If you’re considering adding a fence to your property, you may be wondering which fence material is best for your project. While the answer depends on your style, your needs, and your budget, aluminum fences are an excellent choice for both residential and commercial properties. Combining durability, elegance, and low maintenance requirements, aluminum is an increasingly popular option. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about aluminum fences, so you can decide if one is right for you.
How an Aluminum Fence Can Benefit Your Property
Aluminum fences offer a wide range of benefits that make them a solid choice for both homeowners and businesses:
Longevity and Durability
Aluminum fences are built to last. Unlike traditional wood fences that can rot, split or warp over time, aluminum resists both rust and corrosion. This means your fence will stay looking great for years to come, even in hot and humid climates like North Georgia.
Easy to Care For
One of the best things about aluminum fences is that they require very little maintenance. Unlike wrought iron fences, which may need frequent painting to prevent rust, aluminum fences are powder-coated. That coating ensures they’re almost maintenance free. Washing them annually with soap and water is usually all it takes to keep them in good condition.
Elegance and Design Versatility
Aluminum fences add a touch of sophistication to any landscape. They also come in a variety of styles, colors, and heights. That makes it easy to create a custom look for your property. Whether you prefer the look of classic pickets or a modern horizontal style, there’s an aluminum fence to suit your needs.
Long-Term Investment
Aluminum seems like a premium fencing material, but it’s surprisingly cost-effective. That’s because it has a long lifespan and rarely requires repair or replacement. You may pay more upfront versus wood, but you’ll likely end up saving money in the long-run.
Ease of Installation
Due to the way they’re manufactured, aluminum fences are fairly easy to install, even for DIYers. With the proper site preparation, you can have a secure and attractive fence in relatively little time.
Rackable Material
Aluminum fences are what is known as a rackable fence. That means they are designed to closely follow the terrain on which they’re installed, eliminating gaps along the bottom. This makes them an excellent choice for hilly landscapes and helps keep your property more secure.
Aluminum Fences for Every Need
Aluminum fences suit a variety of purposes and design preferences:
Classic Picket Fences
This timeless fence design features evenly spaced vertical pickets. It’s the perfect style for creating a charming and functional boundary around your property, without blocking your view.
Ornamental Fences
If you love the look of wrought iron fences but don’t want the expense or upkeep, decorative aluminum offers a low maintenance alternative. Options include intricate panels and ornamental finials, making an elegant design statement.
Pool Fences
With their closely spaced pickets and varying height options, aluminum fences keep your pool area secure while still looking attractive. They also won’t rot or splinter like wood, reducing replacement costs and potential injuries.
Commercial Grade Aluminum
For heavy traffic areas or properties that need extra security, consider commercial grade aluminum. Made of thicker material with larger pickets and rails, commercial aluminum is well-suited for parks, retail complexes, apartments, and community pools.
Installation Tips for Aluminum Fences
While professional installation usually yields the best results, we understand that some DIY enthusiasts may want to tackle installation themselves. Before you start digging post holes, it’s important to follow these steps:
Check Local Regulations
Installing a new fence involves considerable time, effort, and money, and you don’t want to have to take it down because you didn’t have the right permit. While not every town or community has rules govern-ing fencing installation, it’s essential to check before getting started. This is especially true if you live in an HOA. Doing your due diligence beforehand will save you potential fines or legal troubles down the road.
Plan Your Layout
Every successful project starts with a plan, and installing aluminum fences is no different. First, know your legal property boundaries. In Georgia, you can find a plat of your property online at GSCCCA. Next, be sure to mark any utilities. Georgia 811 will do this for free. Once you have taken care of that, use wooden stakes to mark post location holes on center and connect them with string. Consider the location of your gate, allowing an extra ¼ inch of space from inside post to inside post where you intend to hang it. Your installation will start with the gate posts.
Prepare the Ground
Preparation is crucial for a sturdy fence, so make sure the ground where you intend to install it is free of obstacles. Because aluminum is a rackable material, you don’t have to try to create a perfectly level surface. However, your post holes will extend to a depth of up to 48”, so it’s important to remove large rocks and other impediments.
Anchor Fence Posts in Concrete
Long-lasting and sturdy aluminum fences require anchoring the fence posts in concrete. This ensures your fence is firmly affixed to the ground, so that it will withstand years of wear and tear. Without concrete reinforcement, erosion, high winds, and heavy use can cause posts to shift, resulting in a sagging fence.
Use Quality Materials
Investing in high-quality aluminum fence panels, posts, and hardware will help ensure a long-lasting fence. Using materials from a reputable source will also ensure that your fence is both safe and secure. First Fence of Georgia offers convenient and easy pick up of quality fencing materials at our Kennesaw facility.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
If you’re using a DIY fence kit, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help you build the fence correctly, save time, and maintain any warranties.
When correctly installed, an aluminum fence will look great and keep your property secure for years to come. If you’d like more information on aluminum fences, need fence materials, or want to schedule a consultation, contact First Fence of Georgia.
