Creating A Stronger Fence

Posted on: 17 August 2017

Keeping your aluminum fencing in good repair shouldn't take much effort — aluminum is a durable material that requires only minimal upkeep. At the same time, there are steps you can take to further ensure that the fence remains in great condition and looks its best. The following tips can provide some inspiration.

Tip #1: Install border curbing

One of the few things that can damage an aluminum fence is repeated contact from pruning shears, lawn mowers, and string trimmers. This is usually the result of grass, weeds, or garden plants growing right up against the fence. Over time, the finish gets chipped off the aluminum, making it more prone to corrosion, or dents appear. Fortunately, this is easy to avoid. Simply install concrete or stone curbing beneath the fence line. This creates a plant-free zone that you don't have to maintain. If a permanent curb isn't an option, then remove all plants from beneath the fence and lay down an organic mulch, like wood chips, instead.

Tip #2: Repair minor damage

Most aluminum fences have a powder coat finish, which can last for years with no need to repaint. Although durable, powder coating isn't impervious to damage. It's generally a good idea to walk your fence line a couple of times a year and look for minor dents and scratches. If you see anywhere that had a scratch or thinning paint, invest in a small can of a touchup enamel in the same color as your fence. Painting over the exposed aluminum does more than just improve the appearance of your fence—it also helps prevent corrosion of the metal.

Tip #3: Beware corrosives

Aluminum doesn't rust, and it isn't as prone to corrosion as other metals, but it can happen. It is more likely to occur after salt and chemical exposure. If you put ice melt down on your sidewalks or live next to a street that is treated for ice in winter, for example, then you will want to hose down and wash the fence every spring to remove any chemical residue. For those that live somewhere near the ocean where there is salt in the air, it's a good idea to rinse off the fence weekly, perhaps when watering your yard. Also, it is even more important to ensure any small scratches are painted over promptly.

For more help, talk to an aluminum fence contractor at a company like Tyson Fence Co in your area.