, made from 0.125" wall thickness tubing, (they are kind of heavy) with boss nuts welded in place to accept the proprietary hinge system. This system ends up with a gap between the gate and the hinge post that is approximately one and a half inches wide. it also needs about a one inch gap for the proprietary latch system on the latch side.
Not Rackable: SimTek fencing is not "rackable" sloping fence lines must be "stepped" to follow the land's grade.
Questions About Sound-Deadening: While SimTek molded fence panels carry a STC 26 sound rating, some Bay Area Fence Factory customers have been disappointed in the sound deadening reality from their expectations.
Simtek fencing is a high performance alternative to traditional wood and vinyl fencing, known for it's extreme durability realistic stone or wood textures. Here is a brief evaluation of the pros & cons and the typical applications best suited for SimTek molded fencing in the Tampa Bay Area.
Pros of SimTek Molded Fence
Cons of SimTek Molded Fence
Applications: SimTek molded fencing systems are best suited for environments that demand extreme durability, significant noise reduction or a high-end masonry aesthetic, without the associated masonry costs and upkeep. High-end estate perimeter fencing.
Best use for Molded Panel Fencing
High Traffic Sound Barriers: Due to there STC26 rating, these fences are ideal properties bordering busy roads, highways or schools.They block 98% of "direct noise" making them one of the most effective residential noise reduction options available.
High Wind and Storm Prone Areas: SimTek is specifically engineered for severe weather. withstanding sustained winds of 110 mph and gusts up to 130 mph they are certified Miami-Dade compliant making them ideal for Tampa Bay coastal region.
Coastal and Humid Environments: Unlike wood or metal, LLDPE is completely resistant to salt spray, high humidity and water damage. it will not rot, rust, corrode or decay, which is essential for marinas, waterfront properties and our tropical weather.
High Impact Activity Zones: The rotationally-molded polyethylene is exceptionally tough, allowing it to withstand impacts that would shatter vinyl privacy fencing.
Vandalism Prone Areas: it's extreme durability makes it impervious to rocks or similar objects being thrown at it. because it's non-porous, it is highly graffiti resistant. Most spay paints do not bond well to the surface and can be removed with a pressure washer, making it ideal for urban enclosures and public alleys.
Low Maintenance Luxury Aesthetics: It is best used as a cost effective alternative to natural stone or masonry. It provides the "heavy look" of granite walls or deep grained wood, without need for periodic painting, sealing or masonry repairs.
Enclosures for Utilities or Trash: The solid, 100% opaque panels are perfect for concealing unsightly equipment such as, HVAC units, waste bins or pool equipment, providing both a visual privacy barrier and a secondary sound buffer for loud equipment.
Applications For SimTek Fencing Panels
Glossary of Fence Terms & Jargon for LLDPE Molded Fencing (SimTek)
The parts of of fence section include...
Fence Panel - A Rotomolded component that makes up the bulk of the fence. the field area between the posts, also referred to as "a fence section"
Types of SimTek Posts -
Line Post - used within a straight run of fencing, with channels molded in opposite sides spaced to fit the fence panel.
End Post - Used where a fence line terminates, channels molded on one side.
Corner Post - Used for 90 degree turns, with channels molded on adjacent sides.
Blank Post - A post with no channels molded into it.
Gate Post - A heavier-duty post designed to support the weight and movement of a gate.
Post Cap - A decorative and protective cover that matches the post color and texture placed on top of each post.
SimTek Component Parts
Steel Stiffener - A inch and a half square tubing the width of the panel, inserted in the top and bottom of each panel. Also used to set correct spacing between posts.
Panel Support Brackets (EZ Set Brackets) - Small, specialized hardware attached to the post to maintain panel height.
Concrete Shoes (Mounting Brackets) - Heavy steel plates with vertical supports used to mount SimTek posts to flat concrete.
Decorative Skirts - Molded covers that go over the the concrete shoe mounting bracket to hide anchor bolts and provide a finished look. single vertical piece of the material used to fill the fence panel.
Manufacturing Terms
LLDP (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) - The primary polymer used in the manufacture of the product. It is known for being highly impact resistant and flexible enough to handle extreme temperature changes without cracking.
Rotational Molding (Rotomolding) - The process of using a heated, hollow mold that is rotated to create a single piece, seamless panel with consistent thickness and realistic texture.
Xenon-Arc 12 (UV-12) Inhibitors - Chemical additives in the plastic that protects the fence from fading or becoming brittle due to long term sun exposure.
STC 26 Rating - "Sound Transmission Class" rating; A measure of how well the fence blocks sound. A rating of 26 means it can block 98% of direct noise.
Planning Your Fence to help you figure out how much fencing you need.
Chain Link Grades, Pros & Cons information about Chain Link fencing.
Wood Fence Grades, Pros & Cons Information about Wood Fencing.
PVC Vinyl Fence Grades, Pros & Cons information about PVC Vinyl fencing.
Ornamental Aluminum Fence Grades, Pros & Cons information about Aluminum fencing.
Molded Fence Panels (Simtek/Bufftech) Pros & Cons information about Molded fence panels.