Putting up a new fence sounds simple enough until you’re knee-deep in choices. Around Portsmouth and across Hampton Roads, two materials show up again and again: aluminum and vinyl. Both are made to handle our salty air, both save you the yearly cycle of sanding and staining that wood demands, and both look sharp in their own way.
The real trick is deciding what you want out of your fence. Is it privacy? Is it curb appeal? Or maybe just something that won’t fall apart after the third Nor’easter blows through.
Contact us online or call our Portsmouth Office today at (757) 853-5669 to get your free quote!
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The Case for Aluminum: Open and Architectural
Aluminum works best when you want to frame a space instead of close it off. It looks like iron fencing from a distance but without the rust, the peeling paint, or the heavy price tag.
Because the pickets are slim and evenly spaced, it’s a fence that defines your property line without shouting “Keep Out.” People often put it in the front yard, around a pool where visibility is important, or at the entryway of a subdivision. Commercial sites use it too—warehouses, schools, even municipal parks—because it delivers security and still lets people see through.
Another thing worth noting: aluminum is surprisingly forgiving on sloped yards. A rackable design means it adjusts to hills and dips without leaving awkward gaps at the bottom. And once it’s in, you won’t spend weekends patching rust or repainting; usually a quick rinse with the hose gets rid of pollen or dirt. The powder coating is baked on at the factory, so it won’t flake off. In short, this is the kind of fence you install and then forget about (in the best possible way).
The Case for Vinyl: Solid, Private, and Quiet
Vinyl sits at the other end of the spectrum. It’s not about openness, it’s about containment. The panels lock together edge to edge, forming a clean wall that shuts out sightlines and muffles noise from the street.
Homeowners in Portsmouth neighborhoods like Churchland or Port Norfolk often go this route when the backyard backs right up to another house. It’s also a favorite for townhome communities, or anywhere the HOA wants consistency and privacy. You can dress it up, too — lattice tops, scalloped edges, and even faux-woodgrain finishes are all on the table.
One of vinyl’s biggest strengths is its stubbornness against the elements. It doesn’t soak up water, it doesn’t rot, and insects can’t touch it. Maintenance is basically soap, water, and a brush when you feel like it (though white vinyl will need a little more elbow grease to stay bright). No sanding, no sealing, no endless weekend projects.
And the lifespan? Most installations are still standing strong 25 to 30 years later. Some even longer.
Weather, Wear, and Portsmouth’s Coastal Air
The Tidewater climate isn’t gentle. We deal with high humidity, salty breezes, and the occasional hurricane-strength storm. That’s where aluminum and vinyl both prove their worth.
- Aluminum: Naturally resistant to corrosion, won’t rust, and the factory finish holds up for decades. You can expect 30+ years without major issues.
- Vinyl: Immune to water and bugs, and it shrugs off UV damage better than painted wood ever could. With routine rinsing, it holds its color and form for decades as well.
In terms of storm performance, aluminum usually edges ahead. Its open picket design lets the wind pass through instead of pushing against solid panels. Vinyl can act like a sail in extreme gusts, though properly anchored posts and reinforced rails make it tougher than most people think.
If you live right on the Elizabeth River or in an open lot that catches every gust, aluminum might be the safer bet. In a tucked-in neighborhood, vinyl does just fine.
Privacy, Security, and Local Codes
Function is as important as aesthetics.
- Aluminum: Great for security where visibility matters—pool fencing, front yards, gated communities. It’s harder to climb than chain link, and spear-top pickets add another layer of deterrence.
- Vinyl: Best for privacy and noise reduction. Solid panels block views entirely, which makes them perfect for backyards, dumpsters, or mechanical enclosures at commercial sites.
Both can meet BOCA pool safety codes if installed correctly, though aluminum is usually the path of least resistance there.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Most people are surprised to find that aluminum and vinyl cost about the same upfront. Vinyl can creep higher when privacy panels are involved, and aluminum can run pricier if you go with ornate styles. The bigger difference shows up over time: neither needs the constant maintenance of wood, which saves real money over decades.
Choosing the Right Fence
It boils down to what you value most:
- Want openness and a clean architectural look? Choose aluminum.
- Want privacy, noise reduction, and a solid barrier? Go with vinyl.
Since 1994, Hurricane Fence Company has helped property owners across Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach find the right solution for their space. We know the quirks of coastal weather, HOA rules, and local codes — and we’ll help you weigh not just the upfront cost but the long-term value.
Thinking about a new fence? Call our Portsmouth office at (757) 853-5669 or reach us online. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure the fence you choose is built to last.
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