There are many reasons why homeowners install fences. Some are put up to enhance curb appeal, while others are meant to mark property lines. Fences can keep pets and small children within seeing distance and away from traffic, and they can restrict access to pools and other areas where supervision is a must. In Washington DC, aluminum fences are an excellent choice for any of these situations; when compared to other popular fencing materials like wood and vinyl, aluminum fences also have a few benefits that might make them an even better choice for some scenarios.
Washington DC Aluminum Fencing vs. Other Metal Fences
Metal fencing is, of course, highly prized for its strength and durability. When you opt for an aluminum fence, Washington DC homeowners will find a few benefits that wrought iron or mild steel cannot offer. For one thing, aluminum is a lightweight material; especially when compared to steel or iron, aluminum will require far less effort to install. Another big benefit of an aluminum fence in Washington DC is that, unlike heavier metals, aluminum holds up well under moist conditions. Where iron and steel can easily have problems with rust when exposed to the elements, aluminum is appropriate in places where moisture is common. You can even use aluminum fencing around pools without worrying that your investment will soon become rusty!
Vinyl and Wood Fences vs. Aluminum Fencing in Washington DC
Washington?s snowy winters and hot summers can wreak havoc on some materials. Though vinyl fencing is designed to handle many conditions, some lower end vinyl products still have problems with fading in direct sunlight. Wood fencing in DC (despite its incredible popularity) is likely to require a fair amount of maintenance over its lifetime if you want it to look good and last as long as possible.
If there is one big drawback to installing an aluminum fence in Washington DC, it is that you will be more limited when it comes to style than you would be with vinyl or wood. Aluminum fences, though they can be every bit as attractive in the right setting, generally look much like simple iron fences. Wood and vinyl fencing are available in more styles and appearances than aluminum, which means that homeowners will have a better chance of finding a fence that perfectly compliments their properties if they opt for wood or vinyl. It should also be noted that much like a wrought iron or chain link fence, aluminum fencing is not designed to create privacy.
Prices of Washington DC Aluminum Fences
In Washington DC, aluminum fences are a pretty ?middle of the road? option when it comes to price. Though individual jobs will vary depending on the size of the fence, the grade of the material you choose, and the property it is installed on, aluminum fencing is generally more expensive than wood or chain link, and less expensive than vinyl. When compared to the wrought iron it so often mimics, aluminum fences are considerably less expensive.
According to the figures we gather from fence installations around the country, the national average cost of installing a wood fence is somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,800, while $3,400 is closer to the average for an aluminum fence. Washington DC prices seem to follow this trend, though the difference from one job to another can easily be thousands of dollars. In order to find the best price, it is always recommended that you talk to several local contractors and get estimates from each.

Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.