Will Corrugated Metal Fencing Get Too Hot, Corrugated metal fencing is a popular choice for residential and commercial fencing needs. It’s durable, affordable, and easy to install. However, one concern people have with metal fencing is whether it will get dangerously hot in the sun. Let’s take a closer look at how corrugated metal fencing holds up in warm weather.
How Hot Does Corrugated Metal Get?
The short answer is yes, corrugated metal can get quite hot in direct sunlight. However, there are a few factors that determine exactly how hot the metal will become:
Color
Darker colors like black and brown will absorb more heat than bare galvanized metal or lighter colors like white. White reflects the most sunlight.
Coating
Bare metal with no coating will heat up the most. Painted or powder coated metals will run cooler than bare metal.
Climate
Fencing in hot, arid climates like the desert southwest will run hotter than fencing in cooler, humid climates.
Sun Exposure
The amount of direct sun exposure makes a big difference. The shaded fence will stay dramatically cooler than fencing in full sun.
Typical Hot Metal Temperatures
Under the right conditions, corrugated metal fencing can reach startlingly high temperatures. Some typical numbers in full sun:
- Bare galvanized metal – up to 180°F
- Dark powder-coated metal – up to 220°F
- Dark painted metal – up to 240°F
- Bare copper or bronze – up to 265°F
These temperatures are hot enough to cause burns and discomfort on contact. However, the metal usually needs to be in direct sun for a while to reach maximum temperature. Early morning and late afternoon temperatures are much cooler.
Will the Heat Damage the Fence?
The good news is that these hot temperatures generally won’t damage or degrade a metal fence. Here are some key points:
- Most fence metal is galvanized or powder coated for corrosion resistance and can withstand occasional high temperatures without issue.
- Painted metal fences may show some minor discoloration over time from heat exposure, but the underlying metal is not compromised.
- Welds and hardware are also designed to withstand outdoor temperature swings without problems.
So while corrugated metal fencing can get hot to the touch on a sunny afternoon, the integrity of the fence itself is not at risk.
Risks of Hot Metal Fencing
Even though heat won’t damage the fence, there are some risks to consider on extremely hot days:
Burns
Bare skin touching dark, sun-exposed fencing could receive a minor burn. This is mostly a concern for small children and pets.
Discomfort
Metal fencing may be uncomfortably hot to the touch in direct sun. This could make yard access unpleasant during peak heat.
Increased Fire Risk
While metal itself does not burn, extremely hot and dry conditions increase fire risk if flammable materials like dry vegetation are nearby.
Tips for Keeping Metal Fence Cool
If heat is a major concern, there are ways to help keep corrugated metal fencing cooler:
Seek Partial Shade
Even a few hours of shade daily from trees or structures will prevent the metal from reaching peak temperatures.
Use Lighter Colors
Choose white, galvanized, or light powder-coated colors that reflect more sunlight.
Add Sun Screens
Install removable sunscreen fabric or mesh over the fence to provide shade and airflow.
Insulate at Touch Points
Use wood or another insulating material for rail caps and gates to prevent direct skin contact with hot metal.
Provide Alternate Access
Have a secondary gate or yard access that avoids the hot metal fence during peak sun.
Afternoon Water Spray
In extremely dry climates, a periodic spray of water over the fence will provide some evaporative cooling.
While corrugated metal fencing can definitely get hot in the sun, especially darker colors, the heat is not usually a cause for concern. With proper placement or accessories, metal fences can be shaded and cooled as needed. The durability and value of metal fencing make it a smart choice for most homes and yards.
We hope you enjoyed this article!
If YES ›› please do us a favor and share this guide with your friends and colleagues on social media. Thank you! 🙂
If you have a website ›› feel free to share snippets of the article. We just ask that you provide a link back to this post as a thank you.
We appreciate you!
