If you’re planning to have a brand new fence installed but you have certain criteria that your new fence has to meet, St. Augustine fence company, SWi Fence can help you find what you need. If you are looking for a fence that is both low maintenance and beautiful, then your best options are either aluminum or vinyl fence. The question is, which one should you choose? In this article, we look at the pros and cons of both and at the end, we’re sure you’ll know which one is right for you! 

What is Your Main Concern?

When deciding on what type of fence you want, It’s important to consider how the fence will be used and what your main priorities are for it. If you wish to create more privacy for your property that will result in preventing neighbors and passersby from having a view into your yard, then vinyl might be the better option. 

Vinyl fences are known for having closed panels, so it’s not possible to see through the fence itself. This makes vinyl a perfect option if your priority is privacy over anything else. Aluminum fences, on the other hand, have a more open look due to the pickets being spaced further apart. If privacy isn’t your main goal, then it is possible to create the open look that aluminum provides with vinyl fence material if you prefer not to block your own view of the surrounding area or perhaps around a pool. 

Height is something else you want to consider. If the purpose of your fence is privacy, or if it’s keeping animals securely inside your property, vinyl and aluminum fences are both available at various heights, which provides adequate protection.

If security is your main concern, aluminum might be the best option. Aluminum fences feature strong pickets that are very difficult to cut through. Aluminum pickets are available in a number of weight grades and heights to accommodate your needs and budget. The slick and pointed pickets on many styles create a barrier that is not easy to climb over. 

What Look Do You Prefer?

As much as the purpose is a key factor when choosing a fence, style is almost always a consideration. Choosing a fence that fits the aesthetic of the rest of your property and adds beauty can play a large role in your decision of which St. Augustine residential fence is right for you.

Aluminum and vinyl fences both offer an attractive appearance. St. Augustine residential fence will look great in either vinyl or aluminum fence materials, as they are both available in a variety of styles. If you prefer a classier, more elegant look, you might opt for an aluminum fence with decorative pickets and ornamental details. A white vinyl fence will create a classic, clean look that can accentuate your landscaping. Depending on the design of your home and property, both vinyl and aluminum offer some great options. 

What Is Your Budget?

While it’s true that aluminum and vinyl fences are a little more expensive overall than either wood or chain-link fences, the higher initial investment is easily offset by the lower maintenance needs and longevity of both types of material. 

 

There are a variety of factors that will determine the upfront cost of your new fence, such as the length of your fence, the height, the design, and specific materials. Sometimes factors are in play that will cause either vinyl or aluminum to be less expensive. The experts at SWi Fence, a highly-rated St. Augustine fence company, can provide you with an accurate estimate. 

How Much Maintenance?

Vinyl and aluminum are both very popular choices if you don’t have the time or desire to spend a lot of time on maintenance. Unlike wood, rotting is never an issue with vinyl or aluminum. While rust is definitely not a worry when it comes to vinyl, it is also not a factor for aluminum since it won’t rust as other metals do. 

Maintaining both vinyl and aluminum fences is as simple as brushing away debris and cobwebs and an occasional wipe down with soap and water. 

How Long Will It Last?

In terms of longevity, aluminum is the clear winner over vinyl. A high-quality aluminum fence can last for fifty years with proper care. If you don’t need to worry about your fence lasting quite that long, vinyl could still meet your needs when it comes to longevity. A good quality vinyl fence can last longer than twenty years. Whichever one you choose, vinyl and aluminum both deliver many years of worry-free fencing solutions. 

Is It Environmentally Friendly?

The use of environmentally friendly materials on home applications is becoming more and more important to many people. If you happen to be thinking about how these materials are created or even pondering the end of your fence’s life, you might wonder whether an aluminum fence or vinyl fence is better for the environment. 

 

Aluminum is a highly-recyclable material, which makes it easy to dispose of when the time comes. Vinyl fences are made of a plastic material called PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is also recyclable. This means that if you ever need to replace your vinyl fence, the material can be recycled and used to make new products, reducing waste. Although vinyl doesn’t boast the same level of eco-friendliness as aluminum, it can still be an earth-friendly option if you maintain the fence and ensure it lasts a long time.

Find Out More About St. Augustine Residential Fence

We have multiple options for both aluminum and vinyl fences. Take a look at our vinyl fences and aluminum fences to see the various color, style, and budget options that are available. You can also view our customer testimonials and project gallery to see some of our finished vinyl and aluminum fence projects. SWi Fence is a customer-focused, trustworthy St. Augustine fence company. We pride ourselves on working personally with our customers to ensure quality and satisfaction, and we would love to work on your next project with you!

Contact Us About Your St. Augustine Residential Fence

Our expert team is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your new fence project. Call us at (904) 274-4116 or contact us online today. We look forward to showing you why we are the best St. Augustine fence company!