What is the purpose of using steel rail inserts?
Don’t be fooled by companies claiming that the steel rail inserts will increase the wind rating for your fence. The purpose of the steel rail is not wind related, but the idea is to prevent the bottom rails of your fence from sagging or bowing. Many vinyl products have been known to have problems with this because the panels or slats are too heavy for the rail designs. If the rails sag too much, the panels may be susceptible to falling out. In addition, make sure your fence posts are spaced such that the steel rail insert reaches into both posts, the steel rail insert will not fulfill its purpose if the length of the steel does not reach into each of the posts for the section.
