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We thought we’d take this opportunity to write a blog post comparing aluminum fencing to composite fencing. Both are excellent options, and both have advantages and disadvantages. We will take you through 2 categories for both types of fence products. Those categories will be cost and maintenance as well as installation requirements.

At the end of the article, you can discern which product you would prefer based on our provided data. Please don’t hesitate to comment or reach out if you have any questions or feedback regarding this post. We may also use constructive feedback as inspiration for future posts.

Cost and maintenance:

There are a couple of variables we need to consider here no matter what material you are considering: labor cost to install a fence and the overall length. This comparison will be done on privacy fence panels. You’ll also need to account for things like latches and gates.

For example, we will compare the cost of 100 linear ft of composite fence to 100 linear ft of SLEEKFENCE™ aluminum fence. We will discuss both the initial and long-term costs of both.

Composite:

We consulted with our leading SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor, and 100 ft of 6 ft composite privacy fence would cost $16000 supplied and installed. To maintain a composite fence, you’ll need to regularly clean it with a gentle scrub using soapy water or a composite-specific cleaner to remove dirt and debris. You can prevent mold and mildew by keeping the fence dry and using vinegar or composite cleaners as needed. Be sure to spot-clean stains and avoid harsh chemicals. Your composite fence will also need to be inspected for loose or damaged components. If you find loose or damaged components, please replace them promptly. The long-term cost below includes replacement parts and things like soap over 25 years. According to our leading SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor, this would cost you about $2000 every 5 years.

Initial Cost: $16,000

Long Term Cost: $10,000

Total Cost: $26,000

SLEEKFENCE™:

An aluminum fence would cost more upfront. We consulted with our leading SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor again, and 100 ft of 6 ft privacy fence would cost $18,000 – $21,000, which is supplied and installed by our SLEEKFENCE™ Trained Contractor. An aluminum fence requires little to no maintenance; you are only required to clean it at your discretion. We recommend you use car wash soap to clean your SLEEKFENCE™, and that will run you about $50-$100 a year. You’ll most likely only need to clean your SLEEKFENCE™ twice a year. The only other materials you’ll need to clean your SLEEKFENCE™ is a microfiber rag and a hose.

The soap would cost you a maximum of $1250 – $2500 over the course of 25 years. This leaves us with a straightforward breakdown if we are considering both initial and long-term costs.

Initial Cost: $18,000 – $21,000

Long Term Cost: $1250 – $2500

Total Cost: $19,250 – $23,500

We would also like to add that you wouldn’t need to replace your aluminum fence after 25 years. An aluminum fence will last you a lifetime.

Installation requirements for Composite Fencing:

Composite materials are subject to expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations, so maintain proper spacing between boards as recommended by the manufacturer. Opt for stainless steel hardware to prevent rust and staining. It is also important to ensure that you have adequate ground clearance and proper drainage to prevent moisture accumulation. Properly set fence posts in concrete to the correct depth to avoid heaving during freezing weather. Always follow the specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer, which may have unique guidelines.

Installation requirements for Aluminum Fencing:

SLEEKFENCE™ aluminum fence panels come pre-assembled; this will make installation much faster on average. Yes, there are still cases where boards need to be manipulated and/or resized to meet the requirements of a project, but most of the time, the process is seamless. Each piece is designed to work as part of the whole system. This makes an installer’s job much easier and faster. The tools for aluminum fence installation are standard hand and power tools every tradesperson carries. Consider a modular fence design similar to LEGO.

Don’t hesitate to reach out:

We hope you found this post comparing the cost and maintenance as well as installation requirements for composite fencing and aluminum fencing to be helpful. Call or email us if you have any questions about our aluminum fence products. A member of our support staff will be glad to help you. If you are looking to install a SLEEKFENCE™, we would be glad to assist you in finding a contractor near you.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Aluminum vs Concrete Fence cost 2023

Aluminum vs Vinyl Fence cost 2023

Aluminum vs. Wood Fence cost 2023

Aluminum Fencing vs. Wrought Iron Fencing: Which one is right for you?

Aluminum Fencing vs. Steel Fencing: Which one is right for you?