Are Aluminum Fences Really Maintenance-Free?

When homeowners search for fencing that is stronger than wood, less prohibitively expensive than wrought iron and more attractive than chain link, they often turn to aluminum fencing as a viable alternative. These fences are frequently touted as capable of lasting a lifetime with no maintenance necessary, but what is it about aluminum that makes it so durable? Can anyone really claim to make a maintenance-free fence? Read on to learn whether or not these commonly listed benefits of aluminum fencing hold up to scientific scrutiny. 

Resisting Corrosion and Rot

The major disadvantage to both wood and iron fencing is that they will eventually succumb to rain, snow and humidity. Wood rots, and iron rusts, rendering both useless within a few decades. Aluminum, on the other hand, does not corrode at all, which is why it is used so often in the construction of airplanes and boats. When aluminum is exposed to oxygen, a thin layer of aluminum oxide forms over its surface. This aluminum oxide becomes inert when exposed to water, preventing rust from forming in the aluminum below. Basically, aluminum does not corrode because it forms its own permanent shield against incoming water, protecting your fence for its entire lifetime. 

Enduring the Elements, People and Wildlife

A fence that resists rusts for decades is all well and good, but any fence that can't withstand some punishment will quickly become useless. Aluminum sometimes garners a flimsy reputation thanks to its association with aluminum foil, but it is actually a surprisingly sturdy metal. Although not as hard or strong as steel, aluminum alloys compare favorably to iron in terms of yield strength, and aluminum is also much lighter and more elastic than iron. 

Protecting the Fence With a Durable Coating

Most aluminum fences are treated with some kind of coating before they are installed to help protect the metal beneath and improve the fence's appearance. Typically, you will have a choice between powder coating and baked enamel. Both of these coatings offer advantages and disadvantages. Powder coating is more environmentally friendly, while baked enamel can provide a glossier finish, but their overall quality is more reliant on the manufacturing standards of your fencing contractor than inherent differences in their chemical structure. 

Maintaining an Attractive Appearance

All of these factors combine to create an aluminum fence that is resistant to the rust, rot, dents and scratches that plague the owners of other types of fences. This supports the idea that aluminum fencing is the best combination of durability and affordability available on the market, and though your fence may not be entirely maintenance-free, it will require much less work to remain attractive and functional over the course of your lifetime. 

For more information, contact Affordable Fence & Screen or a similar company.