The choices made when putting up a
fence can have long term consequences. Selecting the right materials
and the right installation contractor may help determine whether the
fence you buy today is a long term investment, or a long term headache. There are many low-to-no maintenance fence materials and
styles available these days, with the most popular being Vinyl and
Aluminum.
Both have advantages over wood when it
comes to longevity, if they are installed correctly, and if your
contractor chooses accessories that are designed to last. While
aluminum does not “rust”, it does corrode. Most notably,
aluminum will rapidly break down in the presence of steel, especially
if there is moisture present. This is due to electrolysis, caused by
dissimilar metals. The same is true of PVC/Vinyl fencing. Sodium
chloride, or common salt, is a major component of PVC fencing. The
gases that form in and around vinyl fencing are very corrosive to
steel, especially in the presence of moisture.
Many installers choose plastic
composite gate accessories to avoid this corrosion. While this
prevents corrosion, it does not necessarily lead to longer service
life for your fence. Plastics are extremely susceptible to
ultraviolet light. The same sun that can give you a sunburn or even
skin cancer will drastically reduce the lifespan of most plastics.
Our solution? 100% American made
stainless steel hardware for your hinges, latches, drop rods, and
even handles. Not only will they last for the lifetime of your
fence, they are often less costly to buy and install in the first
place. Don't believe me? Let us help you find a distributor near you!
Call Modern Fence
Technologies today! (888) 456-6786
Or on the West Coast, call
(888) 613-8146
