Philadelphia Aluminum Fences

If you're looking for a strong, durable, and attractive fencing system that can easily handle the environmental conditions present in Philadelphia, aluminum fencing might be just what the doctor ordered. Aluminum fences require very little maintenance (especially when compared to wood or wrought iron fences) and are affordable, to boot! To really know if an aluminum fence is right for your home, however, it is beneficial to take a look at both their positive qualities and their negative ones, as well.

Benefits of Philadelphia Aluminum Fences
Aluminum fences are an excellent choice for moist environments and extreme temperatures. This, of course, makes them an excellent choice for Philadelphia. Aluminum fences that are exposed to the elements won't rust like iron or steel, they won't swell like wood, and they are unaffected by freezing or scorching temperatures. Along with vinyl, aluminum is the easiest and most suitable choice for fencing around a pool.

Powder coatings for aluminum fences make them an even more desirable option. A powder coating is a special painting process that actually cures the paint onto the metal and creates an especially tough and binding layer that is unlikely to be disturbed under normal conditions. This means that an aluminum fence with a powder coating will be especially low maintenance, and look good for years and years (such fencing often comes with a warranty that will reinforce this point).

Aluminum is also very lightweight. This makes it cheaper to ship, easier to install, and increases the amount of uses it can be put to. Aluminum can be formed to do many functions that would be difficult with a heavier metal. It also puts less of a strain on hinges and joints than would steel or iron, or, in some cases, even wood! Additionally, aluminum fencing is far less expensive than a material such as wrought iron or mild steel.

Philadelphia Aluminum Fencing Drawbacks
In Philadelphia, aluminum fences have one major drawback: they're not as attractive as other materials when set side by side. Since Philly has so much history, and so much historical architecture, homeowners often prefer to use materials that are of a historical nature that will look good in that kind of setting. When put next to brick or stone, aluminum doesn't carry the same weight as materials such as iron or wood. It also doesn't add the same kind of value to your property that these classic materials do and might be less desirable to prospective buyers.

One situation where aluminum fencing is simply not a great option is when a visual barrier is desired. In most cases, everything inside the fence will be about as visible as it was before the fence was put up. In places where quarters can get pretty close, like Philadelphia, aluminum fences simply do not provide the amount of privacy that a wooden or vinyl fence would.

The Price of an Aluminum Fence in Philadelphia
To install an aluminum fence, Philadelphia residents are looking at a ballpark figure of around $3,500 for larger properties and less than $1,000 for small jobs. Aluminum fencing (and any metal fencing other than chain link or barbed wire) takes longer to install than wood or vinyl; most projects take in the neighborhood of a week or two to complete, while most wood fences go up in only a few days. On the plus side, once it is in, an aluminum fence will require far less maintenance over its lifetime than just about any other fencing material. Any repairs that are necessary will generally be inexpensive, as well (often less than $200).