Many yards around Othello, WA are making the switch to aluminum fencing. Homeowners get tired of painting wood or dealing with rust on older iron, and an Aluminum Fence just sits there looking good without demanding a weekend of maintenance. If you are thinking about putting up an Aluminum Fence, you probably have a bunch of practical questions that go way beyond the brochure pictures.
Othello Fence Solutions gets asked the same handful of things all the time by local homeowners. Let us break them down so you know exactly what you are getting into with an Aluminum Fence.
Will an aluminum fence stand up to Othello wind storms?
Local winds out here in the Columbia Basin can really howl, especially when a system blows across the open fields. Homeowners often worry that an Aluminum Fence is too lightweight compared to heavy wrought iron. But because aluminum fence panels have pickets with space between them, the wind passes right through instead of catching like a sail. As long as the posts are set deep enough in concrete to beat the frost line and local soil conditions, an Aluminum Fence is not going anywhere in Othello.
How does aluminum handle our soil and weather?
Othello dirt can be pretty alkaline, and summers get blazing hot while winters bring freezing temps. Wood rots out in that mix, and steel rusts the second the powder coating gets a scratch. An Aluminum Fence does not rust. The powder-coated finish acts as a tough shield against UV rays and moisture, meaning an Aluminum Fence will not chalk up or flake off after a couple of seasons under the sun in Othello.
Can I install it on a slope?
Most yards are not billiard tables. If your property slopes down toward the back alley or rolls gently across the lot, you do not need a stepped-down look unless you want it. Most modern Aluminum Fencing uses a racking system. The panels adjust to follow the slope of the ground smoothly without leaving huge gaps underneath where your dog can squeeze through your Aluminum Fence.
Do I need a permit in Othello?
Usually, standard residential fencing under a certain height does not require a heavy permit process, but you always need to check property lines and local city codes before digging for your Aluminum Fence. Call 811 before you put a shovel in the ground in Othello. The last thing you want is to clip a utility line. If you are anywhere near an easement or a corner lot with visibility rules, pay extra attention to height limits for an Aluminum Fence.
How do I keep it clean?
You mostly let nature handle it when it rains, which is not often enough around Othello. Once or twice a year, hook up the garden hose and spray down your Aluminum Fence to get the dust off. If there is some stubborn dirt or bird droppings, a little mild dish soap and a soft brush will clean the Aluminum Fence right up. Never use harsh abrasives or pressure wash on high settings, or you might damage the baked-on finish of your Aluminum Fence.
Are gates going to sag over time?
Gate sag usually happens when posts are not set right or the hardware is cheap. Othello Fence Solutions makes sure gate posts for an Aluminum Fence are heavily reinforced, using internal inserts or thicker wall tubing, and we use industrial self-closing hinges and latches. If an Aluminum Fence gate gets out of whack after a few freeze-thaw cycles, a quick adjustment on the tension bolts usually fixes it right up.
For homes and businesses in Othello, Othello Fence Solutions provides Aluminum Fence services. Putting up an Aluminum Fence is an investment in your property in Othello, WA.