Vinyl fences come in many attractive colors.
Aluminum and PVC, or vinyl, are both considered "maintenance-free" fencing types. These fences resist corrosion and water damage, require only occasional cleaning and are relatively easy to install. However, despite these similarities, there are a few differences between the materials. Knowing the differences between aluminum and PVC fencing can help homeowners make a smart, informed choice about their home fences. Does this Spark an idea?
Sunlight
Early vinyl fences and inexpensive brands have little resistance to sunlight. According to Ask the Builder, sunlight breaks down PVC unless the PVC has been specially treated. Vinyl fences must include a surface layer of reflective material, such as titanium dioxide, to slow this damage. Aluminum fences are naturally resistant to UV damage without special treatment.
Color
Aluminum fences come in nearly any color. They may be powder coated, using a special thermoplastic process, or anodized with electricity, which bonds the color directly to the aluminum. Colored aluminum fencing is somewhat more expensive than uncolored fencing, though. Vinyl fences also come in many colors, but darker colors behave less well in the heat. Dark-colored vinyl fences become flexible in high temperatures and may not perform as well as lighter shades.
Hardware
Vinyl fences can usually be installed with no visible hardware--the fasteners are hidden inside the vinyl panels. Aluminum fences generally do have visible hardware, often made from stainless steel and fiberglass. This difference is primarily cosmetic and doesn't affect the function of either type of fence, but may be a concern for homeowners worried about the look of their fence.
Texture
Both vinyl and aluminum fences are hard to tell from wood or wrought iron at a distance. Advances in texturing have made it possible to produce vinyl that closely resembles wood, but doesn't have the same disadvantages. However, most vinyl fencing still looks a lot like plastic up close. Coated aluminum is harder to tell from wrought iron, even on close inspection.
Environmental
Both aluminum and PVC fencing can be made from recycled materials, but recycled vinyl fencing is considered lower quality. Aluminum recycling is highly efficient, and the final recycled product retains the strength and durability of the original. Aluminum fencing sections are also easier to recycle than PVC fence sections, which contain high levels of chlorine--a substance that makes recycling tricky.
Tags: Aluminum fences, Vinyl fences, aluminum fencing, come many, differences between
