When homeowners begin researching ornamental fencing materials, the aluminum vs steel fence debate often takes center stage. As a professional fencing contractor who has overseen more than 200 fence installations this year alone, Thrive Fencing can provide clear insights into why these materials perform differently in real-world applications. Understanding the distinctions between ornamental aluminum fencing and steel fencing is essential for making an informed investment in your property.
Strength and Durability: Steel Fence vs Aluminum Fence
The difference in strength between steel and aluminum fencing materials becomes evident in daily use. Consider this practical comparison: just as you can easily compress an aluminum beverage can but find it challenging to dent a steel can, the same principle applies to fencing materials. This fundamental difference in material strength significantly impacts long-term performance.
Real-World Performance Examples
Recently, we removed an aluminum fence surrounding a residential pool area. Approximately 20% of the aluminum panels showed noticeable damage from normal daily household activities such as balls, pets, and more. The homeowners ultimately opted to replace it with ornamental steel fencing around their entire property, improving security and expanding their usable yard space for their pets.
Another customer called us to replace the fence around their home. Their home was located near a wooded area, where the existing aluminum fence developed multiple dents and deformations, likely from wildlife encounters. A steel fence installation in a similar setting would maintain its structural integrity despite facing the same environmental challenges.
Maintenance Requirements of Metal Fencing Materials
Understanding maintenance requirements becomes a significant factor in the decision-making process when evaluating fencing and gates. While aluminum and steel fencing materials promote low-maintenance benefits, their real-world upkeep needs differ substantially.
Aluminum Fence Maintenance (i.e. Rust Considerations)
Ornamental aluminum fencing does offer one advantage: it naturally resists oxidation. When the finish gets scratched, the base material won’t rust. However, this benefit often becomes moot when considering structural damage that requires complete panel replacement.
Steel Fence Maintenance Considerations
Steel fencing requires minimal but specific maintenance protocols:
· Annual inspection of fasteners and connections
· Prompt attention to any paint scratches with primer and touch-up coating
· Optional periodic cleaning to maintain aesthetics
Recently, a commercial property owner contacted us regarding a steel fence that required minor touch-up painting after five years of lawn service interactions. Compare this to an adjacent property’s aluminum fence that needed multiple panel replacements during the same period due to similar maintenance activities.
Weather Performance and Climate Considerations for Aluminum vs. Steel Fences
Different climates present unique challenges for fencing materials such as steel and aluminum. Our extensive experience in the Midwest provides valuable insights into how these materials perform under various weather conditions.
Wind Resistance: Steel vs Aluminum Fence
Steel fencing demonstrates superior performance in high-wind conditions. During a recent severe storm, we documented how steel fencing maintained its structural integrity while a neighboring property’s aluminum fence sections showed noticeable flexing and fastener loosening.
Regional Climate Factors
Various environmental conditions affect fencing materials differently:
· Humid Conditions: Both materials perform well, though steel requires prompt attention to any coating damage
· Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Neither material shows significant deterioration from temperature fluctuations when properly installed
· High-Wind Areas: Steel fencing provides noticeably better stability and durability
Property Value Impact
A recent project perfectly illustrates how fencing choices impact property values. Our clients, who were building an $800k new construction home in an upscale neighborhood, initially considered chain link fencing as a cost-saving measure. Their decision sparked immediate concern from neighboring homeowners, particularly regarding the potential impact on area property values.
The situation highlights an important consideration in fencing selection: the relationship between property value and fencing materials. When investing in a higher-end home, selecting appropriate fencing materials becomes integral to maintaining the property’s overall value. An ornamental steel fence enhances the property’s aesthetic appeal, provides robust security, and maintains neighborhood property values. Simply put, choosing appropriate fencing materials extends beyond immediate cost considerations to include long-term property value implications.
Customization Options for Ornamental Fencing
Selecting the right fencing material opens various design possibilities, with both steel and aluminum fencing offering different levels of customization.
Steel Fencing Design Options
Ornamental steel fencing provides robust customization choices:
· Panel widths: Standard 6-foot or 8-foot sections
· Multiple height configurations
· Color selections (black remains most popular)
· Custom panel modifications for terrain adaptation
Custom Gate Solutions
At Thrive Fencing, we’ve developed specialized options for gate customization:
· Slope-matched gate designs eliminating ground gaps
· Custom welding for unique property requirements
· Special application solutions for challenging landscapes
Steel Fencing Provides for Custom Gate Installation
Recently, we completed a challenging installation requiring a custom-welded gate following a 15-degree slope. The property owner had previously attempted an aluminum solution that left significant gaps at the bottom. Our steel gate solution provided both aesthetic appeal and complete security for their pets.
Safety Considerations in Design
While ornamental fencing offers various decorative options, our experience guides us toward safety-focused designs. For example, we strongly advocate for smooth-top rails rather than decorative finials based on documented incidents. One particularly sobering example involves wildlife injury (deer jumping over the fence, getting “stuck” on the finials – a google search will provide many graphic examples) from pointed finials, leading us to recommend safer alternatives that maintain aesthetic appeal without compromising safety.
Environmental Impact and Security Features of Metal Fencing
When comparing aluminum vs steel fence options, environmental considerations become increasingly significant in the selection process. After removing an old aluminum fence from a residential property, you want to separate undamaged panels for resale in the secondary market while ensuring all remaining materials enter the recycling stream. Both ornamental aluminum fencing and steel fencing materials offer complete recyclability, though aluminum fencing components typically maintain higher scrap value.
Our sustainable installation practices for both steel and aluminum fencing focus on minimizing environmental impact through careful ground preparation, strategic material ordering, and efficient installation patterns. We source materials locally when possible, reducing transportation emissions while supporting regional suppliers of fencing materials such as steel and aluminum.
Security applications demonstrate a clear distinction between steel vs aluminum fences. A recent project at a local school exemplifies the superior strength of ornamental steel fencing. The installation incorporated 8-inch square steel bollards with internal cable reinforcement systems and concrete-filled posts, creating a crash-rated barrier that no aluminum fence could match. The commercial-grade steel panels provide exceptional security while maintaining an attractive appearance.
For residential properties, traditional fencing materials like wood often fall short of security requirements. Steel fencing offers robust protection against tampering and forced entry while providing the stability needed in severe weather conditions. Unlike aluminum, steel fencing creates a reliable barrier for both pet containment and child safety. This became evident in a recent installation where homeowners upgraded from aluminum to steel fencing after their pets damaged the lighter-weight aluminum panels.
Our extensive experience with fencing materials confirms that steel fencing offers superior security features for both residential and commercial applications. Whether installing a fence for enhanced perimeter protection, child safety, or property value preservation, steel consistently outperforms aluminum in strength and durability while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.
Selecting the Optimal Metal Fencing Solution
The data and experience from our extensive fence installations clearly demonstrate why ornamental steel fencing consistently outperforms aluminum in most applications. While both materials offer specific advantages, steel fencing provides superior value, durability, and security for the majority of residential and commercial applications.
Making an Informed Fencing Decision
Consider these key factors when selecting your fencing material:
· Long-term Investment Value
· Property value enhancement
· Durability and lifespan
· Maintenance requirements
· Security considerations
Professional Recommendations for Different Applications
Residential Properties
Steel fencing offers optimal solutions for:
· Family homes with active children
· Properties with pets
· Homes requiring enhanced security
· Architectural enhancement projects
· Pool safety compliance
Commercial Properties
Steel fencing provides superior performance for:
· School and institutional security
· Commercial property protection
· High-traffic areas
· Parking facility security
· Campus perimeter protection
Expert Consultation for Your Fencing Project
Selecting the right fencing material represents a significant investment in your property. At Thrive Fencing, we provide comprehensive consultations to ensure your fencing solution meets both current requirements and long-term objectives. Our expertise in metal fencing installation, backed by hundreds of successful projects, enables us to offer informed recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Thrive Fencing to schedule a professional consultation for your ornamental steel fencing project. Our team serves the Ames / Ankeny area with expert installation services, detailed product knowledge, and proven installation methodologies that ensure lasting value for your property.
For more information about ornamental steel fencing options or to discuss your specific project requirements, contact our professional team today.
Enhance your property's security and aesthetic with Thrive Fencing!
Whether you need a sturdy fence for privacy or a decorative touch for your landscape, our expert team is here to deliver exceptional results.
Let's build the perfect fence for your needs!
