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There are 2.5 million burglaries per year in the United States. Of those 2.5 million, 66% are home invasions. You want to make sure your home is secure, and you’re thinking about erecting a fence. Which fence is right for you? You’ve narrowed your choices down to vinyl and aluminum. Both are great options and fit your aesthetic. Which should you get? Before you make your final decision, check out this guide for choosing a vinyl vs. aluminum fence.

Vinyl Fence Pros

Not all fence materials are the same. Some provide great security and privacy. Others offer a regal look and excellent curb appeal.

A vinyl fence offers both along with many other positives.

Maintenance

Vinyl fences are scratch and warp resistant. They don’t need painting or staining, and they’re easy to clean.

Because vinyl is a non-porous material, dirt and grime won’t embed. Cleaning a vinyl fence requires little to no scrubbing. You can wash most dirt away with a garden hose.

Design Options

Vinyl fencing comes in many shapes and sizes.

You can buy vinyl that resembles wood. You can use it to build a tall privacy fence. You can even buy vinyl meant to resemble an iron fence.

The design is also customizable. Personal flair and touches like lattice and post caps are a cinch. Vinyl also comes in a wide selection of colors.

Won’t Degrade

Wood splinters and rots. Metal fencing rusts and chips.

Vinyl is a great choice for its ability to withstand weather and time. Vinyl won’t degrade like other fencing materials. That means it will look great with minimal care.

Vinyl Fence Cons

Vinyl is a common fencing material. Is it the best fence material? Though it has many positives, there are negatives to consider.

Price

The total price of building a vinyl fence is around $3,600. This includes materials and labor.

Inexpensive vinyl fences are thin and unreliable. A vinyl fence brings value in the long-term thanks to its easy maintenance. It’s hard to find inexpensive materials.

Extreme Weather Damage

Vinyl is a lightweight material.

Because of this, it’s prone to damage from extreme weather. Hailstones can pock and dent its surface. High winds from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can cause damage, too.

Repairs

You buy a vinyl fence for its sturdy build and easy maintenance. That doesn’t mean you’ll never have to repair it.

Vinyl fence repairs are expensive. A break in one part might require a whole panel replacement or worse.

Staining

Though vinyl isn’t a porous material, it can stain. Mildew, mold, and algae growth leave permanent marks. You have to clean your vinyl fence to keep it stain-free.

Aluminum Fence Pros

Aluminum fencing is all about the look. It provides a clean, sophisticated design meant to resemble wrought iron or other metals.

Aluminum is the fencing for maximum curb appeal.

Price

Aluminum fencing materials are cheaper than iron and vinyl. Like vinyl, the initial costs are higher than wood. The typical cost of building an aluminum fence is around $3,700.

Maintenance

Aluminum doesn’t need painting or finishing. It’s easy to clean and withstands all kinds of weather.

Regular cleaning with a garden hose during the warm months is all that’s required. A once a year deep cleaning with soap and water after winter keeps your fence looking great.

Versatility

Aluminum comes in many shapes and styles to match your home’s exterior. The options include wrought iron or wood grain.

Aluminum fencing also features a wide variety of colors. Match your home’s colors and your unique tastes.

Durability

Aluminum lasts a lifetime.

Unlike other metals, it is rust-resistant. Aluminum won’t corrode, chip, or crack like iron or wooden fences. It is also durable enough to withstand rough weather.

Eco-Friendly

Vinyl is a synthetic material made from petroleum. While natural, wood products contribute to deforestation.

Aluminum is a recycled, environmentally friendly product. Using aluminum lowers your carbon footprint and cuts down on waste.

Most of these fences are made from recycled materials. They can be recycled again should you ever decide to replace them.

Aluminum Fence Cons

Aluminum fencing is a durable and cost-effective home investment. Despite that, it might not be what you need. Consider these drawbacks.

Privacy

Aluminum fencing won’t decrease neighbor visibility. While it looks great, its design won’t provide much privacy.

If you’re looking to keep prying eyes away from your property, consider another option.

Security

Though durable, aluminum is extremely light. These fences aren’t great for security purposes. That doesn’t mean they’re awful.

Any fencing adds an extra layer of protection.

Aluminum won’t give you the peace of mind other fence materials will.

Installation

Aluminum fence installation is a careful process. A motivated homeowner can install a vinyl fence themselves. The panels snap together and the posts don’t need anchoring.

Aluminum fencing anchors in concrete. This concrete takes 3-4 days to set.

Lack of Physical Protection

Privacy and crime prevention aren’t the only reasons why people install fencing.

You do it to prevent property damage. If you live on a busy street, you want a fence that minimizes damage.

A light material like aluminum won’t protect your home from stray cars.

A Vinyl vs. Aluminum Fence: Which Is Right for You?

A vinyl vs. aluminum fence, which is the better option? Both are extremely durable at a reasonable price. They’re a high reward investment thanks to their durability and low-maintenance.

Are you ready to install a vinyl or aluminum fence? Contact us today for a free estimate.

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