Aluminum Fence Warranty and Care: What the Coverage Says and What Cleaning Is Expected
TL;DR
- The PrimeAlux limited warranty lists 20 years for aluminum metal, 15 years for coated aluminum fence and 10 years for powder coated aluminum extrusion profile.
- The warranty requires the fence system to be cleaned twice per year following PrimeAlux cleaning instructions, and cleaning logs must be maintained.
- The warranty is granted to the buyer. It is non-transferable.
If you are asking how long an aluminum fence lasts, the document to read is the warranty. This post sets out what the PrimeAlux limited warranty lists, what it asks the owner to do, and a care routine built from the two PrimeAlux documents. It gives no lifespan, because neither document does.
What the warranty lists
The warranty gives three periods, in its own words:
| Item | Warranty period |
|---|---|
| Aluminum metal | 20 years |
| Coated aluminum fence | 15 years |
| Powder coated Aluminum Extrusion profile | 10 years |
The warranty says it "applies if any of the following warranty conditions occurs within the years specified in below table from the Effective Date". The Effective Date is "the date of receipt of AFS, confirmed by the buyer on the delivery note". AFS is the warranty's short name for its aluminum fence system.
The 20 years is listed for the aluminum metal, not the coating. The 15 years is listed for the coated fence and the 10 years for the powder coated extrusion profile, so read the line that matches the part you are asking about. The warranty gives periods for a claim. It does not give a lifespan for the fence.
What the warranty covers
The warranty condition it describes is "cracking, flaking, or peeling (loss of adhesion)" that is "apparent on ordinary outdoor visual observation of the object from a standard viewing distance of 10 feet (3 meters) at a 45-degree angle". It must arise during "normal use and moderate environment", and the damage must affect "more than 20% of the total project area". The warranty applies "only when AFS is properly installed (according to the standard application instructions)".
It also says: "PrimeAlux covers only the replacement of defective items, and does not cover labor in removal or installation or freight." And it says "coating fading and stain are not including in this warranty".
The document has more sections than this post covers: exclusions, a compensation table by claim year, the conditions for submitting a claim, and conditions for installs near salt water. Read the warranty PDF before you rely on this summary.
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Free samples are available. Ask for them through the contact form or call (437) 333-3032.
Who the warranty is granted to
The warranty is granted to the buyer. It says it is "only for the buyer's benefit, and the buyer may not assign it to any other person or entity". It is non-transferable and expires on any change or transfer of ownership of the property where the fence was installed.
The warranty does not say what applies when a contractor bought the materials and the homeowner owns the property. If that is your case, ask PrimeAlux before you assume who the buyer is. Keep the signed delivery note, because the warranty starts on the date of receipt confirmed on it.
Key facts
- The PrimeAlux limited warranty lists 20 years for aluminum metal, 15 years for coated aluminum fence and 10 years for powder coated aluminum extrusion profile.
- The warranty says: "AFS must be cleaned twice per year following PrimeAlux cleaning instructions."
- The warranty is granted to the buyer, and the buyer "may not assign it to any other person or entity".
What cleaning is expected
The warranty says: "AFS must be cleaned twice per year following PrimeAlux cleaning instructions. Cleaning logs must be maintained and can be requested in case of claim."
The PrimeAlux cleaning instructions say: "Documented cleaning is required twice per year, the frequency of cleaning must be increased in more extreme weather conditions." Slats need only an occasional rinse to stay clean. The warranty asks for more than that: cleaning twice per year, and a record of it.
The cleaning instructions give these points:
- "The best way to begin is by thoroughly rinsing your fence down with a garden hose."
- "Do not use jet water or high-water pressure."
- "Do not wash in direct sunlight."
- "Avoid cleaning of AFS when temperature is more than 30˚C/ 86˚F."
- "Do not use sponge to wipe away any remaining dirt, dust, or other matter."
- "Start at the bottom and work your way up."
The warranty adds that "Any scratches or defects that occur during cleaning thereof will eliminate the warranty of defected part." Its exclusions include "Damage caused by power washers" and "any other improper cleaning method employed". The warranty does not set a format for the cleaning log.
A twice-a-year care routine
This routine only arranges what the two documents say. Tick each item as you do it. Your ticks stay in this browser.
Twice-a-year care routine
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For a wider guide, see our aluminum fence maintenance guide.
Quick check
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How often does the warranty say the fence system must be cleaned?
- Twice per year
- Once every five years
- Only after a claim
Show the answer
A. The warranty says: "AFS must be cleaned twice per year following PrimeAlux cleaning instructions."
Which of these do the cleaning instructions say not to do?
- Use jet water or high water pressure
- Rinse with a garden hose
- Start at the bottom
Show the answer
A. The cleaning instructions say: "Do not use jet water or high-water pressure."
Who is the warranty granted to?
- The buyer
- Any later owner of the property
- Anyone the buyer chooses
Show the answer
A. The warranty is "only for the buyer's benefit, and the buyer may not assign it to any other person or entity".
Questions about the documents? Use the contact form or call (437) 333-3032.
What to ask PrimeAlux
Ask for the current copies of the warranty and the cleaning instructions, and ask what form of cleaning log PrimeAlux accepts. Call our sales team at (437) 333-3032 or write through the contact page. The Privacy, Semi-Privacy and Privacy Plus pages list the panel options.
Get a quote
Need the current warranty and cleaning instructions?
Ask our sales team for the current copies through the contact form, or call (437) 333-3032.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the PrimeAlux warranty?
The warranty lists 20 years for aluminum metal, 15 years for coated aluminum fence and 10 years for powder coated aluminum extrusion profile.
Does the warranty give a lifespan for the fence?
No. It gives warranty periods. Read the warranty PDF for what it covers.
Does the warranty require cleaning?
Yes. It says: "AFS must be cleaned twice per year following PrimeAlux cleaning instructions. Cleaning logs must be maintained and can be requested in case of claim."
Can I pass the warranty to the next owner of my property?
The warranty is non-transferable and expires on any change or transfer of ownership of the property where the fence was installed.
Is a rinse enough?
Slats need only an occasional rinse to stay clean. For the warranty condition, follow the twice-a-year documented cleaning in the PrimeAlux cleaning instructions.
This article is general planning information. Product specifications come from the PrimeAlux product pages and may change. Confirm dimensions, mounting and installation details with PrimeAlux before ordering, and check your local bylaws and permit requirements. This is not engineering or legal advice.
