How Long Do Aluminum Railings Last?
Choosing the best aluminum deck railing material for your new or existing deck can be a daunting task,especially with all of the different options on the market today. There are pros and cons to each one, but when you are doing a construction project or a remodel, you probably have a few common concerns–cost, durability, and safety. Today we are going to take a look at aluminum railings for custom deck provo ut and how they compare to other materials, as well as how long you can expect them to beautify the outside of your home.
What Are the Basics of Aluminum Railings? What Do They Cost?
If you are considering purchasing aluminum railings for your deck, you have two options. If you are a DIYer with some experience under your tool belt, you may want to head to the hardware store and buy some prefabricated aluminum railings. This route can be difficult and potentially costly on your end if a mistake is made during installation.You also may not have the time to devote to such a project, which is totally understandable.
We recommend bringing in a professional to either install prefabricated aluminum railings or custom ones that are made to order. One of the big advantages to having your aluminum railings custom-made is that they can be designed exactly how you want them, and they are measured to fit the space of your deck or patio.This means that you will have railings that are like no other, and can proudly show them off to friends and family.
There are many styles and colors of aluminum railings to choose from, and for a small additional fee, you can customize your aluminum railings further with special pickets and top caps. These features will naturally draw the eye and make your railings stand out from the crowd. Generally speaking, aluminum railings cost anywhere from $80 to $150 per linear foot when installed by a professional. This may seem like a lot at first, but once you think of your new railings as an investment piece, you will see that spending the extra cash now is worth it in the long term.
What Are Some Pros of Aluminum Railings?
First of all, aluminum is a lightweight material lhat retains its flexibility after it has been molded into shape. This particular quality means that some people believe aluminum cannot also be strong and durable, but that is simply not true. While it can be made into something thin and crushable like aluminum foil, it can also be made into thick and sturdy forms.To increase this strength, sometimes it is alloyed with other materials, and its strength combined with its lightweight feel makes it a no-brainer for construction purposes.
Second, aluminum railings can be made in a variety of styles to suit the needs of your home. They range in color, shape, and size from modern trends to classic lines, so there is something available for everyone. And you can rest easy knowing the color that you select will not fade as long as you get a powder coat put on top of it. This treatment allows aluminum railings to look like new for a long time, regardless of the weather or other factors.
Do Aluminum Railings Rust? Do They Need Maintenance?
Aluminum railings provide built-in protection from all sorts of damage, including rust and corrosion, and they can last for decades when cared for properly.As we mentioned above, they also do not fade like some other railing materials do.Aluminum railings will not rust even if your paint gets scratched down to the base metal, although it is recommended to repaint your railings if that happens.As far as maintenance is concerned, there really is not anything to worry about. If your aluminum railings get dirty, spray them with a hose occasionally to keep them clean, and you are all set.
Aluminum Railings vs Vinyl Railings
Despite its flexibility, aluminum does not expand or shrink much at all when the temperature goes up and down with the seasons. The size of vinyl tends to fluctuate a great deal when exposed to heat or cold, which contributes to premature aging of vinyl railings. Vinyl is also extremely vulnerable to the UV rays coming from the sun, while aluminum is not.
Aluminum Railings vs Wood Railings
Wood must be regularly painted since it is prone to rotting, and the paint on top of it has a tendency to chip and fade. Aluminum does not have this problem since it is usually powder coated. Additionally, if you have a wooden railing, you may need to treat it regularly so it withstands the changing seasons.
Aluminum Railings vs Steel Railings
While aluminum railings require almost no maintenance, steel railings must be repainted every few years. Steel is also much heavier than aluminum and is extremely stiff, which makes it difficult to install. It can even require special tools like a grinder or cutting torch to adjust while it is on-site
Are There Cons To Aluminum Railings?
The only real disadvantage to aluminum railings is that if you do not like how they look, you will not be happy with them. But at the end of the day, it is important to consider that you will have whatever railings you choose for a long time.Aluminum railings offer exceptional strength and weather resistance, with almost no maintenance. They can even be recycled after their lifespan is up, and some new aluminum railings are partially made out of recycled metal.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about aluminum railings and found the information in it helpful! If you want to beautify your outdoor space with aluminum railings,request a quote from Northwest Decks Plus today.
