Monday, October 11, 2010

About Aluminum Fences

Aluminum and iron fences look almost identical.


Aluminum is one of the most abundant and durable metals on earth, and it is used for a number of building and construction materials. Aluminum fences provide a lightweight, low-maintenance alternative to traditional iron fences, which can be difficult for the average homeowner to install and maintain. Does this Spark an idea?


Aluminum Fence Styles


Aluminum fences are generally available in the same styles as wrought-iron fences, and since their function is so similar, the two types of fences are often compared with one another. Aluminum fences are usually between 3 and 6 feet tall, although taller options are sometimes available, with numerous thin aluminum pickets and two to four horizontal rails. The top of the aluminum fence is usually the only decorative area, with the tops of the pickets forming a spire, point or loop. Generally, any iron fence style can be duplicated in aluminum.


Aluminum Fence Installation and Use


While aluminum fences may be light, they still need to have their posts set into concrete for stability. Once the posts are in place, the panels that make up the aluminum fence are installed between the posts. Most aluminum fences can also attach to brackets that you can hang from your own wood or stone posts. Aluminum fences help you define and beautify a space, and, due to some of the advantages of the aluminum material, are often found around pools or in wet climates.


Aluminum Fence Advantages


The biggest advantage of aluminum fencing is the fact that it cannot rust since it contains no iron. Aluminum is also resistant to all types of corrosion, which makes it a very attractive fencing option for wet environments. Aluminum has very good paint adhesion through a process called powder coating, which means that it can go many years without having to be repainted. Aluminum fencing is fairly light, especially compared to iron fencing, so the average homeowner will have a much easier time installing it.


Aluminum Fence Disadvantages


While aluminum fencing can come in many styles, all those styles are variations on the slim picket theme, which provides a physical barrier but not a visual barrier. If you need a privacy fence, aluminum fencing is not for you. Aluminum fencing also isn't considered as desirable as wood or iron fences, so it won't add to your property value as much as the other types of fences, even though the installation costs may be similar. Finally, aluminum isn't as strong as wood or iron, so it can bend and dent from blows that wouldn't faze an iron fence.

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