Pittsburgh Aluminum Fences

Aluminum is an extremely versatile material. It has several applications around the home and can be seen in furniture, siding, cabinetry, and many other settings. One of the most popular and practical uses for aluminum in the home improvement world is that of fencing. In Pittsburgh, aluminum fences have many qualities that go well with the local environment and make it a good choice for your property.

Benefits of an Aluminum Fence in Pittsburgh
Probably the most striking benefit of aluminum fencing in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas is its resistance to moisture. With three rivers, plentiful rainfall, and snow in the winter, Pittsburgh has moisture to spare. When other common fencing materials such as wood and iron are subjected to such conditions, they require significantly more maintenance than aluminum does. Aluminum doesn't rust like iron or steel, and it doesn't swell, bow, or split like wood, even after many years of exposure. This makes it an excellent choice for yards, but an exceptionally good choice for use around a swimming pool.

Pittsburgh also goes through seasonal changes that require outdoor materials to deal with both sub-freezing temperatures in the winter and scorching heat in the summer. While this causes wood and vinyl to expand and contract (and in the case of wood, promotes premature aging), aluminum is only mildly affected, at best.

Aluminum is also available in many different styles and colors. One common treatment for aluminum fencing is called powder coating, a process that actually cures paint onto the metal. Powder coating creates an extremely tough and durable layer of paint that is unlikely to become damaged despite the varying and sometimes-harsh conditions found in Pittsburgh. Aluminum fencing with a powder coating often carries a lifetime warranty (always a good sign).

Drawbacks of Pittsburgh Aluminum Fencing
Though the benefits are many, there are still a few things about aluminum fencing that some homeowners might not like. First, in general, aluminum fencing is not the best material for those looking for privacy. Aluminum and other metal fences simply aren't designed for this purpose. Those looking to create a visual barrier would be much better off using wood or vinyl.

Aluminum as a material also doesn't add as much value to a property as some other options do. Wrought iron and wood fencing are generally considered more desirable materials because of their long history of use, as well as their aesthetic qualities. While aluminum will certainly function just as well as a physical barrier or property line, these older materials are generally considered more valuable.

Pittsburgh Aluminum Fencing Prices
To purchase and install an aluminum fence, Pittsburgh prices should average about $3,500, which is a little more than wood, but far less than wrought iron. If you consider how little maintenance aluminum requires when compared to wood, and how much longer it will last without needing to be replaced, the difference in price between the two actually favors aluminum. When repairs are necessary, they are generally very inexpensive ($350 is the average). Aluminum fencing, and indeed all metal fencing other than barbed wire or chain link, takes a week or two to install.