Aluminum fencing has become a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking to secure their properties while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. However, the history of aluminum fencing is relatively recent compared to other fencing materials, with its origins dating back only to the early 20th century. In this article, we will explore the history of aluminum fencing and how it has evolved into the popular fencing option it is today.
The use of aluminum as a building material dates back to the 1800s when French scientist Henri Sainte-Claire Deville first discovered the process to extract aluminum from bauxite ore. However, it was not until the early 1900s that aluminum began to be used for fencing purposes.
In the early 1900s, aluminum became increasingly popular in the construction industry due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. Aluminum was seen as a more modern and sophisticated alternative to wrought iron, which was heavy and prone to rusting. This led to the development of aluminum fencing, which offered many of the same benefits as wrought iron without the drawbacks.
The first aluminum fences were manufactured by the Jerith Manufacturing Company in Philadelphia in the 1920s. Jerith was a family-owned business that had been producing wrought iron fences since 1863. The company saw the potential of aluminum as a fencing material and began experimenting with it.
The early aluminum fences produced by Jerith were made using extruded aluminum, which was formed into hollow sections that could be easily cut to size and assembled. The fences were coated with a powder coating that gave them a glossy finish and protected them from the elements. This made them highly durable and low-maintenance, which was a major selling point for homeowners.
The popularity of aluminum fencing grew throughout the 20th century, and today it is a common sight in residential and commercial properties across the United States. The durability and low-maintenance nature of aluminum fencing make it a popular choice for homeowners who want a fence that will last for many years without requiring much upkeep.
In the 1980s, aluminum fencing underwent a major change with the introduction of the picket fence style. Prior to this, most aluminum fences had a more ornate design that mimicked the look of wrought iron. The picket fence style was simpler and more modern, and it quickly became popular with homeowners who wanted a fence that was both functional and stylish.
Today, aluminum fencing comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, making it easy for homeowners to find a fence that fits their needs and their aesthetic preferences. Aluminum fences can be customized to fit any space, from small residential yards to large commercial properties.
One of the benefits of aluminum fencing is that it is easy to install. Most aluminum fences come in preassembled panels that can be quickly and easily installed by a professional fencing company. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners who want to save time and money on installation costs.
In addition to being easy to install, aluminum fencing is also environmentally friendly. Aluminum is a recyclable material, and many aluminum fencing manufacturers use recycled aluminum in their products. This means that when an aluminum fence is no longer needed, it can be easily recycled and turned into something new.
Despite its many benefits, aluminum fencing is not without its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of aluminum fencing is that it is not as strong as other fencing materials, such as steel or wrought iron. This means that it may not be the best choice for areas with high wind or heavy snowfall.
Another disadvantage of aluminum fencing is that it can be more expensive than other fencing materials, such as wood or vinyl. However, the durability and low-maintenance nature of aluminum fencing may make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the long run.
In conclusion, the history of aluminum fencing is relatively recent compared to other fencing materials.