Category Archives: Aluminum Pool Fencing

Wood or Aluminum: Which is Right for Me?

After spending months (sometimes years) of stressful time and planning, you and your loved one step outside on the deck and marvel at your new large yard behind your newly bought home. You gaze upon the neighborhood and watch the neighbors’ kids playing with pets, swinging on swing sets, and jumping in a pool. You see all this and realize you don’t have a fence surrounding your own pool, and that needs to change. But how do you decide which kind of fence is best?

Choosing a fence to surround your home’s yard may seem like an easy choice (and it can be) but there are certain factors to consider before putting the extra money down on your yard. Some questions to ask yourself are whether you’re putting a fence down for privacy or practicality, or whether you mind people seeing into your property or not. Do you want something you can paint to a color of your liking or a classier approach? Do you have a puppy that you don’t want escaping? The options are vast but straight-forward.

Weighing the Options

Fencing material is an important part of the deciding factor. Wood fencing has been around for ages but as time goes on more and more people prefer the streamlined and more modern look of an ornate aluminum fence. Naturally wood fences can provide more privacy, while aluminum fences can be sturdier and last much longer. If you have a pool a subtle aluminum pool fence can match the visual quality of your pool area and bring both elements to a heightened atmosphere. Both have their advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the big purchase.

Choosing Cost

Price is a big deciding factor when buying a fence, and the price of labor is often a forgotten element of the equation. Since wood fencing can often involve being built from scratch, the cost of labor is much higher than aluminum fencing, which generally comes pre-built and segmented. While the cost of aluminum material is generally cheaper than wood, not all woods types are more expensive. The overall size of your yard and thus size of the fence should be considered, as the amount of material and labor can add up unexpectedly.

Maintenance

If you expect to remain in your new home for decades or longer it’s worth considering how much you want to spend on fencing maintenance in the future. Wood is a natural material that can be weathered by the elements much quicker than aluminum fencing and must be repaired or outright replaced over time. If you wish to have a fence for privacy but live in an area known for active tornadoes or harsh weather you should consider such events damaging the wood over time, especially with its predictability. Aluminum fencing can brave almost any weather and is considered much sturdier and more resistant to mold and outside forces.

Fencing your yard may seem like a stressful endeavor at first but the reality of the situation is much simpler. You have questions to ask yourself and understand your intentions with a fence, but the options are there. You’ll be looking at this fence for years, so make it something you like looking at.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial applications. As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered. More information can be found online at https://www.ifenceusa.com/.

Keep Your Pool Safe and Secure By Installing An Aluminum Fence From iFenceUSA

Owning a swimming pool can be a lot of fun however, it also can be a huge responsibility. In ground swimming pools are a backyard luxury that creates a vibe like no other. It is a great attraction when entertaining, for relaxation, and is beneficial for those of us seeking a fun way to exercise. Although we all think of the enjoyment a pool will bring, it is important that we also recognize the associated dangers and work to prevent them.

Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death in young children. The installation of a swimming pool fence and self-closing, self-latching gate are critical in preventing access to the area without adult supervision. Having a fence installed around the perimeter of your pool helps to keep your family and pets from getting into the water when you are not around. Having these layers of protection in place can decrease the risks involved with owning a swimming pool.

There are two main types of fencing that people talk about when discussing pool fencing, permanent and removable. For most homeowners permanent fencing is a better choice. Removable fencing is an option many seniors without children or grandchildren choose as it is easily put in place when visitors stop by but doesn’t need to be present at all times. Removable fencing is often seen around swimming pools that are enclosed by a screened in porch. Permanent fencing is a must for homes where children and pets are present. This ensures that the fence is always in place and doesn’t leave room for error. We are all guilty of turning our backs when we think our children are safely occupied. It takes one second for a tragedy that is completely avoidable to occur.

When it comes to permanent fencing for your pool area, metal fencing is often chosen. Although wrought iron and steel were once popular options, aluminum pool fencing has taken over in popularity. Not only is aluminum swimming pool fence highly durable, it is affordable, easy to install, lightweight, and practically maintenance free. It not only comes in several colors for pool owners to choose from but also a variety of styles as well as having customizable features that are easily integrated. Aluminum pool fence is a great choice for homeowners looking for fencing that meets B.O.C.A. pool safety standards. Specifically, aluminum pool fencing comes with matching aluminum pool gates that have integrated self-closing, self-latching hardware which is required in order to meet safety regulations.

When purchasing an aluminum fence for the perimeter of your pool it is important to research the specific safety regulations in place by your local government as well as your HOA if you are part of one. Most laws specify that perimeter pool fencing must be at least four feet in height. There are also regulations in regard to the placement of pickets so that the fence that is in place is unable to be scaled. Kids can be quite creative when they are going after something they want. The goal of the fence is to prevent that. If you know you have a curious kid, it may be in your best interest to purchase aluminum fence panels that are taller than the recommended 4 feet.

As previously mentioned, having an aluminum gate is not enough when it comes to pool safety. Gates must include hardware that automatically locks upon closing with hardware in place that allows the fence to close without manual intervention. Again, you know your children the best. If you think they have figured out how to use the mechanisms on the fence it is time to add additional safety measures. Safety is all about the layers of protection we add.

To ensure your backyard swimming pool is both entertaining and safe install an aluminum swimming pool fence while you are having the pool is bring installed. There are so many affordable styles, colors, and options that will ensure your backyard oasis is aesthetically pleasing secure!

Creating An Outdoor Space With Purpose

There is a new trend in home improvement, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the interior of your home. The creation of outdoor living spaces takes a boring green lawn without any dimension and turns it into a usable space the whole family can enjoy. Not only can homeowners take their backyards and turn them into a functional space, many outdoor home improvement projects increase home value and outdoor safety.

There isn’t a one size fits all project to choose when considering outdoor upgrades. Consider your family, the size of the space, areas you want to highlight, and the overall purpose you want the space to serve. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want but you know you are ready to take your lackluster landscape and turn it into something that inspires you consider some of the options below.

An Outdoor Living Area

One of the most common trends for homeowners in climates where the temperatures are consistently warm is livable outdoor spaces. Common design elements for outdoor living areas include an outdoor kitchen, access to water, comfortable seating, a space for games, and some may include an area for television viewing. For many this includes the creation of an outdoor covered patio area or a space that is partially covered.

Outdoor living spaces require many of the same elements that are needed within the home such as plumbing, electricity, and gas. Firepits are a popular feature that is often included in outdoor living spaces. Firepits have changed a lot with the addition of outdoor living spaces. Long gone are the metal rings and fires fueled by wood. Instead many homeowners opt to use gas and glass to create a truly unique ambiance.

A Landscape with Purpose

Your landscape should be more than just grass. Create a landscape with a purpose. Create spaces within the landscape using plants, trees, fencing, statues, seating, and such that give the space purpose throughout the yard. This can be done with minimal maintenance required. The last thing most homeowners want is to increase the amount of maintenance required around their homes.

Think about your current landscape. Envision the space divided up into several usable spaces. You don’t have to reinvent the space all in one day. Often landscaping with a purpose is done throughout an extended period of time. A great place to start is to choose a space within your landscape to create a seating area that is sectioned off from the rest of the lawn. Create a platform that sits under a canopy of shade trees. Simple platforms can be created out of concrete or bricks, add comfy seating and tables for drinks and snacks, sit back and enjoy.

A Vacation Oasis

The installation of a backyard swimming pool is another popular outdoor home improvement that is often considered when homeowners want to create an outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Swimming pools are a fabulous way to bring people together as well as enhance the visual appeal of your landscape. When a pool is installed the sky is really the limit from waterfall features to diving boards there is something for every homeowners’ desires.

The most important element when having a pool installed is safety. Inground swimming pools must have a fence and latching gate that encloses the perimeter of the space. Not just any fence will do either, the fence must meet the standards in place by the B.O.C.A. Aluminum fencing is the most popular option amongst pool owners because it is not only attractive but requires little maintenance to keep it looking as sharp as the rest of the landscape does.

Aluminum pool fencing that meets B.O.C.A. standards can be found online at iFenceUSA. Not only are there 18 different aluminum pool fence panels to choose from, homeowners can customize their fence with a number of ornamental features and décor options. Classic black aluminum fence panels are a popular choice for pool owners however, homeowners have 9 different colors to choose from. No matter what fence design is chosen homeowners are sure to make a bold statement with the addition of a beautiful backyard oasis.

An Impressive Entry

Another way homeowner can not only create an outdoor space that speaks volumes but also add security is through the installation of a gated entryway. Driveway gates are terrific statement pieces that offer visitors a first impression like no other. There are a number of types of materials used for entry gates however when looking for a material that is durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance, aluminum is once again your go to. Aluminum driveway gates can be installed in a number of ways from attaching them directly to fencing or grand pillars. Homeowners have a lot of options when enhancing their landscape with a driveway entry gate.

As you can see there are a number of ways to add purpose and increase the attractiveness of your landscape. The exterior of your home doesn’t have to be boring. With a little bit of thought your homes outdoor space can be turned into something special.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation. As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered. More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

Choosing A Fence For Your Backyard Swimming Pool

Pool safety has become more of a hot topic in recent years. Children are naturally drawn to the water which can be a problem when unsupervised outdoors. On average over two hundred young children each year drown because of backyard swimming pool accidents. With the prevalence of swimming pools within the last ten to fifteen years an emphasis on regulating and implementing safety requirements is being seen across the United States. Pool safety regulations, including the installation of fencing, have saved a number of families from experience loss through accidental drowning.

There are three options pool owners have when it comes to installing permanent safety fence for swimming pools including: aluminum fence panels, vinyl, and wood. Below we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all three types of permanent swimming pool fencing.

Decorative Aluminum Fence Panels – BOCA Approved

The most popular material in permanent pool fencing is aluminum in part because it is durable, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing. Aluminum fence panels are coated with a powder coating which offers extreme durability, little to no maintenance, is environmentally friendly, and comes in a number of color and ornamental options that compliment all landscapes.

Wrought iron, although similar in look, is not used around swimming pools as it is more expensive and difficult to maintain, especially from rusting. Residential aluminum fence panels traditionally come in six-foot sections although can be customized into shorter or longer panels if needed. In order to be BOCA approved the aluminum fence that is installed around your swimming pool must be at least forty-eight inches in height, horizontal railings must be at least forty-five inches from the bottom rail to prevent climbing.

Decorative aluminum fencing is perfect for pool fencing when homeowners are looking for an option is pool safety fencing that is low maintenance. It is also a great option for those that wish to see within the pool area from outside of the pool. This works well for families with small children as a parent can visually see children playing outside of the pool in the backyard while supervising children in the pool. The most popular option is black aluminum fencing however is offered in 8 colors and a number of decorative styles to choose from.

Advantages of Aluminum Fencing Include:

Durability
Minimal Maintenance
Unobtrusive
Custom Heights and Widths
Multiple Colors, Styles, & Decorative Options
Open Pickets, Visible from Backyard, Outside of the Pool

Disadvantage of Aluminum Fence Include:

Open Pickets, Not Private

Vinyl

Vinyl is another option that can be used for pool safety fencing. There are two options including solid privacy fencing and picket fencing. Some vinyl panels include lattice or spindles at the top for a decorative accent.

Advantages of Vinyl Include:

Solid Vinyl Is Private
Solid and Picket Styles
Custom Heights

Disadvantages of Vinyl Include:

Only White
Not Mildew Resistance
Pickets and Rails are Bulky
Vinyl Sags Over Time

Wood

Wood is a popular option in fencing. Wood has been an available option in fencing for decades. Wood requires a great deal of maintenance when used as pool fencing. It is a low-cost material that is highly customizable that is a viable option as a permanent pool fence when homeowners are willing to do the work to maintain it.

Advantages of Wood Include:

Customizable in Size and Style
Inexpensive
Able to Be Painted/Stained in any Color

Disadvantages of Wood Include:

High Maintenance
Warps and Twists
Not Resistant to Mold or Mildew

Aluminum Fencing: A Facelift For Your Home and Landscape

Nothing is better than adding to your homes curb appeal while increasing privacy and security. There are a number of aluminum fence and gate styles to choose from which are far more appealing than styles of the past. One of the best elements of aluminum fencing is the ability to be able to choose the grade of fencing from residential to industrial. Thus, making aluminum fencing every bit as strong as you desire with unlimited customization options. Aluminum driveway gates and complimentary aluminum fence panels are a perfect addition to any home.

What Style of Aluminum Fencing Is Right for Your Home?

It is not often that you find yourself shopping for an aluminum fence, is it? The number of styles, features, and options to choose from when customizing your fencing choice. The aluminum fencing of today is far superior to old metal fencing of the past. By choosing the right style, accents, and complimentary features an aluminum driveway gate and fence can completely transform any property.

Aluminum Fence Considerations

Choose an Aluminum Fence That Compliments Your Home, Landscape, and Surrounding Property

There is a wide selection of aluminum fencing and driveway gates online, so it is simple to find a style that will enhance the exterior of your home. iFenceUSA.com offers 18 different styles to choose from, in nine different colors, with hundreds of options to choose from to enhance the look, feel, and usability of your new fence. Aluminum pairs well with all different style of siding including aluminum, stone, brick, stucco, wood, and more. If your desire is to add grandeur, consider the addition of decorative post caps or an ornamental picket style in classic black.

Ornamental Aluminum Fence Accessories

Ornamental aluminum fence designs are ageless and well perceived when installed in both residential and commercial settings. Wrought iron was incredibly popular and the appearance is often sought after in the look and feel of a fence now-a-day. Aluminum fencing can achieve a Victorian era wrought iron fence appearance with ease with the installation of fence embellishments. Achieving this look and feel with wood can be limited and steel can be expensive, aluminum is lightweight, affordable, and easy to install.

Identify Your Priorities

Choosing an aluminum fence style doesn’t have to be difficult. You can narrow down the options by identifying exactly what you want your fence to accomplish. Are you looking for a more decorative fence to spruce up the space or are you looking to add privacy? Is the installation of a driveway gate and perimeter fence needed as a form of security to keep people outside of your space while keeping your kids/pets secure within the property? Once you have identified your priorities you will easily narrow down the perfect style aluminum fence panel.

Aluminum fencing and entry driveway gates not only come in a variety of styles, colors, and offer a homeowner a great deal of functionality. The online, aluminum fencing professionals at iFenceUSA.com can help you through the entire process from measuring, planning, ordering, installation, maintaining, and more.

Why Choose Aluminum Over Other Fencing Materials?

Without a doubt aluminum is the best option in fencing. The pros will outweigh the cons in a battle between aluminum fencing and all other fencing materials, every time. Not only is aluminum the strongest metal fence, it is affordable, easy to install, and is requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking as good as it did when it was delivered.

There are a number of fencing materials to choose from in both commercial and residential settings, but none are as resilient as aluminum. It is a material that has been created to withstand no matter how little or how much it is used. If you are worried about how it will withstand your specific climate, don’t be. Aluminum fences, aluminum gates, and aluminum driveway accesses are guaranteed to withstand the elements. The panels are finished with a special powder-coating that makes their finish fairly indestructible. Powder coated aluminum panels stop moisture, debris, chlorinated water, dirt, and other hazards from harming the metal as well as the surface. Thus, both fencing and gates appear new even after having been installed for years.

Why Aluminum Is Better Than Subpar Fencing Materials?

There are plenty of other fencing materials that people could choose but those some with a myriad of disadvantages over aluminum. Wood is beautiful, there is no denying that. The disadvantages of wood however run the gamut: it is quick to rot, requires time consuming maintenance on a yearly basis, and is not necessarily strong. Chain link is far from attractive or secure. Its main purpose is containment verse aesthetics or security.

Why Aluminum Is the Best Fencing Material for Varied Climates?

It is important that the material you choose for fencing and gates can hold up under any type of weather that it may endure. Whether it be strong wind, heavy rain, hail, snow, chlorinated water, salt water, freezing rain, humidity, dry arid air, or whatever else can be thrown at it, aluminum can withstand. Aluminum comes in four grades: residential, pool/resort, commercial, and industrial. The strongest being industrial. Industrial grade aluminum fence panels are the heaviest and most indestructible of options both commercial and residential users can choose from. Choose the grade that is most acceptable in your application.

Why aluminum Is the Best Material in Fencing Against Unwanted Visitors?

The reason most often given for installing a fence is security. A fence provides the ability to keep animals and kids contained as well as keeping unwanted people and animals out. The benefit with aluminum over other fences is that it makes entry into the area difficult. Aluminum is not easy to scale, pushing it over is not probable, and additional pickets can be added to decrease the space between the pickets for added privacy. Aluminum fence panels can be ordered in a number of widths and heights as well which adds to the security it provides.

The installation of a fence, gate, and driveway entry gate don’t just enhance the aesthtics of your property. They add an element that is similar to your home’s front door; it welcomes entry to those you want and provides security against those you don’t.

The Best Option in Fencing Is Always Aluminum and Here’s Why

There is no reason to struggle when it comes to purchasing a fence for your home or business. No matter where your fence is going to be installed it aluminum fence panels are the solution to your fencing needs.

Aluminum fencing has been a popular option in commercial pool fencing for awhile now. Do you want to know why? The answer is that not only is it simple to plan for and order online, it is also easy to install and best of all DURABLE and practically MAINTENACE FREE! Why spend an entire weekend over the summer cleaning and staining fencing when you don’t have to? Time is precious and the last thing that should consume an entire weekend is fence maintenance.

Choosing the Best Fence Material

Let’s start where we began in the article, pool fencing. Why is aluminum the best option when fencing in the perimeter of your swimming pool? As earlier mentioned, outdoor commercial pools have been choosing aluminum for their fencing needs for years now. Pool water contains chlorine or for some salt water, both corrosive to many fencing materials. Without a doubt the fencing around your pool will get wet and needs to be able to withstand the harsh chemicals. Aluminum is coated with a powder coating that allows the paint to withstand not only harsh pool water chemicals but also the beating of most natural climates.

Another reason that aluminum is used when fencing in swimming pools is because of its overall reputation for safety. In a pool setting the number one concern is safety and aluminum fencing and gates provide both. Aluminum pool gates from iFenceUSA are equipped with self-closing swing mechanisms that automatically latch. This prevents a gate from accidentally being left open. Not only do our aluminum pool gates contain these extra safety devices our aluminum fencing panels are suited to meet B.O.C.A. regulation, narrowing the spacing between vertical and horizontal pickets. This close spacing helps prevent children from climbing the fence to gain access when not supervised.

Less Maintenance

The fence specialists are always answering questions regarding the maintenance of aluminum fence. Most consumers don’t understand how aluminum can look exactly like wrought iron but that it doesn’t rust. What allows aluminum fencing to stay rust free? The answer is that although the oxidation process still occurs with aluminum it doesn’t concern aluminum fencing panels because of the powder coating that is used on top of the panels and posts. The powder coating protects the aluminum from moisture. This protection against moisture creates an environment that is not favorable for rust to form, thus aluminum fencing stays free of rust.

Installation is another common concern surrounding fencing. Although the installation of a fence is a large scaled job, aluminum fencing is easier than most other types of fencing naturally. Can homeowners install aluminum fencing without hiring an installation expert? The answer is an unequivocal, YES!

The entire process from ordering to installation is easier with aluminum fencing. There are several online tools at www.ifenceusa.com for homeowners to use when planning for and installing aluminum fencing. The online ordering options allow homeowners to upload an image of their space and virtually plug in the different styles and sizes of aluminum fencing. Once you have established a layout diagram that you are pleased with ordering is as simple as answering a few basic questions about your landscape. Following the diagram will ensure you order the right number of posts and panels. This diagram will be included in your fencing shipment with detailed installation instructions. Do you remember those paint by number canvas’s we all painted as little kids? Yep, your fence installation can be that simple. Many customers have been blown away by the simplicity of the installation process. This is not to say it is done without some good ole fashion hard work, time, and patience however it can be done without stressful complications that are found with the installation of other fencing materials. You don’t sacrifice quality saving money on installing aluminum fencing with the DIY method.

Aluminum fence panels and gates have an abundance of benefits over other materials available to homeowners and commercial users. Not only is aluminum affordable it offers durability, low maintenance, ease of installation, an abundance of options, styles, and more.

Keeping Children and Pets from Pool Entry Without Supervision

For both kids and adults alike, the best part about summer is when you can spend all day in the water. A swimming pool is also perfect when you have had a long day at work and just want to cool down and relax. One area of concern for many homeowners that install swimming pools is the safety of their family including both the animals and humans. Kids naturally gravitate towards water, especially a swimming pool which is known for play however the last thing you want is for it to quickly turn into a life altering hazard.

On average, 3,500 people die each year because of unintentional drowning accidents. The last thing that you want is for your family to become part of this statistic. That is why it is crucial to take the proper measurements to prevent access to your swimming pool when proper supervision is not in place.

Creating A Barrier: Aluminum Fence Panels

The best way to prevent access to your homes swimming pool is to create a barrier between the swimming pool and the yard. Aluminum pool fencing is easy to install, durable, and prevents access. Insurance companies require a fence to be installed around swimming pools to create a secure barrier, thus limiting the liability placed on the homeowner.

The requirements surrounding pool fence vary a great deal based on the location of the pool, the insurer, H.O.A., and federal regulations. The minimum height of an aluminum swimming pool fence is 48 inches. Other regulations include, self-locking, self-latching gates, minimum space allotments between vertical pickets and horizontal bars. These requirements are put into place as a way to decrease the likelihood that the fence can be scaled hence, increasing the security of your swimming pool.

Premium Security: Self-Closing Aluminum Gate

Although you are wanting to block access to the pool, you are not creating a fortress that isn’t penetrable, thus the installation of an access gate. Although a gate is a useful access point in which to gain entry to your swimming pool it must also be secured when the pool is not in use and supervision is unavailable. Many policies require the gate to have special features for safeguarding your family such as a gate that swings closed (self-closing hinges) when it is not being held open. Upon closing another feature that is often required with the installation of a gate for you pool is that the gate automatically lock (magna-latch) when closed. Self-closing, self-locking aluminum fence and gate systems are a necessity in keeping your family safe.

Wholesale Aluminum Fence: DIY Installation

The aluminum fence that is installed around the swimming pool in your backyard has a crucial purpose, to keep your family safe and sound. iFenceUSA offers wholesale pricing on aluminum fence panels while offering exceptional customer service. From planning, measuring, selecting, and installing your new aluminum pool fence we make the process simple for homeowners. When you purchase online aluminum fence from iFenceUSA rest assured that your aluminum fence and accessories will come factory direct straight to your home with easy DIY installation instructions.

Is Your Fence Eco Friendly?

There are many areas where homeowners consider if their renovation is eco friendly however I bet when it comes to fencing most of us haven’t given it a second thought. Let’s get real, it isn’t the first thing that comes to mind like it may be when choosing decking materials, lighting, insulation, and so on but in reality, it is just as important. Not only will you find aluminum fencing to be a good choice for our environment there are many other advantages to choosing aluminum when looking into fencing materials for your home or business.

There are a number of home remodeling products that come with the eco-friendly label. In part this is done to offer a bit or reassurance to companies and clients alike that they are doing what is right for Mother Nature by making this exact purchase. Not only is important how your purchase affect the environment it is crucial that they are also useful to you and meet your needs better than other options available to you. There are a number of ways that are straightforward and simple to implement when it comes to eco-aware however, it can be a bit more difficult in larger investments for around your home such as the purchase of a new fence and gate.

There are a number of materials that fencing is created from. Popular options throughout history have included chain link, wood, vinyl, wrought iron, electric, and aluminum. Wood is an obvious eco-friendly material in fencing however, wood fences come with a number of drawbacks as well. Unlike aluminum or other metal fencing wood needs constant maintenance and is not known for longevity. Vinyl fence is far from eco friendly as it is created with a number of chemicals. Classic black wrought iron fencing is a popular and eco-friendly option however it can be quite costly. Aluminum is a less expensive, equal quality alternative.

What Do You Recycle?

One of the most recycled materials is aluminum. Aluminum is used in a number of applications because it is not only lightweight it is easy to manipulate. Although lightweight is not something most of us would equate with strength in fencing it is important to note the strength comes from the grade of aluminum used and not the overall weight of the aluminum fence panel. Aluminum fence grades have been established to ensure customers get a fence that will meet the environmental requirements of its environment. Residential aluminum gates and fences will not see the same amount of traffic as commercial gates and fencing therefore it does not need to be as heavy duty thus the four common grades of aluminum fencing: pool/resort, residential, commercial, and industrial.

Another benefit of aluminum vs wrought iron is the coating that is applied to keep it from oxidizing. Aluminum fence is powder coated which allows it to keep its look as it ages. A ten-year-old aluminum fence panel will look as good as a newly installed aluminum fence because of this unique powder coating. There will never be a need to repaint or stain your aluminum fence, this in itself is eco-friendly as well as consumer friendly. Less maintenance is always beneficial to busy homeowners.

Aluminum fence panels are a great alternative to fencing for homeowners and business’s alike not only because of the many benefits such as durability, easy upkeep, quick installation, and so on but also because it is good for Mother Nature. When your fence has reached the end of its life cycle it is simply recycled into something new.

Caring for Your Aluminum Fence in the Winter

It’s evident that winter is coming. The temperatures have dropped from the high seventies to the low fifties in just a week. Colder temperatures along with the extreme weather that winters here in Michigan bring can do some serious damage to the maintenance of your home and property, including the aluminum fence that encloses the perimeter of your home. During winter, perception is known to come down in multiple forms including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. We have been known to have a complete thaw one day and freezing ice and snow the next. Winters in Michigan can do some serious damage to your fence. To avoid this there are a number of precautions that can be taken to prevent damage to the fence come spring.

Landscaping around the fence is one of the best things that you can do for your fence. Proper landscaping prevents the full weight of the snow from leaning up against the panels. It is also important that trees that overhang the fence are properly trimmed back. This helps to prevent tree limbs from falling on the aluminum fence. Snow and ice are heavy and can potentially fall on the fence and damage the panels. Properly trimming trees prevents this from occurring.

Snow should never be allowed to pile up around the fence. One way to help prevent this is by removing the build up of leaves and debris from around the fencing panels in the fall. Without the leaves sitting up against the fence collecting moisture, going through the freeze thaw process, the fence should stay in good condition. Leaves lock in moisture which causes fence damage, warping, and rust.

Maintenance throughout the winter is always necessary as snow should always be moved away from the fence using a rake or shovel. Without the snow built up around the fence it can evenly melt and allow the fence to uniformly dry out.

Maintenance is a key element in keeping your home in top shape. The same is true of your aluminum fence. If you begin to notice small damage to the fence be sure it is quickly taken care to prevent further, bigger issues down the road. If there is damage to the posts they can quickly become weakened and may not withstand the shrinking and expansion that comes with the freeze and melt of the winter weather. Repairs and maintenance need to be kept up on to prevent small repairs from becoming major problems down the road.