The Eternal Durability of Aluminum - A Fence That Will Never Rust

problem

Mark's story is not isolated. Actually, every owner of a steel fence sooner or later has to face the same problem. The initial flash of the new fence slowly gives way to the first signs of corrosion. First, there are slight discolorations in the places of welds or joints. After that, the first rust bubbles appear under the paint layer. After all, the moment comes when it is no longer possible to ignore it - the fence needs a thorough restoration.

“The worst part is that you never know what you'll find underneath,” says Peter, owner of a fence renovation company. “Sometimes it seems that this is just superficial rust, and once you start cleaning, it turns out that the entire structure is weakened. I had cases when, during the restoration, the post simply broke, because inside it was already completely corroded.”

The problem becomes even more serious when we talk about fences with photovoltaic installation. Traditional solutions often use aluminum mounting brackets that are in direct contact with the steel structure of the fence. “It's like an invitation to disaster,” explains Dr. Tomasz Nowak, a specialist in the field of metal corrosion. “When aluminum and steel come into contact with each other, an electrochemical cell is formed in the presence of moisture. As a result, steel corrodes even faster than normal. It's like putting a ticking time bomb under your photovoltaic installation.”

The costs associated with maintaining a steel fence can be a headache. On average, every 5-7 years, owners have to carry out a thorough renovation, which includes cleaning, anti-corrosion protection and painting. “The labor itself costs about 100-150 PLN per running meter,” Piotr calculates. “That's where the materials come in. With a 50-meter fence, we are talking about an expense of the order of 5-7 thousand zlotys. And this is an optimistic scenario, assuming that no elements need to be replaced.”

Worse, the mere presence of corrosion can be a safety hazard. “Corroded elements lose their strength,” warns Dr. Nowak. “In extreme cases, this can lead to the collapse of fragments of the fence. If we add a photovoltaic installation to this, the risk increases significantly. Minor damage to the insulation of the wires by rust can lead to a short circuit or even a fire.”

It is these problems that have caused more and more homeowners to start looking for alternatives to traditional steel fences. After all, the fence should give a sense of security and peace, and not be a source of constant worries and expenses.

Solution

When we started designing the eFence system, we knew one thing — we needed to find a solution that would end the corrosion problem in fences once and for all. After months of research and testing, the answer turned out to be simple and elegant at the same time - extruded aluminum.

“Aluminum is a fascinating metal,” explains Maria Kowalska, chief designer of the eFence system. “In contact with oxygen, it immediately becomes covered with a thin layer of aluminum oxide, which is incredibly hard and resistant. It is she who forms a natural protective barrier, protecting the metal from further oxidation. Unlike rust on steel, which accelerates corrosion, a layer of aluminum oxide actually protects the metal underneath.”

But the use of aluminum itself is only the beginning. The eFence system is based on specially designed extruded aluminium profiles. “The extrusion process allows us to obtain profiles with perfectly selected strength parameters,” explains Kowalska. “This makes our fence not only corrosion-resistant, but also extremely stable and durable.”

We paid special attention to the places of joining the elements - it is there in traditional fences that corrosion most often begins. “We used stainless steel connecting elements,” says Piotr Nowicki, head of the assembly department. “This is a key difference compared to competing solutions that often use regular steel or aluminum fasteners. Stainless steel does not undergo an electrochemical reaction with aluminum, so there is no risk of galvanic corrosion.”

The system has undergone rigorous testing in a salt chamber, simulating accelerated aging under extreme weather conditions. “The results exceeded our wildest expectations,” admits Dr. Anna Wiśniewska from the research laboratory. “After 25 years of normal operation, we did not observe any signs of corrosion or degradation of the material.”

Moreover, all profiles before installation undergo an anodizing process, which further strengthens the natural protective layer of aluminum. “It's like an extra insurance policy,” Kowalska smiles. “Although aluminum itself is already resistant to corrosion, anodizing further increases its durability and allows it to maintain an aesthetic appearance for many years to come.”

It is also worth mentioning the special installation system of photovoltaic panels. “We have developed unique stainless steel eShark grips,” explains Nowicki. “Thanks to them, the panels are firmly fixed and at the same time there is no risk of galvanic corrosion, which is a scourge for traditional solutions using aluminum handles on a steel fence.”

It is this attention to every detail that makes the eFence system set new standards for durability in the fencing industry. As Kowalska says: “We did not want to create another product that would require regular maintenance or replacement. Our goal was a fence that would last for generations.”

What does it give

When we talk to the owners of the eFence system, we most often hear one word: calm. “I can finally stop worrying about the condition of my fence,” says Mr Andrew, who installed the system two years ago. “A neighbor is just renovating his steel fence for the second time, and I'm just enjoying the sight of mine, which looks exactly the same as it did on the day of installation.”

This durability translates into very tangible financial benefits. We conducted a detailed cost analysis over a 25-year perspective, comparing traditional steel fencing with the eFence system. “The difference is striking,” comments Tomasz Wiśniewski, a financial analyst. “With a steel fence, we must include at least four major renovations, each costing about 5-7 thousand zlotys for a standard property. This is accompanied by minor repairs and maintenance. In the case of eFence - zero additional costs. It is enough to wash the fence with water from time to time.”

But the durability of aluminum is not just a financial issue. It is also a guarantee of safety, especially in the context of photovoltaic installations. “As an installer, I see a huge difference,” admits Marek Kowalczyk, who has been installing photovoltaic systems for 15 years. “In traditional solutions, I am always worried about what I will find in a few years from the review. Have the electrical connections not been affected by corrosion? Is the design still stable? There are simply no such fears at all.”

Moreover, non-corrosive aluminum allows you to preserve the original aesthetics of the fence for decades. “This is especially important for architects and their clients,” emphasizes Anna Nowak, landscape architect. “When I design the space around the house, I need to make sure that in a few years it will look the way I planned it. The eFence aluminum fence gives me that confidence.”

The system performs particularly well in difficult weather conditions. “We have customers from coastal areas, where standard steel fences can corrode within 2-3 years,” says Piotr from the customer service department. “EFence manages there without the slightest problem. The salt in the air, which is a curse for steel, has no effect on aluminum.”

This durability also translates into a higher property value. “More and more buyers are paying attention to the quality of the materials used,” notes Maria Kowalska, a real estate agent. “Aluminum fence with photovoltaic installation is a strong selling point. It shows that the owner has bet on the highest quality and durable solutions.”

In conclusion, the choice of aluminum as the base material for the eFence system is not only a technical solution - it is an investment in long-term peace and security. As one of our clients sums up: “Sometimes it's worth paying a little more at first, so that you don't have to worry about anything for years afterwards. That's probably the best definition of true value.”

‍