Key Takeaways: Aluminium Fencing
- Aluminium fencing is becoming one of Australia’s most popular choices because it’s strong, secure, stylish and works well in almost any outdoor setting.
- It delivers the look of steel or wrought iron without the high cost, rust issues, or heavy maintenance.
- Aluminium fences come in three main grades – residential (budget-friendly), commercial (stronger and more durable), and industrial (heavy-duty for high-security or high-traffic areas).
- They are known for excellent durability, lasting 20–50 years with minimal upkeep.
- Aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for Sydney homes, especially near the coast.
- It is lightweight, easy to install and low maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning.
- Environmentally conscious homeowners will appreciate that aluminium is 100% recyclable.
- Downsides include a slightly higher upfront cost than wood, less strength than steel, and minor risks of dents or scratches if not installed or maintained properly.
- With proper installation, aluminium fencing offers long-term value, great looks, and effortless maintenance for Aussie homeowners.
Aluminium fencing is rapidly becoming the top choice for strong, secure and stylish fences. They’re everywhere these days, often blending in so well that you might not even realise they’re not made of iron or steel.
If you’ve ever admired the look of wrought iron fences, you’ll love the fact that aluminium slat fencing can offer similar aesthetics minus all the maintenance hassles and extra costs.In
this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about aluminium fencing, including types, features and benefits. Stick with us to learn how aluminium fencing installation can be used to elevate the privacy and aesthetics of your outdoor settings.
Different Grades of Aluminum Fences
Aluminium fences come in three main grades: residential, commercial, and industrial.
Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing
When you’re shopping around for aluminium fencing, chances are you’ll come across residential-grade options first. Almost every building has one of these, and they’re popular mainly because they’re affordable, easy to find, and perfect if you’re working with a tight budget.
But, you should beware that you’ll get what you pay for. Residential-grade fences are made with lighter materials, which is part of what keeps the cost down. The pickets, for example, are hollow and usually measure about 5/8″ by 5/8″.
Now, that’s fine if you’re just looking for something simple to mark out your yard or keep things looking neat. But then, these pickets can be a bit flimsy. A stray football, a dog trying to squeeze through, or even a bump from the lawnmower, and suddenly you’re looking at bent or damaged sections that aren’t exactly easy to fix.
It’s also not uncommon for pickets to start falling out after a while, which can be a problem if you’ve got a pool to secure or a dog that likes to explore.
At the end of the day, residential-grade aluminium fencing can work well if you know what you’re getting into and don’t expect it to handle a lot of wear and tear.
Industrial Grade Aluminium Fencing
Industrial grade is the heavy-duty option, and it’s built like a tank. This is the kind of fence you’d see around community swimming pools, parking lots, or even factories.
It’s designed for maximum strength and durability, so it’s not something most people install around their homes unless you’ve got a very specific need and a bigger budget.
The pickets in industrial-grade fences are 1 inch thick, and the walls are over a millimetre thick. That might not sound like much, but in the world of fencing, it’s a big deal. These fences can also be welded for extra strength to give them a very seamless, solid look that holds up under pressure.
The powder coating on industrial-grade fences is top-notch. It’s durable and maintenance-free, which is exactly what you want for a fence in a high-traffic area.
Core Features of an Aluminum Fence (What Makes Them Great)
We at Boresi Fencing love aluminium fencing over incredibly favoured timber fencing – and we have our own share of reasons to back up our bias!
Here are the top reasons why installing aluminium fencing in your Sydney home can be a worthwhile investment:
Durability and Longevity
One of the best things about aluminium fencing is how incredibly durable it is. We’re talking decades of use, 30 years, easily, and with proper care, you’re looking at closer to 50. Compare that to something like wood, which can rot, or iron, which is a bit too cosy with rust, and aluminium stands out like a champion.
Affordability
With aluminium, you don’t have to choose between quality and affordability because it basically offers you both. It’s lightweight, so it’s cheaper to make, transport, and install. This also means lower labour costs, which is always a win when you’re looking to save a bit.
What’s even better is that it gives you that high-end steel or wrought iron look but without the hefty price tag.
If you want something durable and good-looking but don’t want to stretch your budget too far, aluminium’s definitely worth considering. You’ll get a quality fence that doesn’t leave your wallet feeling empty.
Corrosion Resistance
If you’re worried about rust, don’t be. Aluminium doesn’t rust like steel, thanks to its non-ferrous nature. Even without the powder-coated finish, it’s naturally resistant to corrosion, which makes it an especially good choice in coastal areas where salty air can wreak havoc on other materials.
Even so, just make sure you choose an aluminium fence with a quality finish to maximise its resistance to corrosion.
Low Maintenance
Unlike wooden fences that need regular painting, staining, and treatments to fend off rot and pests, aluminium fences are pretty much set-and-forget.
A quick rinse with water now and then is all you need to keep your aluminium fence looking its best. And because it doesn’t rust like iron, you won’t have to deal with sanding, repainting, or messy rust treatments.
Environmentally Friendly
Aluminium is 100% recyclable, which means any leftover scraps from manufacturing or old fencing can be melted down and reused.
On top of that, the long lifespan of aluminium fences means fewer materials used over time, which reduces their environmental footprint even further. So, not only are you getting a durable and beautiful fence, but you’re also doing your bit for the planet.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Fences
Here is a very detailed list of the pros and cons of aluminium fences to help with your decision-making:
Pros
- Aluminium fences last a long time and handle tough weather well.
- They’re quite low maintenance.
- Aluminium won’t rust, even in the harshest environments.
- It’s light, so it’s easy to move around and install.
- Aluminium fences can fit any landscape, even on sloped ground.
- You won’t need to keep fixing or replacing parts because it’s built to last.
- It’s a safe material for kids and pets, with no harmful chemicals.
- It’s fire-resistant, so great for bushfire-prone areas.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricier upfront compared to wood or vinyl.
- It’s not as tough as steel, so it might not be the best for security.
- It can bend or dent more easily than something heavier like steel.
- Scratches can show up, especially if the coating gets chipped.
- The colour can fade over time, especially in full sun.
- You can’t customise it as much as wood or wrought iron.
- Some designs can look a bit plain or cheap if you’re not careful.
- If it’s not installed properly, it can lean or get unstable.
How to Maintain Aluminum Fences
Here are tips on how to maintain your aluminium fence:
Give It an Intensive Clean Now and Then
Sometimes, just wiping down your fence won’t cut it. If you need a more thorough cleaning, it’s important to know what to avoid. For starters, never scrub with anything too harsh or abrasive. Your aluminium pool fencing may look tough, but it can be scratched easily if you’re not careful. A bristle brush or a soft scrubbing pad works better than anything rough.
Also, pay attention to the cleaning products you’re using. You’ll want something like a basic degreaser or a product like Simple Green. Stay away from harsh chemicals as they can do more harm than good.
If you’ve noticed water stains on your fence, try using CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover). Just make sure to rinse it well afterwards to avoid any chemical residue.
Rinse It Well
Once you’ve cleaned your fence, don’t forget to rinse it. If you used dish soap or any cleaner, make sure to hose it all off thoroughly. You don’t want any soap residue left behind that can leave marks or attract dirt later on.
Wax It If You Want That Extra Shine
Waxing is simple yet it does wonders for your fence. It prevents oxidation (which is a good thing for aluminium) and helps keep the fence looking fresh. It also protects the finish from wear and tear, so it’ll last longer.
All you need is some automotive wax. After cleaning your aluminium fencing, apply the wax just like you would on a car. You’ll notice the difference, and your fence will look sharp.
Protect Against Physical Damage
You have to be mindful of the things around your fence. Lawnmowers, trimmers, or even falling branches can cause dents or scratches. If you’re trimming near the fence, be extra careful not to knock into it. If your fence is close to a driveway, park your car away from it, so it doesn’t get accidentally damaged.
Check for Damage Regularly
Even though aluminium is strong, it’s still a good idea to check your fence at least once a year for any damage. After a storm, or during a seasonal change, inspect the whole fence for things like loose screws, chips, or scratches. If you spot anything that’s damaged, fix it up right away to avoid bigger problems later.
If you see minor chips or scratches, just sand them down lightly and apply some touch-up paint. It’ll help prevent rust and keep your fence looking as good as new.
Call In Professionals to Give Your Aluminum Fence a Good Treat!
Choosing the right fence is only half the battle. Installing it properly and ensuring it lasts for years is just as important. You need professional fence experts to get the job done. And believe us when we say that we are the experts you need!
Boresi Fencing is known for its high-quality aluminium fences that offer all the benefits we’ve talked about, and then some.
Whether you’re looking to install a brand-new fence or upgrade your existing one, we’re the guys to call when you need a beautiful, secure, and low-maintenance fence.
If you’re ready to get started, give us a call or contact us to schedule your first free consultation.
FAQs
An aluminium fence can last you anywhere from 20 to 30 years or even as long as 50 years if you take care of it. They’re pretty tough and resistant to rust, so once it’s up, it’s there to stay for the long haul.
Just clean it now and then, check for any damage, and keep things like gates working smoothly with a little lubricant.
Generally, cleaning it every six months is enough. But if you’re near the beach or in a dusty area, you might want to clean it a bit more often, maybe once every one to three months to keep it fresh.
