Buying Tips for Aluminum Fences

Most reputable aluminum fence companies offer life time warranties on their fences due in part to the fact that aluminum fences do not chip, crack or peel. The reason for this is that the aluminum metal’s color is either a baked on enamel or powder coated.

There are a number of aluminum fence manufacturers in the market, each offering their own unique benefits to differentiate themselves from one another. Make sure to review each aluminum fence manufacturer’s website carefully to understand all of the pros and cons of each. In regards to the cons, you’ll need to determine them for yourself by comparing all of the pros from each fence manufacturer. It’s best to create a spreadsheet and to list the aluminum fence manufacturers across the top and the various fence features along the left hand side.

Then check off which features each fence manufacturer offers. Once completed it is fairly easy to figure out which aluminum fence is right for your specific needs.

Keep in mind that you will most likely not be able to buy an aluminum fence directly from the manufacturer, so make sure when visiting each aluminum fence manufacturer’s website to find out what sales distributor is selling the fence in your local area. Though the local sales distributor will know quite a bit about the particular aluminum fence that he carries, it is wise that you do your own upfront research before visiting the distributor. If anything, you’ll at least know what questions to ask and mitigate the risk of being bamboozled into paying too much for the fence.

When shopping for aluminum fences pay close attention to the specifications of the materials used and the fence grade. For example, the gauge or thickness of the aluminum will indicate how strong and durable the fence will be. Also, if welded seams are used for all the joints the fence will also be more rugged. Avoid aluminum fences that have spot or tack welds, or rivets to secure the fence pieces together. Also note that aluminum fences come in three different grades, industrial, commercial and residential.

The aluminum fence distributor should also be able to install the fence for you, or at least give you a list of fence contractors that they normally work with. Also ask him how he recommends the fence to be installed, e.g. setting fence posts in concrete footings or not. You can use this information to help you in the screening process of fence contractors.