Fencing the garden or a patio is not limited to securing privacy and safety; it goes beyond the practical aspect, extending to the aesthetic and visual appeal of the exterior house, too. Selecting the right fencing material for your backyard or patio is a real challenge because there are multiple options and aspects to consider when choosing the material, such as longevity, cost, installation complexity, and many more.
Among several materials, aluminum is preferred by many homeowners owing to its durability, easy maintenance, and visual impact. In this article, we discuss aluminum fences and their pros and cons.
Pros of Aluminum Fence
Low-Maintenance
One of the best features that attract most homeowners to an aluminum fence is its minimal maintenance, which depends on several factors. Aluminum has a high affinity to oxygen, which makes it corrosion-resistant. Corrosion and rust resistance help maintain their strength and appearance for many years. Other features that make it a low-maintenance material include no need for annual re-painting, resistance to pest infestation, easy to clean features, and resistance to rotting, unlike wood.
Save Time and Energy
Less maintenance helps save time and energy on regular upkeep. All you have to do is rinse it with a garden hose to clear dirt and debris for a clean fence.
Longevity
Aluminum is exceptionally durable as it is sturdy enough to withstand the harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, storm or snow and it is resistant to rust and pests. All these features make it one of the most durable fence materials.
Cost-Effective
When it comes to the cost of aluminum fence, it again wins the race in the affordable fence material category. It is less expensive compared to steel and iron fence. In any case, due to its minimal maintenance cost and longevity, the total cost gets reduced over the years to come. The other factors that affect the cost is thickness of the aluminum, the amount of aluminum used and finishing quality of the material.
Environment-Friendly
Aluminum is an environment friendly material because it is a recyclable material and it is manufactured using bare minimum energy. It doesn't require any chemical that can harm the environment.
High Aesthetic Appeal
Aluminum is available in multiple colors, styles, and finishes that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the home's exterior. It extends the look of wrought iron, but without the hassles of iron. Due to various style options, it mingles well with any home design and architecture.
Easy Installation
Aluminum fencing is easier than other materials because it is lightweight making it easy to move and work with. It can be done with DIY ideas, but hiring a professional gives better results with little extra spending. Installation of aluminum fence is far easier in sloped properties as incline of the fence can be easily adjusted.
Unmatchable Style
It has a timeless style and visual appeal. Aluminum fences can fulfill all your desired looks, be it the beauty of an ornamental fence or a classic picket fence with its versatility.
Less Transportation and Labor Cost
As aluminum is lightweight, the cost incurred in transportation is less compared to other heavy materials like iron and wood. The labor cost also gets reduced because light weight material requires less labor to lift them.
Cons of Aluminum Fence
Limited Privacy
Despite possessing umpteen qualities, one needs to compromise on privacy because spaced out panels of aluminum fence limits the privacy element. If your priority is privacy, try exploring other options.
Light Weight Material
The material is light weight that may pose security concerns. It may not succeed in keeping pets and trespassers at bay.
Dust and Dirt is Visible
Dirt and dust are clearly visible on aluminum fences, especially on black color fences. You may have to simply hose down for a cleaner look.
Not Suitable for Summers
Aluminum absorbs more heat during the summer season, especially the black fences. It's risky to touch it, as it may cause burns. If you have pets and kids at home, explore other options.
Not Safe for High-Security Areas
Though it is categorized under durable material, it is not suitable for high security areas because the light weight material may not bear the high impact.
Confusion in Making a Choice
At times, too many options create confusion when selecting the best material. Aluminum has too many options that can overwhelm you, pushing towards the wrong choice.
Comparison Between Different Aluminum Fencing Product
| Type of material | Features | ||
| Residential grade fencing | It is suitable for the backyards of residential homes. | It helps keep the pets and kids within the confinement of the homes. | If you look for a fence that can bear the high impact of soccer, explore commercial grade fencing. |
| Commercial grade fencing | It is best suited for malls, small businesses and apartments. | It can bear the grunt of heavy foot traffic at public places as it is thicker. | It is available in multiple colors and heights. |
| Light or heavy industrial grade fencing | These fences are used where better strength is needed. | It can bear accidental hits usually happening at loading docks. | It is also available in various colors, shapes and styles. |
Conclusion
Aluminum is an excellent fence material due to its amazing features like minimal maintenance, low installation cost, less transportation cost and many more discussed in this article. However, consider the disadvantages too before concluding to buy because comparing the pros and cons helps you make the right decision with no regret in the coming years.
