Driving a post into the ground off Skyline Drive and hitting solid rock three inches down is a common experience. When this happens, installing a fence around here is not a straightforward task. Rapid City Fencing Company has fielded hundreds of questions about aluminum fencing over the years. Homeowners love the clean look of Aluminum Fencing and the fact that they do not have to stain it every two years, but they want to know how Aluminum Fencing actually holds up against local weather and terrain. Rapid City Fencing Company will walk through the most common questions we get out in the field regarding Aluminum Fencing in Rapid City, SD.
Will an aluminum fence actually survive a Black Hills winter?
An aluminum fence will survive a Black Hills winter. Unlike wood that swells and rots or vinyl that can get brittle when the temperature drops, powder-coated aluminum handles local freeze-thaw cycles very well. The biggest threat around Rapid City, SD is not the cold itself; it is the heavy, wet spring snows we get in April and the high winds sweeping off the plains. Because Aluminum Fencing has open pickets, the wind blows right through the Aluminum Fencing instead of turning the fence line into a giant sail. That means far less structural stress during a windstorm in Rapid City.
How do you handle our rocky Rapid City soil?
Post depth matters whether you are dealing with the heavy clay down in the valley or the stubborn limestone shelf up on the benches. Rapid City Fencing Company core-drills or digs down past the frost line—usually about four feet deep—and sets those posts in concrete. If we hit solid rock, we use specialized core drilling equipment to anchor the posts securely. Skimping on depth here means the first good wind or frost heave will push your fence crooked. For Rapid City, SD homes, Rapid City Fencing Company is here for all your Aluminum Fencing needs.
Can an aluminum fence follow a slope?
Most lots in Rapid City, SD have some kind of roll or slope to them. Aluminum Fencing handles slopes using a method called racking. The sections can adjust parallelogram-style to follow the grade of your yard without leaving huge gaps underneath for pets to slip through. For really steep hills, our team uses stepped panels to keep the top line looking clean and intentional. A well-built Aluminum Fencing installation adds real value to any home in Rapid City.
Do I need to worry about rust?
High-quality residential Aluminum Fencing won't rust like iron or chain link. That is because the base metal does not contain iron. What protects Aluminum Fencing is the baked-on powder coat finish. As long as that coating does not get gouged down to bare metal by a stray rock thrown from a lawnmower, the fence is protected. Even if it does get a minor scratch, aluminum oxidizes differently than steel, so you will not wake up to a massive rust streak running down your panel. We provide Aluminum Fencing services for homes and businesses in Rapid City.
What's the maintenance like?
Aluminum Fencing is about as low-maintenance as fencing gets. Homeowners do not need to paint it, seal it, or worry about termites. Once or twice a year, you can spray it down with the garden hose to wash off the Rapid City dust and pollen, and you are done. If you live out where the cottonwoods drop a ton of sap or dirt kicks up from unpaved alleys, a little mild soap and a soft brush will make the Aluminum Fencing look brand new again. Call Rapid City Fencing Company for Aluminum Fencing work in Rapid City, SD.
Are these fences strong enough to keep dogs contained?
Aluminum Fencing is strong enough, provided you pick the right height and picket spacing. If you have a large dog, Rapid City Fencing Company usually recommends a five-foot or six-foot height with closer picket spacing near the bottom so smaller dogs cannot squeeze through. The metal is rigid enough that a large dog leaning against the Aluminum Fencing will not bend the pickets out of shape. Rapid City Fencing Company provides Aluminum Fencing services for homes in Rapid City, SD.