1. Not Caring About Aesthetics can Ruin your Curb Appeal.
They say function is more important than form, but you can enjoy both with aluminum fencing. I’ve seen people rush through their customization options only to assemble it and realize the aesthetics of the fence clash with the aesthetics of the home.
Case in point, a friend of mine who’s a confirmed bachelor didn’t think aesthetics mattered. So, he went with the first thing he saw, which was a Floridian fence panel. It did not have a bad look, but it clashed with his Cape Cod-style house. It just made his exterior feel off in a way he couldn’t put his finger on.
Floridian is a simple, sleek design that goes well with modern, contemporary, or even prairie style homes. I would have recommended the Manhattan or Castle designs.
However, there is so much more to customization besides panel designs. For example, I have solar-powered light caps on all of my fence posts. It’s great because it illuminates the perimeter around the pool. And it doesn’t even require any wiring!
When my Cape Cod friend came over, he was shocked. He didn’t even realize you could customize the caps on the fence posts.
Even if you don’t care about aesthetics at all, you should still review your options. But looks do affect your property’s curb appeal. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Aluminum Fence to understand all of your options.
2. Not Measuring your Perimeter can cause Installation Headaches.
You know that old saying? Measure twice, cut once. That applies to your fence, too.
We recommend starting all of your fencing projects by drawing out your intended fence path. Doesn’t have to be on par with engineers or architects. It can start as a napkin sketch. But what’s important is that you have an idea of your layout.
Panels, posts, and gates all come in specific measurements. So you need to plan out your runs and your corners. Then, you should measure your yard so you have the correct measurements to refine your drawing. Our DIY guide explains it all.
However, I saw this simple mistake in action when I helped someone else install their fence. We made it all around their yard, from one side of the house, all around the yard, to the other side. We got to the final end post, right up against the house. As we lifted the final panel, we realized it was too long. It couldn’t fit between the gate post and the endpost. And we had already installed the rest of the fence!
So we reviewed the napkin drawings and realized the homeowner missed one measurement. Luckily, you can cut the panel down to size with the right tools. Which we did after a brief moment of panic. However, the homeowner could have saved himself the trouble by simply double-checking his work.
3. Reckless DIY Installation can Wreck your Entire Project.
Aluminum fencing is pretty straightforward as far as DIY projects go. And it is pretty easy if you measure it all correctly. However, a neighbor of mine did not bother to check for utilities. They did not know where any of their gas lines, water pipes, drainage, or sewer lines were.
For the fence posts, you’ll need to dig a 24 to 42-inch deep hole. And if you’re not careful, you can hit a utility line, which can cause huge (and expensive) problems.
Luckily, you can call 811 or visit your state’s 811 website. This is a free nationwide service that coordinates with utility companies. You’ll need to provide your address and the type of project. Over the course of a few business days, the utility companies will respond and mark their lines.
You can also access your property’s plot plan. Be aware that the details and accuracy of underground utilities may vary from what’s on the plan. So we recommend 811. However, plot plans are a good place to start. Local governments keep copies of these plot plans, which you can access through your local courthouse.
Thankfully, my neighbors called 811 and patiently waited for all utilities to be marked. And it’s a good thing they did because they wanted to put a gate post right on top of their water line.
4. Aluminum Fencing is Low-Maintenance, Not No-Maintenance.
Aluminum fencing requires significantly less maintenance than wooden fences. But they still benefit from occasional upkeep. Luckily, it is very easy.
The most common and frequent upkeep your aluminum fence will need is vegetation control. Grass and weeds can grow tall near your fence since those spots are harder to access with a lawnmower. Using a weedwacker keeps your yard looking sharp.
The second most common upkeep is cleaning. As the powdered coating on the aluminum fence ages, it may result in oxidation, which results in a chalk-like residue. This can happen when your fence gets direct sunlight for several hours a day.
All you need to clean it off is soapy water and a hose to rinse it with. Avoid abrasive cleaners, sponges, or brushes as they may damage the powdered finishing.
Most homeowners simply hose down their fence every month or so. However, you might need a deep clean every 12 to 16 months. Read our maintenance guide for the complete details.
What not to do is just a fun way of framing practical, useful advice.
If you’re eager to protect your home and do it right, start planning your order!
