Cedar, vinyl, metal, composite, and chain link fencing are top considerations when choosing a fence for your home. But are these all the fencing options we have? This blog post will discuss aluminum fence panels, their benefits, drawbacks, and available styles.
What are Aluminum Fence Panels?
Aluminum fencing panels are recycled aluminum (i.e., aluminum products such as cans and car parts), rails or slats. The raw material is an extremely malleable metal great for manipulating into any shape. Their ultra-modern styles can be shaped into vertical or horizontal slats making for a secure build and aesthetic appeal. Aluminum fencing panels mimic the intricate detail of wrought iron without the high maintenance and weight.
At first glance, these panels may appear weak due to the lightweight material. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Aluminum fence panels are resistant to harsh weather conditions and unwanted guests. While not as robust as steel, they can withstand various high-pressure levels of corrosion. Steel rusts while aluminum maintains its overall appearance.
Furthermore, they’re compatible with diverse landscapes and ecosystems. From the poolside to bank, these fences withstand the corrosive properties of chlorine and other chemicals. The panels can be painted to match your landscape with a protective coating for protection. These colors will not fade even years after application.
What are The Benefits of Aluminum Fence Panels?
Whether designing your dream home or exploring fencing material for your workplace, choosing aluminum panels offers several key benefits. Below lists the factors we believe matter:
Durability and Longevity
When installing a fence, you’ll want a durable option that provides the most return on investment. Consider aluminum fencing if you want a material capable of enduring wear and tear.
The aluminum panels do not rust and remain strong whereas steel fences break down due to their corrosive properties. The chemical makeup of aluminum contains very little iron atoms unlike steel or iron. Rust is an iron oxide, so when exposed to moist air or water, corrosion occurs. This makes iron or steel less functional for certain households or landscapes.
Similarly, aluminum panels are safer and more durable than materials like cedar or treated wood fences. Aluminum fencing reduces insect damage from termites, rot, discoloration, and other deteriorative conditions common to wood fences.
Minimal Maintenance
Homeowners with rosewood, teak, treated wood, metal, or masonry fences require consistent maintenance. In spite of their beautiful and effective structuring, this material is damaged more easily and requires additional chemical treatments and sealers to stay in top form.
In contrast, aluminum fence panels require far less attention. While we advise cleaning them with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grass over the lifespan, that is the extent of maintenance.
These panels come in a protective powder coat from the manufacturer. Powder coating is a premium finish primarily protecting the metal from corrosion. The coating will last for the lifetime of the fence and protects against moisture, chemicals, and weather. Aside from this, little is required to maintain lustrous form and function. Ultimately, you’ll cut costs on painting, staining, or the other maintenance routines unlike its counterparts.
Damages to aluminum fencing can occur. If the fence needs repairing, damaged parts can be replaced by sections. While this could be done individually, depending on the extent of the damage, this may require professional assistance for seamless results.
Appealing Aesthetics and Diverse Design Options
When choosing the right style for your home, consider the weather conditions, topography, and property needs. You can customize the height, width, spacing, color, and grade of aluminum of the panels. To list a few styles, design options include Floridian, Manhattan, and Commercial. Additionally, if you are looking to create a fenced-in area for dogs or small pets, there are styles specifically created to prevent escaping.
The final steps include the color of finish. The most popular being black, white, or bronze. The added powder coating previously mentioned prevents chipping or peeling. Whether you are going for a simplistic or elegant style, aluminum fencing can transform your property.
Eco-Friendly Fencing Material
If you are looking for environmentally-friendly source material, this may be an excellent option for you. The panels are made from recycled aluminum and can be reprocessed if discarded.
Versatile Panels
Aluminum paneling offers versatile ways to protect and outline your property. For example, you can maximize your privacy by reducing the space between each slat. This makes it more difficult for peering neighbors or intruders. This is best for homes with minimal space between each property or exposed decks.
The aluminum panels are customizable depending on the grade of aluminum. Commercial and industrial grade aluminum are sturdiest and best used for high-traffic areas. Apart from this, there is a fencing option and style for all.
A Cost-effective Option
Metal is commonly misconceived as an expensive material. In turn, this would make aluminum fencing expensive. Contrary to this belief, it is inexpensive compared to its competitors. Plus, in the long run, the longevity of the material increases the value.
While the material itself is relatively inexpensive, the price per foot can range from $15 to $40. This is an affordable option if you do not want to invest in wrought-iron or steel. However, the cost of installation increases the overall price of the project. It is important to shop around to compare pricing and service. Here at First Fence, we can work with you to discuss pricing, materials, and installation process at the right price.
Overall, aluminum fencing panels can be installed DIY or by a professional which may alter the pricing. Nonetheless, it is affordable and keeps money in your pocket without the requirement of frequent, time-consuming, and product maintenance.
Top Aluminum Panel Fencing Styles
Like many other fences, aluminum fence panels have various styles and options. They can be bars or slats, and design options include:
- Classic
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Castle
- Hudson
- Commercial
- Outback
- Extra picket
- Carolina
All these styles can be installed DIY which can save about $4000 to $6000. Alternatively, a professional service team can install the fence for a more efficient process.
Aluminum Panel Fence vs. Wood Fence
Depending on the sourced wood, these fences are ideal amongst homeowners considering they are affordable, functional, and tasteful. On the other hand, there is a high upfront cost for aluminum panel fences which may not be budget-friendly.
Aluminum fencing requires less capital for maintenance, while wood fences are susceptible to pests, harsh weather conditions, and further damage.
Aluminum Panel Fence vs. Wrought Iron
Wrought iron and aluminum fencing have several commonalities. Both metal materials are beautifully designed fencing options to spruce up your yard.
Typically, iron and aluminum can be fairly expensive per square foot. Factoring in the shipping costs for wrought-iron adds to the overall price of fencing. Aluminum fencing panels are extremely light and manageable to transport.
As for maintenance, even the highest quality iron rusts overtime due to constant exposure to water and moist air. By applying a rust inhibitor, this will slow down the process but not prevent corrosion. Aluminum fencing will not rust and can withstand most environments with little to no damage.
Aluminum Panel Fence vs. Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is a plastic-based fence resistant to insects, rust, decay, and harsh weather conditions, similarly to aluminum fencing panels. Aluminum is composed of recycled materials while vinyl contains man-made materials that cannot be recycled and reused.
The polyvinyl chloride in vinyl fencing is a synthetic substance combined with various plastics. Environmentally, it cannot be reused and requires a significant amount of plastic to produce. Aluminum fencing panels will perform the same function but are sustainably sourced.
Experts recommend an easy maintenance process by washing the vinyl fence to maintain appeal.
Who Should Get Aluminum Fence Panels?
Suitable areas for aluminum panel fencing helps with the installation process. You can install them in the following places:
- Front yard
- Backyard
- Pool area
- Garden area
- Driveway
- Patio or deck
- Schools
- Parks
- Industrial properties
Contact a Reputable Contractor
If you want a durable and versatile fencing material, don’t underrate aluminum fence panels. When you decide, contact us here at First Fence to help you purchase high-quality panels and install them at pocket-friendly prices.
We’re only one text or phone call away!
