What Are The Advantages Of Aluminum Fencing Over Wood?

Congratulations on acquiring your dream home! And a spacious yard to boot.

But as you settle into your new home, you soon realize the property requires a few more improvements to make it 100% habitable. One such project is installing a new fence or upgrading an existing one.

Fortunately, there’s a plethora of fencing materials to pick from. Each option can serve your needs, depending on what you’re looking for.

Aluminum is a top choice for homeowners looking for a durable fencing material, with twice the longevity of traditional wood. But durability alone isn’t the only area in which aluminum fencing outshines its wooden counterpart.

Here are the various reasons to shun wooden fences for aluminum ones.

1. Matchless Durability

Aluminum fencing stands out for its superior longevity. With proper care and maintenance, the fence can last 30 – 50 years. That’s remarkably longer than wood fencing, which has an average lifespan of 10 – 20 years.

The reason aluminum fencing is so durable is that the metal is both rust- and corrosion-resistant. Those properties enable it to withstand adverse weather conditions, such as excess moisture, salinity, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Aluminum fencing is also mold- and pest-resistant. Unlike wood, you don’t need to worry about rotting or pest damage.

2. Impenetrable Security

Security is a critical concern for any homeowner. Even if you live in an affluent neighborhood with low crime rates, there’s no telling when a curious intruder will target your home.

Aluminum fencing boasts a robust build that’s sure to deter any ambitious burglar. It’s far more reliable than wood, which can easily be kicked in when rotten.

Modern fences also come with a lockable mechanism, providing an additional layer of access control.

3. All-weather Protection

When it comes to safeguarding your property from intrusion, you deserve more than a fair-weather fence.

Aluminum is your all-weather ally. The material is largely unaffected by most environmental factors that accelerate wood degradation.

In contrast, wooden fencing can rot during winter’s freezing temperatures and crumble under summer’s searing heat.

4. Flame-retardant

Residential fires have risen dramatically over the years. According to recent statistics, over 344,000 residential buildings caught fire in 2023.

Most home fires are due to cooking. However, some could result from external factors like outdoor barbecues or uncontained bushfires.

Modern aluminum components are remarkably flame-retardant. The material doesn’t catch fire easily, unlike wood, which can fan tiny sparks into raging infernos.

5. Low-maintenance

The fact that aluminum fencing doesn’t rust eliminates the need for regular treatments. No need to stain, paint, or lubricate your fence every other week.

Sadly, the converse is true for wooden fencing.

Aluminum is easy to repair, too. The material hardly warps even under considerable pressure. And if it does, you can quickly restore it by simply repairing the affected panels or pickets.

6. A Design for Every Home

Aluminum fencing comes in diverse styles to suit every home. Pick a simple picket design to give your property a chic look, or larger panels for a bold and sophisticated appeal.

And for enhanced security, consider spear-top options.

Wooden fencing typically lacks this versatility. So, why settle for a cheap fence with zero aesthetics when you can spruce up your property with aluminum fencing?

7. Unhindered Views

If your property is situated at an elevation with panoramic views of the rolling landscapes, the last thing you want is a fence that impedes your ability to take in the sights.

Aluminum fencing is exceptionally sleek. Whether it’s a mesh or picket, you can secure your home while still enjoying the spectacular outdoors.

8. Infinite Recyclability

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable. The material can go through endless recycling cycles while maintaining its quality and build.

In fact, estimates suggest that over half of all aluminum in circulation is recycled.

If your aluminum fencing finally reaches its lifespan and you reckon it’s time for a replacement, you don’t need to chuck the worn-out pieces into the trash. Simply put them up for recycling. What’s more, some recycling companies accept trade-ins.

9. Superior Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

According to the International Aluminum Organization (IAO), recycled aluminum can be up to 95% energy-efficient compared to producing virgin aluminum.

Not only does this reduce production cost for manufacturers. It also minimizes carbon footprint, ultimately helping to save Planet Earth.

Aluminum fencing also regulates heat better due to its reflective properties. While wood is naturally insulating, aluminum can reflect summer’s heat away and harness the slightest warmth during winter’s freezing temperatures.

10. Ease of Installation

Aluminum may be more robust than wood. But it’s incredibly lightweight. The metal’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes it easy to install, especially while working with panels.

To streamline the installation process further, consider modular aluminum fencing designs. These options are far easier to assemble than wooden fences, which usually require installing each board separately.

Wrap Up

Aluminum fencing outshines wood in virtually all critical aspects. From extended longevity to impenetrable security, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly…there’s more than enough reason to install an aluminum fence today.

However, aluminum fences aren’t made equal. You must proceed cautiously to find a product that suits your property’s needs. For unmatched durability, insist on commercial-grade aluminum. It’s better if the material is powder-coated or anodized.

Besides, purchase your aluminum fencing from a reputable manufacturer who offers reasonable warranties. Insist on distributors who provide free or customized installation services, too.

And after getting the fence installed, implement a robust maintenance plan to further enhance its durability. That includes occasional spraying with water to clean dirt and painting to prevent corrosion.