02
Aluminum and Ornamental Fence
Aluminum, iron, ornamental and wrought iron fence and gates, powder coated to hold their finish across North Alabama.
Chapter 01
Where an aluminum or iron fence actually gives out
A powder coated finish is what keeps aluminum and iron fence looking new, and it is also the first thing that fails. Rust does not usually start on the flat of a rail, it starts at the footing, right where the post meets the concrete and moisture sits longest against the metal. Once the coating breaks there, rust works its way up the post from the ground line rather than down from the top.
The other thing owners run into is expecting privacy from a style that was never built for it. Ornamental and wrought iron fence is a sightline, not a screen, and a customer who wants to see straight through their yard is going to be happier with it than one who wanted the neighbors blocked out. That mismatch is worth sorting before the order goes in, not after it is installed.
Black aluminum ornamental fence with arched gate at an upscale home, installed by Athens Fence Co
How we install it
Every post is set in concrete, aluminum and iron included, which is where most of the rust-at-the-footing problem starts on a fence that was set some other way. We build the run to the actual property line and to the pitch of the yard, since ornamental panels do not flex the way a wood picket can to take up a slope.
Gates get the most attention. An arched gate has to match the height and rail spacing of the run it sits in, not just fit the opening, and the hardware is set so hinges and latches stay square instead of working loose and letting the gate sag sideways over time.
Chapter 03
Keeping it looking right
A powder coated fence does not need staining the way wood does, but it is worth a look at the footings every so often, especially after a wet North Alabama winter. Catching a chip in the coating early is a touch up, letting it sit is a rust spot that spreads.
Every installation carries a one year workmanship warranty, and if a gate starts to bind or hardware works loose, call the office at (256) 203-1243 and we will come take a look.
Athens Fence Co has been installing aluminum and ornamental fence across North Alabama since 1983. Call (256) 203-1243 for a free estimate.