The United States is diverse. From the rainy forests of the northwest to the blazing deserts of the mountainous west to the cozy winters of the northeast. People live in all sorts of climates. And we’re grateful to reach so many of them with our products.
But how does aluminum fencing hold up against all these different climates? How does aluminum fencing hold up against extreme heat? Extreme cold? What about the worst-case scenarios for each environment? How does aluminum fencing hold up against tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, and floods? We’ll answer all those questions in this article!
How does aluminum fencing hold up against extreme heat?
Unlike other fencing materials like wood, aluminum does not warp, crack, or fade due to intense heat. However, there is one major drawback, and that is the fact that it is metal. So it does absorb heat while sitting out in the sun all day. But all you need to do is avoid touching it on excruciatingly hot days!
Extreme cold?
Wooden fences tend to change shape due to the freezing-and-thawing cycle. Other materials can become brittle in low temperatures. However, aluminum stands tall in freezing temperatures, resisting damage from snow, ice, and frost.
Once again, it is metal, so it’s going to stay pretty cold. During weather events like blizzards, the snow and ice might build up and cling to your aluminum fence. Not a big deal, it won’t damage it, it’ll just look like a frozen tundra.
You know that 1983 movie, A Christmas Story? One of the kids touches a cold metal pole with their tongue, freezing it there and getting stuck. That can happen with aluminum fences. But if that does happen to a child, pouring warm water on their tongue will free them.
How does aluminum fencing hold up against tornadoes and hurricanes?
With these weather events, it’s all about the wind speed. Aluminum can withstand velocities of 115 miles per hour. For context, a Category two hurricane has winds of 96 – 110 mph, and an EF1 tornado has winds of 86-110 mph.
If you ever do find yourself in a Category three hurricane or an EF2 tornado, you probably have bigger problems than your fencing. Listen to your local weather authority and follow their instructions.
However, there are reinforced aluminum fence panels that can withstand wind speeds up to 160 mph when installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This might be a smart investment for those living in the central USA, often called tornado alley.
How does aluminum fencing hold up against floods?
Aluminum fencing is immune to rust and rot. So your fence will still stand tall even in standing water or storm surges. Fences made of wood would decay away, while steel and iron fences rust.
The only thing you would have to worry about are the post anchors. If the ground becomes oversaturated with water, it can loosen the soil, unsecuring the post anchors. So after a flood, you might want to check on your posts by pushing against them to see if they wobble. If they do, they can be easily repaired by repacking the soil or with more concrete.
How does aluminum fencing hold up against droughts?
Aluminum fencing will not shrink, crack, or splinter in extreme dryness. But similar to floods, prolonged droughts can loosen the post anchors. If you do live in a very dry area, you can set your anchors deeper than what’s usually recommended to protect yourself.
We can control the weather, but we can protect ourselves.
The weather can be unpredictable, no matter where you live. But a fenced-in yard can protect your children and pets. Protect your family today.