Aluminum Fencing: It's Anything But Flimsy
Posted on: 22 April 2017
When you think of an aluminum can or aluminum foil, it's all too easy to assume that aluminum is a flimsy material. It's hard to imagine making something sturdy and durable from that same metal. But in fact, an aluminum fence is anything but flimsy. When aluminum is manufactured in thick poles and posts, it makes a great fencing materials. Here's a look at a few of its advantages over other fencing materials.
You don't need to paint or stain it.
Wooden fences need to be stained, painted, and waterproofed regularly in order to keep them in serviceable condition. Wrought iron fencing also needs to be painted often since it's prone to rust if exposed directly to the elements. But while aluminum will eventually corrode, it's highly resistant to corrosion, so it will stay in great shape for several decades without the need for regular maintenance. You can hose it off every year or so to keep it clean, but even this is optional.
It's often recycled.
If you're aiming to build and maintain a sustainable home, aluminum fencing is a great choice. Though not all aluminum fences are made from recycled materials, it's easy to find ones that are. Opting for aluminum fencing reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfills. Now you know where all of those cans you put in your recycling bin go! Many other types of fencing, such as wood and iron fencing, are made from fresh materials that are more environmentally costly to produce.
It's easy to install.
Aluminum, not surprisingly, is pretty lightweight. This makes it a lot easier to install than fencing made from other metals, like steel or iron. If you wish to install your fence yourself, this is realistic with aluminum -- and aluminum fencing panels are often sold at home improvement stores. Usually, if you go with iron or steel fencing, you'll need to have it installed by a professional since it's heavy and therefore difficult to place properly.
It's easy to shape and customize.
Since aluminum is a bit softer than most other metals used for fencing, it's easier to shape into custom designs. If you want your initials added to the tops of fence posts, a special flower design incorporated into the fence, or a fence that gets narrower in a certain area, custom fence manufacturers can create these features easily with aluminum. With other materials, you may have to settle for a design that's not exactly in line with your dreams.
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