Residential, commercial, or industrial? A guide to choosing the best type of fencing for you.
You’ve made the wise decision to opt for an aluminum fence to boost security, privacy, and the aesthetics of your property. Next, you need to choose between residential, commercial, and industrial fencing. While their uses may seem clear based simply on their titles, there can be crossovers between the three. So, what are the key differences between them and when should they be used? Here is our straightforward guide to the main differences so you can be sure you are choosing the right fencing for your project.
Residential aluminum fencing
Typically, as the name suggests, this is the type of fencing that you put around your home, marking out property boundaries while also boosting security, privacy, and the look of your home. This is usually found around yards (front or back) but can be used around swimming pools, too. This type of fencing can also be used for some light commercial applications. One of the best things about residential aluminum fencing and one of the things that makes it so popular is the sheer amount of choice of styles, with everything from classic spear top and flat top double pickets to alternating spear tops and more. There is a good range of available colors and paint finishes, too, meaning you can usually find something to complement your property. If being used around a swimming pool, fences must adhere to BOCA standards, which do vary from state to state. Always check with your local authorities before you install an aluminum pool fence.
Commercial fencing
Commercial fencing has larger pickets and rails than its residential counterpart and is used for high-traffic public barriers, including around restaurants, shops or other businesses. It can also be used around apartment blocks, industrial centers, schools and parking lots. As with residential fencing, there is a wide range of styles available, but you can also add extra features such as aluminum finials. Commercial fencing uses a thicker gauge of metal, while pickets are often more tightly spaced, meaning increased security and safety for workers or people using the facility.
Industrial fencing
Industrial aluminum fencing is the heaviest and strongest of the three types of fencing and is used around very high-traffic and critical areas such as airports, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, and storage units. This type of fencing offers the highest and bulkiest protection against intruders. Industrial aluminum is also available in taller panels, with 10-foot fence options also available. As with the other two options, there is a good array of styles available, and safety can be boosted even further by the addition of extra spear tops. However, while it is the most durable and solid fencing option, industrial aluminum fencing is still lightweight enough to enable DIY installation if needed.
All three types of aluminum fencing benefit from being durable, attractive, and weather-resistant. All are painted in a special powder-coated paint that prevents rusting and oxidation, which means that they require little to no maintenance. Before buying your new aluminum fencing, decide what you need from it in order to choose the most appropriate option for you.