Which fence is right for you in the battle of chain link vs. aluminum fence options? Starting, there aren&#;t many ways around this: chain link fencing isn&#;t that attractive &#; especially when compared to cost-effective, virtually maintenance-free fence materials like aluminum.
But what&#;s the difference between a chain link and an aluminum fence apart from aesthetics?
What are the benefits and downsides of each? And how do you know which fencing type is the best fit for your home?
This guide is going to take you through these questions and more. We will also look at some of the other common questions homeowners have when assessing the benefits of a chain link vs. an aluminum fence.
Let&#;s start by looking at how each fencing type rates according to three different factors: property values, customization, and maintenance.
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A fence is an investment in your home, and the proper fencing can actually increase your property&#;s resale value. This is something to carefully consider when deciding on a chain link vs. aluminum fence for your home.
Chain link may offer a cost-effective solution in the short term, but in the long term, its low aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements, and propensity to rust can actually lower your property value and increase the cost associated with upkeep.
Many homeowners&#; associations (HOAs) and neighborhoods additionally have rules in place restricting the use of chain link fences as well.
Available in a wide selection of styles and colors and highly durable and weather-resistant, aluminum fencing is simply an investment that lasts.
What about customization options for your chain link vs. aluminum fence options?
Like chain link, aluminum fencing is available in near-limitless style and color options. And unlike chain link fences, aluminum fences are also available with various accessories to complement your home&#;s design.
Chain link is just what the name implies, offering little customization.
For example, aluminum fences from Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions in St. Louis are available in 7 standard colors and can even be customized further to match the customer&#;s exact requirements.
Are you looking for something that stands out?
Elegant accessories like ball caps, tri and quad finials, circles, and butterfly scrolls can be added to nearly any aluminum fence design. Plus, these accessories can be powder-coated to match the finish of your fence or may be ordered in a gold finish as well.
These are customization options that chain link fences don&#;t offer.
There&#;s no comparison between chain link vs. aluminum fence options when it comes to maintaining your investment.
Unless coated in vinyl, even galvanized steel used in many chain link fences tends to rust over time. While most can last about 20 years, it will be a real eyesore by the end if it isn&#;t maintained correctly with treatments like mineral oil.
Aluminum fences, on the other hand, are virtually maintenance-free and highly durable. Depending on the fence type, a sturdy aluminum fence can last anywhere from 30 years to a lifetime, especially when you take a few minutes to properly care for your aluminum fence.
Featuring a powder-coated finish, aluminum fences such as those manufactured by Elite Fence Products are virtually impervious to the elements and do not require repainting. Plus, custom colors can be created to match your outdoor décor or architecture.
They most certainly are.
Unlike chain link fences, aluminum fencing won&#;t rust over time. Aluminum fencing also resists corrosion, decay, insect infestation, and almost everything mother nature can throw at it.
While it doesn&#;t have the same impact resistance as ornamental steel fencing, it tends to be far more robust than materials like chain links or wood fencing.
Residential-grade aluminum fence rails can typically support around 350 lbs of pressure.
On the other hand, industrial-grade fencing models can withstand much more than that.
Overall, it&#;s easy to see why a suitable aluminum fence can quickly end up lasting you a lifetime.
Or some may ask what aluminum vs. chain link fence cost differences?
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Well, chain link fencing is undoubtedly less costly upfront compared to other fencing types.
Just have a look at the HomeAdvisor chart provided by HomeLight below.
However, there are a few things to remember here.
First, aluminum fence installation comes in a wide range of prices. When you work with a trusted company that works exclusively with maintenance-free fencing options like aluminum, the costs can be lower than this chart shows.
Second, installation is not the only cost that comes with a fence. There are also ongoing maintenance costs, repairs, and replacements. Cleaning your fence can also take longer than you&#;d like if you choose the wrong materials.
When everything is considered when determining the benefits of chain link vs. aluminum fence options, it&#;s clear that aluminum fencing&#;s superior durability, longer lifespan, and practically zero upkeep make it the more cost-effective solution in the long run.
As you can see, when weighing the benefits of a chain link vs. an aluminum fence for your home, the clear winner is aluminum fencing.
It&#;s more durable, easier to maintain, has various customization options, and can increase your property value compared to chain link fencing. Plus, it&#;s more cost-effective over the long term.
So, if you&#;re on the fence about these two options, aluminum fencing is the way to go.
And if you&#;re in the St. Louis area, Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions is the fencing expert to talk to for your fencing project.
Learn more about the differences and affordable options in maintenance-free fencing from the experts at Maintenance-Free Outdoor Solutions in St. Louis. Visit our showroom or request a free, no-obligation estimate today.
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Undecided on which fence is best for your home? Download our free resource, The Ultimate Guide to Fencing, for help!
In this blog, you&#;ll learn the life expectancy of a chain link fence. Property owners who choose a chain link fence are primarily motivated to secure their property and all that is held within. It could be because of a bad neighbourhood or to ensure their children&#;s and pets&#; safety.
Although not as aesthetically pleasing as wood and metal, chain link fences have become increasingly popular due to their strength, durability, and affordability. When weighing different fencing materials, chain link usually comes out on top from the perspective of practicality and cost-efficiency.
Despite these attributes, many people still wonder how long a chain link fence is expected to last. Before we answer that question, let&#;s look at the components of a chain link fence:
Typically made of galvanized steel, these posts are designed to stay in place and support the entire structure. Galvanization adds an extra layer of protection which helps prevent rust and corrosion. No chain link fence these days can last without strong fence posts.
The top rail is also made of galvanized steel and helps to keep the chain link fence taut across its length. The design concept here is to keep the fence from sagging over time.
The wire mesh, is likewise created from galvanized steel strands woven in a diamond pattern. Some fences use a vinyl-coated material, which provides additional protection against rust and corrosion. Vinyl also adds some aesthetic appeal to the fence.
These keep the chain link fabric firmly attached to the posts and rails, respectively. They also help create tension across the entire structure of the fence.
A chain link gate is used as an entrance into a yard or to keep children and pets safely inside. The gate serves as the entrance to the property and should be of good quality since it&#;s constantly in use.
These components work together to create a sturdy structure that withstands harsh weather conditions. Accordingly, the life expectancy of a well-maintained chain link fence is 20-30 years.
However, some factors will affect the longevity of your fence.
A chain link fence exposed to intense sunlight or extreme temperatures will degrade faster than one with some shade and protection from the elements. The reason is that galvanization will ultimately wear away over time, leaving the metal susceptible to corrosion.
If your chain link fence is close to salt water, it&#;ll likely corrode faster than one away from a body of saltwater. Saltwater accelerates the oxidation process, leading to rust and corrosion. To remedy this, you can apply an epoxy coating to protect the metal from saltwater damage.
Fences overly exposed to human activity will suffer from more wear and tear than a fence with less foot traffic. Activities such as children playing on the fence or people leaning against it will cause some components to break down sooner. Putting a heavy strain on the fence will cause the metal to break down faster. Climbing is a big NO as it can damage the fence and make it less secure. Unlike a steel or wood fence, a chain link variety is not designed to withstand extra weight.
Natural occurrences, i.e., wind, snow, and rain, will also affect the fence&#;s components. Because Seattle is especially known for its wet weather, your job is to check your chain link fence annually, repair any broken components, or tighten the wire mesh if needed.
Snow and rain speed up the oxidation process, so a fence in Seattle will need more attention than one in warm and dry climates. And if your fence is located near trees or plants, it&#;s suggested you trim them back to avoid damage from branches.
The most common repairs for chain link fences include tightening or replacing the wire mesh, patching any holes in the fabric, and replacing corroded posts. If your fence is older, consider coating it with epoxy to preserve its longevity.
The wire mesh is susceptible to loosening because of the way it&#;s woven together. If you notice any looseness in the fabric, it&#;s best to re-string it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It&#;s not like you&#;ll need an expert to do this maintenance task. Grab some pliers, and you&#;re good to go.
Damaged and loosened wire mesh may not appear as an immediate concern, but if you hope to extend the life of your chain link fence, it&#;s best to fix them as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, a hole in the fabric may appear due to human activity or a rusty post. If the hole is small enough, use galvanized wire mesh to patch it up, but if it&#;s bigger than two inches in diameter, you&#;ll want to replace the section with new wire mesh. Again, this job doesn&#;t require much skill or effort.
Corroded posts must be addressed the soonest as well. If the post is beyond repair, replace it with a new galvanized steel post or one coated in epoxy for protection from saltwater. You probably don&#;t realize it, but corrosion quickly weakens the integrity of the entire fence. And when that happens, the lifespan of your chain link fence is cut significantly.
Adding vinyl in chain link fences is becoming a common practice and for good reason. Vinyl-coated fabric provides extra protection against weather and other elements that could cause corrosion. It also adds a little bit of aesthetic appeal to the structure. It allows for additional colour options, thereby addressing the typical downside of having a bland fence.
One downside is that vinyl can get brittle over time. You may need to replace it depending on how often it&#;s exposed to extreme temperatures or sun. But remember this: an added layer of vinyl doesn&#;t compromise the fence&#;s structural integrity in any way. So, if you&#;re willing to invest a bit more money, it may be worth the added layer of protection.
So, the key to extending the life of your chain link fence is proper maintenance. Keep an eye on the fabric, posts, tie wires, and tension bands occasionally. It means more work in the short term, but your effort will certainly pay off in the long run with a fence lasting up to three decades.
For nearly six decades, Town and Country Fence has stood as the premier fencing authority in King and Snohomish Counties in the Seattle area. If you are looking either for a chain link, please give Town & Country a call at 425-775-. We give free estimates and no money down.
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