Aluminum fence is a popular option for homeowners who want to add security and aesthetics to their yard. It is lightweight, durable and requires little maintenance, which makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications. It can be used to protect your yard from intruders and pets, and it also offers a beautiful backdrop for landscaping and other outdoor projects.
Choose a Style That Matches Your Property
The most common aluminum fence styles include the traditional picket and privacy styles, along with more contemporary options that may be more appropriate for modern homes. These include flat tops with all the pickets between two rails, and spear tops, which are the same length as the pickets but have pointed finials on top.
Depending on the style of your house, you may consider a color that matches your home’s exterior. This could be a warm hue or one that has an industrial look. If your house’s facade features a lot of natural elements, you can try a shade of green or brown.
Installing Aluminum Fencing
Once you have determined the type of fence that is right for your property, you’ll need to order all the materials needed to build it. Thankfully, it’s an easy DIY project that most average homeowners can tackle on their own.
Before you begin, it’s important to know the exact measurements of your fence posts and how to space them properly. You’ll have one post for every end of the fence, as well as one or two gate posts per gate and a corner post every time your fence turns. Then, you’ll need line posts for each section of the fence that is not attached to gate, end or corner posts.
Start by inserting a stake into each post so you can gauge its center. This will prevent you from making an error and reworking your fence layout.
Next, you’ll need to attach each of the pre-punched aluminum fence posts into place. The fence posts are designed to be corner pieces, end or gate posts, and line posts. They have holes punched on both sides of the post, but you’ll need to punch your own holes in each post if you want to customize your fence.
Racked Installation for Slopes
If you’re installing your aluminum fencing on a sloped yard, you’ll need to install the fence sections at an angle to avoid creating gaps between the sections. This is known as racking, and it’s best done on a grade of 10 degrees or higher.
As with any do-it-yourself project, you should be prepared for the time it takes to complete the work. It can take a long time to slot the fencing sections into the posts and install them, so plan your project accordingly. You may want to make a schedule for the work and have some help available, or you can hire a reputable Houston fence company to do it for you.
The main advantage of aluminum fence is that it’s highly weather resistant and corrosion-resistant, which means it won’t rust. This helps it hold up better to rain, hail, snow and ice than other fence types. It’s also durable enough to last decades, and many manufacturers offer a lifetime limited warranty on their aluminum fence products.