Vinyl Fence vs. Aluminum Fence
Deciding between vinyl or composite fence and Ornamental Aluminum Fence can be a bit daunting for the consumer. There are a couple factors you many want to take into consideration before making a well-informed decision about how you choose to enclose your outdoor space. These fencing aspects are: privacy, maintenance, gate configuration, fence cost, and color selection.
Privacy:
When it comes to privacy, vinyl pulls ahead. With fence heights reaching up to 6’ or 8’ and its solid state, vinyl is perfect for back yards, pool enclosures, perimeter fencing, and dumpster or mechanical enclosures. Aluminum can only offer similar privacy if fill-in panels are added. However, these panels take away from the traditional ornamental look of the fence.
Maintenance:
Requiring little to no maintenance vinyl has a slight edge over aluminum. Though ornamental fence is also low maintenance, a simple occasional wash with soap and water is all it takes to keep this vinyl as beautiful as the day it was installed.
Gate configuration:
For many buyers’ larger gates are a must have. With ornamental aluminum, these demanding sizes can be met. Aluminum gate sizes vary from 3’ wide walk gates to 30’ wide slide gates. Features such as self-closing hinges, pool latches, magnetic latches, and gate operators and access controls for larger fences all work wonderfully with aluminum fence. Aluminum gates also work to meet standardized pool codes. Vinyl Gates are only manufactured in sizes from 3’ wide single panel swing gates to 12’ or 16’ wide double panel swing gates. Large gates are usually constructed with pipe posts and frames, to which the vinyl fence panels are then attached. Vinyl products are rarely used in automated systems.
Cost:
The cost of installation for either material is about the same, relative to size. Naturally, the price goes up as the size of the fence increases. Large ornamental aluminum gates will cost more than smaller sized vinyl ones.
Summary:
Overall, the best option in todays market, the most bang for your buck would be a vinyl fence! In the long term, vinyl will outlast aluminum, wood, chain link or any other fence options you may be looking into. For any questions or a free estimate, give us a call at 804-353-6030!
