Choice is good, but trying to figure out the best fence option to go with can be frustrating. Personal preferences, project budget and availability can all weigh down on the decision making process when buying a fence. I thought it may be beneficial to put together a list of pros and cons for choosing an aluminum fence and share them with you.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of aluminum gate doors. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Let’s start with the pros of going with an aluminum fence:
PRO #1 – LITTLE-TO-NO MAINTENANCE
I did not want to throw the ‘maintenance free’ terminology up there since that’s a bit untrue in my opinion. Aluminum still needs to be touched up when its scratched to bare metal. Otherwise, corrosion and pitting will allow more dirt behind the coating around the scratch and make the spot become larger over time. However, unlike iron and steel, you will not see aluminum degrade to the point of the structure being compromised or holes eaten into it.
PRO # 2 – A TIMELESS AND BEAUTIFUL LOOK
Aluminum fence and wrought iron fence share this trait. Aluminum fences have only been around for a few decades, but they were built to mimic the look of wrought iron and steel fences. That metal picket and rail style of fence has been around for well over 200 years at this point and have never really gone out of style. Even the most modern looking home can be accented with an aluminum fence in the proper style.
PRO #3 – A HIGHER END APPEARANCE
A quality aluminum fence and gate gives an air of sophistication and beauty that many other types of fence do not. While fence types like chain link, vinyl and wood do provide a barrier, they are more functional than nice looking. In some instances, those fences can give a lower end look to a home whereas an aluminum fence can compliment and make a house much more attractive with better curb appeal.
PRO #4 – ABILITY TO FOLLOW GRADE
Unlike an iron or steel fence that is welded together solid, the lighter nature of aluminum allows it to be screwed together at the picket and rail junction. That screwed together construction allows the pickets to pivot or rack in the rail so that the pickets remain upright while the horizontal railing racks. This racking action means you can cleanly have an aluminum fence follow the slope and grade of your yard. Different styles and makes of aluminum fence can rack varying amounts, so if you are dealing with a sloped or hilly yard, be sure to ask how far the panels can rack. Our Infinity Aluminum line racks 8-10 inches over each 6ft wide panel.
——-
As with anything in life, there is often a downside to every upside. Here are some of the cons to be aware of when choosing an aluminum fence:
CON #1 – STRENGTH
The lightweight and non-rusting attribute of aluminum is also a bit of a detractor when it comes to strength. While you can have a strong aluminum fence panel, aluminum pickets and rails are inherently easier to bend or mangle than their steel or iron counterparts. The screwed together construction of the aluminum fence that allows for racking also makes for a weaker connection point that allows the aluminum panels to flex more. Its much more important with aluminum that you look closely at the specs and buy your fence accordingly. A light-duty aluminum fence may look nice while new and be a bent and mangled mess after the first year if you have kids rocketing soccer balls into it.
CON #2 – SECURITY
The screwed together construction of an aluminum fence panel is its downfall in terms of high security too. Anyone with a screwdriver can walk up to the fence, undo the screws and lift out enough pickets to simply walk through the fence line. You can mitigate this some by facing the screws inward of the property line, but that still stands a con against the security of aluminum fence since it can be disassembled so easily when installed.
CON #3 – A FRUSTRATING ARRAY OF OPTIONS
While choice and competition is good in most instances, I find it frustrating with aluminum fences. There are so many different makers of aluminum fence on the market now that its very easy to find. However, the quality varies immensely between brands. There are lots of ways to cut corners when making an aluminum fence. Unfortunately, most folks are looking only at style and price when buying an aluminum fence instead of looking at specs and the company’s reputation. Any fence (even a bad one) will look nice when its brand new. The problems that ruin a fence (cheap construction, easily broken, poorly coated, etc) don’t show up until after you’ve ordered the fence and installed it. At that point, it is a little too late to do anything. Having so many different fence makers of aluminum fence makes it tough to cross-shop and determine the quality. The harder it is to find information on the specs, company reputation, ratings of the fence; or the harder it is to find someone knowledgeable to speak with at the company via email or phone; the more likely it is not a quality aluminum fence.
Are you interested in learning more about furniture casting part? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
——
I hope these pros and cons of using aluminum fence and gates assists you in your search for a new fence. As always, if you have any other questions or concerns about using aluminum fence and gates, don’t hesitate to drop us an email or give us a call. We’re here to help!
Last Updated: May 14, 2020
Like any major home investment, purchasing fencing requires a fair amount of research. Before you take the plunge, think about the factors that are important to you. Are you looking for protective security fencing or something more decorative? Are you interested in investing in something timelessly stylish, or is the price tag the most important factor? Finally, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of your chosen fencing material. Take, for example, aluminum fencing. Aluminum fencing is popular for its appearance (which mimics that of wrought iron) and its durable, lightweight build (which mimics steel). Interested in learning more about this innovative fencing material? Let’s start by weighing the pros and cons of aluminum fencing.
Aluminum fencing is a great choice for the homeowner who wants lasting aesthetic appeal with very little upkeep. Unlike wood, aluminum fences never require painting or refinishing. Aluminum fencing also won’t rust, unlike materials like chain-link or wrought iron. Aluminum fences are also famously easy to clean. Just hose your fencing off once a month or so to clean off any lingering dust or debris. If you find tough spots that can’t be hosed off, you’ll want to give your fencing a deeper clean, especially at the end of a snowy winter or a stormy summer. Either way, aluminum fencing is virtually maintenance-free.
Aluminum fencing is cheaper than materials like steel or wrought iron. Unlike wood, which requires regular repair and replacement, aluminum stands the test of time. And while aluminum fencing costs more than wood fencing, its low-maintenance nature may save you money in the long run. Think about it this way: You won’t have to pay for professional cleaning or repair, and you can also install aluminum fencing yourself without having to pay a professional.
When it comes to fencing, function is likely your highest priority. However, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for durability. One of aluminum fencing’s biggest perks is its versatility. Most aluminum fencing lines are available in a wide variety of colors and styles to complement your home’s exterior. For example, natural shades like brown or beige might complement homes with exteriors like adobe or stone. Classic white or black fencing is a great accent for Georgian or Victorian architecture. And if you can’t find a fencing option you like, aluminum posts and balusters are lightweight and flexible enough to be molded into a custom design for you.
Aluminum fences work great on any land – flat or sloped – without creating unsightly gaps in the fencing. And, as mentioned above, the fencing’s malleable quality means it can be adjusted to different heights to match local standards and building codes. Aluminum’s lightweight, flexible nature makes it easy and convenient to work with. Confident do-it-yourself homeowners can install the fencing over the course of a weekend, but professional installation is also relatively fast and affordable.
If you’re concerned about your fence’s environmental impact, look no further than aluminum fencing. First, most aluminum fence products are made from recycled aluminum, which reduces waste. Additionally, when you eventually replace your fence a few decades down the line, it can be recycled again, reducing the amount of landfill waste. These fences also require little energy to produce, making them a great option for your eco-friendly oasis.
Keep in mind that aluminum fencing will provide an attractive, low-maintenance barrier, but it doesn’t conceal much at all. So if it’s privacy you’re after, you may want to think twice before purchasing aluminum fencing.
If you’re looking for a security fence, aluminum fencing likely won’t cut it. Aluminum is more lightweight and less durable than materials like steel. However, this may only be a factor if you are worried about large animals breaking in or out – or the potential for intruders.
Aluminum is one of the most weather-resistant materials available today, standing up to rain, hail, snow, ice, and UV rays. It resists corrosion, rust, decay, insect infestation, and more. Many manufacturers also offer a lifetime limited warranty for their aluminum fencing products because they withstand wear and tear so well, outlasting wood, steel, chain-link, and wrought iron fencing. That durability – combined with an attractive warranty – means you’ll get the most bang for your buck in the years to come.
The MMC Fencing & Railing online store offers several styles from the top aluminum fencing brands. Feel free to browse the most popular types of aluminum fencing, including the CourtYard® Aluminum Fence. CourtYard fencing offers unmatched elegance and beauty with hidden picket fastener systems and no unsightly screws. We also offer several fencing options in the Regis® collection, including the 6000 Series Ornamental Aluminum Fencing system. (Check out the Regis 6220.) Either of these options works as a backyard fence system or a design element for landscaping.
Aluminum fencing is durable, low-maintenance, affordable, and extremely attractive. Despite its cons – the lack of privacy, for example – aluminum fencing is an excellent asset to any home or business exterior. Still shopping around for fencing material? You might want to read our list of the pros and cons of vinyl fencing, as vinyl fencing offers similar benefits. Our experts are also available to help you choose the best fencing for your home.
Now that you’ve explored the pros and cons of aluminum fencing, are you ready to make your selection? When you need an expert who can walk you through purchasing and caring for an exterior aluminum railing or fencing system, MMC Fencing & Railing is here for you. In our online shop, we sell aluminum and vinyl railing in a variety of styles and colors. So no matter what you’re looking for and no matter how large or small your budget, you’re sure to find something beautiful. Give us a call at 866-931-5002 to get started or to ask about installation options. We look forward to hearing from you!
The company is the world’s best garden decoration aluminum casting supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.