Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Fencing: The Choice Between Strength and Durability
BoardWalk Phone no: 1300 112 333 151 Balcatta Road, Balcatta WA 6021 Building 123,
Stainless Steel vs Aluminium Fencing: The Choice Between Strength and Durability
For many homeowners, the choice on what kind of fence their home should have usually boils down to two of the strongest and most durable – stainless steel and aluminium. Compared to wood and wrought iron, both are considerably tougher and last a longer time, but how do they compare to each other? From the outside, a stainless steel fence may not exactly look different from one that’s made of aluminium; some of them can even imitate the appearance of wood, and is a testament to the two’s versatility. To find out the differences between the two, it’s necessary to learn more about what they’re made of.
Humble Origins
Steel comes from iron, and through refinement, it becomes a stronger metal that lacks many of its predecessor’s impurities. Stainless variants are a more specialised form of steel that undergoes a different process of refinement, usually involving corrosion-resistant elements such as chromium and nickel. This makes the final product very resistant to staining and rusting.
BoardWalk Phone no: 1300 112 333 151 Balcatta Road, Balcatta WA 6021 Building 123,
Aluminium, on the other hand, is one of the most abundant metals in the entire planet and is used to create nearly everything— from the quintessential soda can and electronic parts to an entire car housing. What makes it different from iron and steel, aside from its versatility and abundance, is that it naturally resists rusting. The layer of aluminium oxide doesn’t come off in moist conditions and this prevents water and air from coming into contact with the metal, preventing rust from forming. Metal Fencing In the realm of home fencing, the two metals compete with one another in both aesthetics and functionality. Stainless steel fences have a distinct metallic appearance and are highly impact resistant, which make them better security fences than wrought iron or wood. As they are resistant to rust, they are often the popular choice for homes that are in relatively humid areas. Their strength is their downside though, as they are considerably heavier and more difficult to install.
BoardWalk Phone no: 1300 112 333 151 Balcatta Road, Balcatta WA 6021 Building 123,
Aluminium fences, on the other hand, are lightweight but are surprisingly durable. Although they are more susceptible to bending than steel, it is very easy to bend them back. In addition, they are also more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel, thanks to the layer of aluminium oxide they have. They are also less expensive than stainless steel and other fencing materials. In the long run, an aluminium fence would outlast one made of stainless steel when exposed to the elements, although stainless steel would be able to endure physical assaults a lot better. In the end, the choice should boil down to which is more valuable: a physically strong fence or one that has a longer lifespan.
Resources: BoardWalk - http://www.boardwalk.com.au/ Live Science - http://www.livescience.com/28865-aluminum.html http://www.stainless-steelworld.net/basicfacts/ShowPage.aspx?pageID=485&resourceId=389
BoardWalk Phone no: 1300 112 333 151 Balcatta Road, Balcatta WA 6021 Building 123,