PrimeAlux privacy fencing combines a modern appearance with long-lasting durability. The lightweight aluminum fence panels are designed for easy installation while providing the strength and stability needed for a reliable privacy fence.
To ensure consistent quality, PrimeAlux uses durable materials and subjects its fencing to a rigorous engineering and testing process. This guide explains how PrimeAlux privacy fences are constructed and walks through the testing performed to evaluate sound transmission, fire performance, slat strength, wind resistance, and post performance.
For homeowners, contractors, and property owners comparing aluminum privacy fence systems, these test results offer useful information about how the tested PrimeAlux configurations performed under controlled laboratory and engineering conditions.
PrimeAlux privacy fencing features aluminum insert slats filled with polyurethane foam. The foam adds stability to each slat, while the top and bottom frame rails securely hold the stacked or spaced slats in place.
Internal post covers and post caps create a clean, finished look with no exposed screws. The aluminum construction also resists common problems associated with other fencing materials, including rust, rot, and warping.
Together, these components create a privacy fence system designed to provide durability, stability, and a modern aesthetic.
The combination of aluminum fence panels and foam-filled slats also contributes to the system's tested performance in areas such as sound transmission and structural loading. However, performance can vary depending on the specific fence configuration, dimensions, installation method, and site conditions.
Before being made available, PrimeAlux privacy fence components and assemblies underwent a series of engineering and laboratory tests. The four tests evaluated different aspects of the fence system, from sound transmission and fire characteristics to structural loads and wind resistance.
These tests should be viewed as measurements of specific PrimeAlux materials, assemblies, and configurations under defined test conditions. They are not a guarantee that every installation will perform identically in the field.
Here is what each test evaluated and what the results mean.
1. Acoustical Sound Transmission Test
The polyurethane foam inside the aluminum fence panels helps reduce the amount of sound that passes through the fence. PrimeAlux panels were tested in a laboratory by Intertek to evaluate their sound transmission performance.
How the Sound Test Was Conducted
For the test, a full 6-foot-by-6-foot fence specimen consisting of foam-filled aluminum slats was mounted in an opening between two isolated acoustic test chambers: a source room and a receiving room.
Calibrated sound was generated in the source room, while sensitive microphones measured sound pressure levels in both rooms across standard third-octave frequency bands. These measurements were used to determine the sound transmission loss of the fence specimen.
Sound Test Results
- Sound Transmission Class (STC): 22
- Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC): 19
What Does the Sound Test Mean?
Noise Reduction: The panel achieved an STC rating of 22, demonstrating that the tested assembly reduced sound transmission under the laboratory conditions. This may help muffle some outdoor sounds, such as nearby traffic, lawn equipment, and neighborhood activity, but an STC rating of 22 does not mean the fence will block those sounds completely.
Enhanced Privacy: By reducing sound transmission in both directions, the fence can also help limit how easily conversations and other sounds from within your yard travel to neighboring properties.
The test results apply to the tested 6-foot-by-6-foot specimen. Fence height, gaps, surrounding structures, installation details, and environmental conditions can influence real-world acoustic performance.
Read more about the Acoustical Sound Transmission Test here.
2. Surface Burning Characteristics Test (Fire Test)
PrimeAlux fence panels were evaluated by Intertek using an ASTM E84 Steiner Tunnel test, also known as UL 723. This test measures surface flame spread and smoke development when a material is exposed to controlled fire conditions.
How the Fire Test Was Conducted
Samples of the foam-filled aluminum fence panels were placed face-down on a 24-foot test tunnel. Controlled gas flames and an air draft were applied to one end of the specimen for 10 minutes while sensors monitored flame spread and smoke development.
Fire Test Results:
- Flame Spread Index (FSI): 0
- Smoke Developed Index (SDI): 50
- Classification: Class A
Why Fire Testing Matters
Fire Performance: The test results indicate that the tested material had a very low flame-spread index under the conditions of the ASTM E84 test.
Building Code Considerations: Exterior materials may be subject to fire-performance requirements under local building codes, regulations, or homeowners association rules. Always check your local requirements before installation.
An ASTM E84 result describes performance under the conditions of that particular test method. It should not be interpreted as a statement that a complete fence installation is fireproof or will prevent the spread of an actual outdoor fire.
Read more about the Surface Burning Characteristics Test here.
3. Horizontal and Vertical Slat Load Test
The horizontal and vertical slat load test evaluated how much physical force individual fence slats, reinforced with interlocking H-rails, could withstand before bending or failing.
How the Slat Load Test Was Conducted
Loads were applied incrementally in both horizontal and vertical orientations across different panel widths and slat profile sizes.
The testing included:
- Panel spans: 4 feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet
- Slat profiles: 4 inches, 3.2 inches, and 1.6 inches
Slat Load Test Results
For standard 4-inch slats on a 6-foot span, two interlocking slats withstood:
- Up to 220 pounds of distributed horizontal load
- Up to 370 pounds of vertical load
For the shorter 4-foot span, the tested slats withstood:
- More than 363 pounds horizontally
- Up to 745 pounds vertically
What Does the Slat Load Test Prove?
The results demonstrate the load-bearing capability of the tested slat configurations. They offer a measurable indication of how the tested slats responded to applied loads under the specified laboratory conditions.
The fence is designed to provide structural stability under everyday physical loads and contact.
As with any fence, however, the panels should not be used as climbing structures, and excessive loads or impacts can cause damage.
Read how all slat and panel sizes performed in the PrimeAlux load test here.
4. Equivalent Wind Load and Post Resistance Test
The wind-resistance evaluation used engineering calculations, computer-based finite element simulations in SolidWorks, and destructive physical testing to evaluate the wind-load resistance of the 6-foot-by-6-foot fence panel and its supporting posts.
How the Wind Resistance Test Was Conducted
Panel Test: Sandbags were incrementally applied across the face of a horizontally supported 6-foot-by-6-foot fence panel. The applied load reached 1,082 pounds while panel deflection was measured.
Post Test: Both surface-mounted, base-plate posts and in-ground concrete-embedded posts were subjected to lateral forces until failure.
Wind Test Results
Panel Resistance: The 6-foot-by-6-foot fence panel withstood forces equivalent to wind speeds of up to approximately 169.8 km/h (105.5 mph).
Surface-Mounted Post: The on-ground, base-plate-mounted post configuration withstood forces equivalent to approximately 150-153 km/h (93-95 mph).
In-Ground Embedded Post: The post embedded approximately 3 feet in concrete withstood forces equivalent to approximately 218-227 km/h (135-141 mph).
What Does the Wind Test Mean?
The results demonstrate the wind-load capacity of the tested PrimeAlux fence configurations. Installation method and site conditions can significantly affect wind performance, so choosing between a surface-mounted and in-ground installation should take into account local wind exposure, soil conditions, climate, and applicable building requirements.
The reported wind-speed equivalents describe the tested configurations and should not be treated as a universal wind rating for every PrimeAlux fence installation. Local code requirements, fence dimensions, post spacing, foundation conditions, terrain, and installation practices can all affect actual wind performance.
The complete PrimeAlux wind-resistance test results are documented here.
Together, these four tests demonstrate how PrimeAlux privacy fencing performs across several important areas: sound transmission, surface burning characteristics, slat load capacity, and wind resistance.
The foam-filled aluminum panels can help reduce sound transmission, while the tested material achieved a Class A rating in the ASTM E84 surface-burning test. Structural load testing demonstrated the strength of the tested slat configurations, and wind-load testing evaluated the performance of both the fence panels and supporting posts under significant loads.
These tests provide a closer look at the engineering behind PrimeAlux privacy fencing and the testing used to evaluate its performance.
For anyone comparing aluminum privacy fences, reviewing the underlying test reports can be useful when considering factors such as privacy, structural design, sound transmission, and installation requirements. The most appropriate fence configuration will depend on the property's layout, intended use, local conditions, and applicable requirements.
A privacy fence is exposed to weather, physical loads, and everyday use for years, so understanding how its components have been engineered and tested can help with product selection. PrimeAlux combines aluminum construction with foam-filled slats and reinforced framing, while documented testing evaluates specific aspects of its performance.
Rather than relying on appearance alone, homeowners and contractors can review the available test documentation to understand how the tested fence assemblies performed under controlled conditions.
Ready to explore PrimeAlux privacy fencing? Check out our selection of PrimeAlux privacy fences and find the style and installation configuration that fits your property.
Is PrimeAlux privacy fencing made from aluminum?
Yes. PrimeAlux privacy fencing uses aluminum insert slats filled with polyurethane foam, along with frame rails, internal post covers, and post caps for a finished appearance.
How strong is a PrimeAlux privacy fence?
PrimeAlux fencing underwent horizontal and vertical load testing across different spans and slat profiles to evaluate how the tested configurations respond to applied structural loads.
Can a PrimeAlux fence reduce outdoor noise?
Yes. A tested 6-foot-by-6-foot PrimeAlux assembly achieved an STC rating of 22 and an OITC rating of 19 during laboratory acoustical testing.
What wind speeds can a PrimeAlux fence withstand?
Testing evaluated specific PrimeAlux panel and post configurations at forces equivalent to approximately 93–141 mph for posts and 105.5 mph for the tested panel.
Does PrimeAlux fencing have a fire rating?
The tested PrimeAlux material received a Class A classification under ASTM E84, with a Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Index of 50.