Thinking about installing a fence around your property? Aluminum and vinyl fencing are superior to other types of fences for various reasons. This article will highlight a few of the inherent advantages of aluminum fences and vinyl (PVC) fences.

Neither vinyl nor aluminum fences require any painting—ever. Wood fences don't necessarily require painting, but even an unpainted wooden fence will need to be stained and finished to protect it from water. Wood finish wears thin over time. Anything outdoors that's made of wood needs to be periodically refinished. If you prefer a white picket fence and you use wood, you will need to repaint the fence regularly, since paint chips and cracks over time.

Termites and other wood-destroying insects must be taken into consideration when choosing a fence type. You will never have to worry about finding holes burrowed into a vinyl fence or aluminum fence. Wood fences can be chemically treated to protect them from termites, carpenter bees, and other destructive vermin, but this is an additional cost that must be factored into the equation. Also, wood typically requires periodic retreatment. Wood fences are also subject to wood rot. Newer wood fences are often treated to inhibit wood rot, but vinyl and aluminum fences do not require any kind of treatment, because they don't rot at all.

Vinyl is subject to chipping and cracking under intense heat, but wood is subject to similar problems. If durability is a concern, an aluminum fence may be the ideal solution for you. Wood fences are less likely to stand up to brutal winds in the event of a hurricane than aluminum. However, the strength and durability of vinyl fencing is not to be underestimated. Vinyl is significantly stronger than most kinds of wood. In the absence of extreme weather conditions, vinyl will generally hold up as well as aluminum. Both types of material will generally hold out longer than wood.

Chain link fences are just plain ugly. Both vinyl and aluminum fences are far superior aesthetically to a chain-link fence, and many homeowners' associations will not approve chain-link fences. Their appearance is likely to not only lower the value of your home, but also lower the value of your neighbors' homes as well. Iron fences are more expensive than aluminum and vinyl fences, and they are subject to rusting over time. Sheet metal fences are suited for industrial and commercial use, but they are generally not usable for most residential installations. Sheet metal fences are solid and designed for function rather than form.

Cleaning is generally an easy thing to do when it comes to, aluminum fences as well as vinyl fences. Vinyl fences can generally be pressure-washed with no need for special chemicals. You might even get away with just spraying them down with a hose every now and then. The same is true of aluminum fences, even when they have been colored with a powder coating. Unlike wood fences, you don't have to worry about warping with either of these types of fencing.

Aluminum and vinyl fences are generally the most cost-effective types of fences for most homeowners today.

For the reasons listed above, aluminum fences and vinyl fences have become the gold standard in modern residential perimeter fencing. Unless you have an unusual situation or highly-specialized needs, one of these types of fences is most likely the best choice for you. Consult with a fencing contractor in your local area to help determine the best solution for your home and your property.

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