Vinyl Fence Versus Aluminum Fence: Advantages and Drawbacks
Posted by Dawn Lowndes on Sun, Sep 19, 2010 @ 03:17 PM
Who wins in the race between vinyl and ornamental aluminum fence?
Which fence is the top pick in for your specific commercial or residential needs?
This can be a confusing decision on for the general public. The overall fence look you want and color selection must be accounted for, but the real judging points on who wins when making the choice between Vinyl (PVC) and aluminum fencing are security, gate configuration, and privacy. Read the advice below to make an easy and expertly informed pick.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl fence has the hands down advantage against ornamental for privacy!
Because of its complete privacy application, vinyl fence is perfect for back yards, pool enclosures, perimeter fences and dumpster or mechanical enclosures. Vinyl privacy fences 6’ or 8’ high are attractive long lasting and almost maintenance free.
Little to no maintenance is gives vinyl a slight advantage in the race, but ornamental fence is also low maintenance. A simple occasional wash with soap and water is all it takes to keep this vinyl as beautiful as the day it was installed.
The main difficulty with vinyl fence is its gate limitations Vinyl fence does not meet the material conditions for large gate uses. It simply cannot be made as security conscious as it aluminum counterpart. Read on in ‘gates’ for the vinyl’s limitation factors. This is the number one factor in the vinyl versus aluminum decision!
Aluminum Fences
Security is definitely Ornamental aluminum’s advantage in the competition.
When looking to improve the security and look to any office building, apartment complex, etc. commercial grades are always the best choice. Heavy duty and decorative gates can easily be equipped with automated electric operators and access controls for added security and ease of entry and operation. Selecting commercial and industrial grades of this product will improve the overall security that is achieved by aluminum fencing. Residential grades are somewhat less secure but are an ideal solution for keeping children and pets in or out of the back yard. Pool styles also offer attractive and secure protection to any back yard pool.
The main drawback of aluminum fence is that it doesn’t offer the same amount of privacy as vinyl unless fill-in panels are added. These panels can take away from the traditional ornamental look of the fence. Going for the traditional wrought iron look of aluminum will be significantly altered in a privacy application.
Gates
Many customers need larger gates and ornamental gates can be made huge.
Aluminum gate sizes vary from 3’ wide walk gates to 30’ wide slide gates. Aluminum gates install and work with ease. Self-closing hinges, pool latches, magnetic latches, gate operators and access controls for lager gates work well with the aluminum fence. These gates are easily used for automated access control systems. Aluminum gates also work smoothly and reliably to meet standardized pool codes.
Vinyl Gates are only manufactured in sizes from 3’ wide single panel swing gates to 12’ or 16’ wide double panel swing gates. Large gates are usually constructed with pipe posts and frames and vinyl fence panels then attached. Vinyl products are rarely used in automated systems.
Cost of Aluminum and Vinyl fence
The costs of these installations are about the same relative to size. Obviously the price goes up as the size of the fence increases. Large ornamental aluminum gates will cost more than smaller sized vinyl ones.
Color
Ornamental Aluminum Fences are available in a variety of styles, sizes and grades for almost any fence requirement. The standard powder coating colors of green, brown, white and black give years of attractive protection. Ornamental color variations are currently being increased but specific suppliers do produce custom colors.
Although, most vinyl fences are white many manufacturers are offering several color selections as well as wood grain and textured surfaces.
The final winner in the vinyl versus aluminum fence choice of depends on whether you want privacy or security. Vinyl is a great for privacy and aluminum fence is excellent for security!
Article contribution by fence professional Terry Lewis.