Aluglobus Aluminum Systems Learning Center ALU20 Slat 6′ × 6′ Aluminum Fence Installation Guide A practical guide to planning, inventorying and assembling the black ALU20 horizontal fence kit with a 1/2″ gap, including post layout, footing decisions, slat spacing, slopes, troubleshooting and long-term care. 6′ wide × 6′ tall 1/2″ semi-privacy gap 6063-T6 aluminum AAMA 2604 powder coating Non-combustible aluminum View Current Product View Fence Projects Nominal bay 6′ × 6′ horizontal fence Slat profile ALU20 extruded aluminum Privacy level Semi-private, 1/2″ gap Critical control Plumb posts and repeatable spacing Jump to: Overview Specifications Components Planning Tools Installation Slopes Troubleshooting FAQs Understand the system first This is a slat-built fence bay, not a generic preassembled panel The ALU20 system creates a modern horizontal fence from individual extruded aluminum slats held at a consistent 1/2″ spacing between compatible posts. The finished 6′ × 6′ bay looks like one clean architectural panel, but the installation quality depends on how accurately the posts, bottom elevation, spacers and slats are laid out. The 1/2″ openings provide a balance of screening, airflow and light. They do not create a completely sight-proof wall. Because every horizontal line continues across the bay, small errors in post plumb or spacer placement become visible quickly. Most important correction to the old guide: do not plan to “mount a finished panel” unless your order was specifically supplied that way. Inventory the current kit and follow the Aluglobus drawing for the slat-and-spacer assembly sequence. ALU20 black horizontal fence configuration. Confirm current kit contents and dimensions before installation. Current product identity Verified specifications that should control the guide 01 6′ × 6′ nominal configuration The live listing identifies a six-foot-wide by six-foot-tall horizontal fence bay. Use the current drawing, not the nominal name alone, to establish post centers and finished clearances. 02 1/2″ semi-privacy gap The openings are intentional. Maintain one repeatable spacer standard throughout the run so the horizontal rhythm does not drift. 03 6063-T6 aluminum The product page identifies USA-made 6063-T6 aluminum, a lightweight and corrosion-resistant extrusion alloy suited to exterior architectural systems. 04 Architectural powder coating The current listing identifies an AAMA 2604 coating system using Cardinal Paint or TIGER powder options, with black as the standard configuration shown here. 05 Non-combustible substrate Aluminum does not provide combustible fuel like wood or vinyl. Complete-project compliance still depends on the assembly, adjacent materials and local rules. 06 Low-maintenance exterior system No staining or routine repainting is required. Cleaning, fastener inspection and prompt removal of concrete dust or coastal residue protect the finish. ALU20 profile diagram. Do not scale field dimensions from a webpage image; use the current technical drawing. Inventory before cutting What the 6′ × 6′ kit configuration is built from Current configuration information associated with this kit lists 29 ALU20 slats, repeatable 1/2″ spacers, a compatible 2.75″ two-way post, a post cap, bottom spacers and L-brackets. The exact packaging, post length, fasteners and shipping configuration can change. Open every bundle on a protected surface and compare it with the current packing list before setting the first post. Do not throw away labeled hardware, sleeves or small spacers until the installation has been completed and inspected. Primary visible components ALU20 horizontal aluminum slats 1/2″ spacers that establish the visual gap Two-way post or approved side-channel condition Top cap and exposed-edge finishing pieces Installation components Bottom spacers or starting supports L-brackets and compatible fasteners Post, sleeve, base plate or footing components selected for the site Touch-up material approved for the supplied finish Do not assume every order contains the same post package. Confirm whether your project uses an in-ground post, a sleeved shipping configuration, a base-plated post, a wall channel or another approved detail. Why the spacing matters The 1/2″ gap controls the entire appearance ALU20 uses narrow horizontal slats, so there are many repeated lines in a six-foot-high bay. A small spacing error at each course can accumulate into a noticeably incorrect top condition. Use one clean spacer standard, check the running height periodically and keep every slat fully seated. Never correct accumulated error by squeezing several gaps at the top. Planning math: a common 6′-high configuration uses 29 nominal 2″ slats and 28 nominal 1/2″ openings. That relationship explains why consistency matters, but the current drawing and bottom/top conditions remain the final authority. Plan the whole run Measure the site before ordering panels and posts Fence layout is controlled by the actual property line, end conditions, gate openings, corners, grade changes and post attachment method. A run that is 30 feet long does not automatically accept five perfect six-foot bays once posts and finished clearances are included. Planning estimator Nominal 6-foot bay estimate Use this only for early budgeting. Final post centers must come from the current drawing and field dimensions. Straight fence run length in feet Estimate Nominal Bays Early planning estimate 5 bays Approximately 6 support lines for one straight standalone run. Corner posts, gates, wall returns, shared posts, custom cuts and exact post widths can change the count. A Confirm boundaries Do not treat an old fence, planter edge or visible concrete joint as a legal property line without verification. B Locate utilities Complete the applicable utility-marking process before excavation. Also identify private irrigation, lighting and drain lines. C Map every termination Record corners, wall returns, gates, height transitions, existing columns and locations where a post cannot be centered normally. D Read the grade Measure elevation changes across each bay. Decide where steps occur before calculating post lengths or ordering custom slats. E Select the post method In-ground, sleeved, base-plated and wall-mounted details use different post lengths, anchors and structural assumptions. F Check local rules Verify height, setbacks, pool-barrier conditions, corner visibility, HOA requirements and permitting before fabrication or digging. Foundation decision The post installation matters more than the slats Straight aluminum slats cannot hide a post that moves, twists or leans. Footing size, embedment, anchor selection and reinforcement must respond to soil, wind exposure, fence height, local frost conditions and the actual support surface. In-ground post Confirm the supplied post length Use locally appropriate footing depth and diameter Brace the post plumb during concrete placement Keep the post opening free of concrete contamination Allow the footing to cure before loading the bay Surface or wall mount Verify concrete thickness and edge distance Select an approved base or channel profile Use anchors specified for the substrate and loads Isolate incompatible metals where required Do not anchor only into veneer, pavers or weak topping Preparation checklist Tools and materials to stage before installation Layout and verification Long tape measure and story pole String line, laser or builder’s level Long spirit level and square Grade stakes and non-staining markers Current Aluglobus drawing and packing list Cutting and assembly Non-ferrous metal cutting blade where field cuts are approved Drill/driver, bits and sockets matched to the hardware Clamps, protected work table and soft pads Deburring tool or fine file Repeatable 1/2″ spacer gauge Posts and finish protection Excavation or approved anchor tools Concrete and bracing for in-ground posts Correct anchors for surface mounting Clean water, mild soap and soft cloths Approved touch-up coating for cut edges Wear appropriate eye, hearing, hand and respiratory protection. Aluminum chips are sharp. Remove all drilling and cutting debris from the powder-coated surfaces immediately. Recommended workflow ALU20 installation sequence, step by step The exact fastener locations and post details must follow the drawing supplied with the order. The sequence below explains the control logic that prevents the most common layout failures. 01 Inventory and dry-layout the kit Count slats, spacers, posts, caps, brackets and fasteners. Separate end, line, corner and gate-adjacent conditions before installation begins. 02 Establish the fence line and finished grade Set a string or laser reference for the post faces. Mark the desired bottom clearance and every planned step before excavation. 03 Confirm actual post centers Use the system drawing and actual slat engagement depth. Do not place posts at a nominal six-foot spacing without accounting for the post profile and required insertion. 04 Set the first post perfectly plumb Brace it in both directions. The first post becomes the visual and dimensional reference for every horizontal course that follows. 05 Prepare the next support condition Set or temporarily position the next post according to the approved installation method. Keep enough control to verify slat engagement and bay width before final lock-in. 06 Install the starting support Place the specified bottom spacer, bracket or starter component at the designed elevation. Verify drainage and ground clearance before the first slat is loaded. 07 Insert the first ALU20 slat Seat both ends to the required depth without scratching the finish. Confirm the slat is level before establishing the remaining courses. 08 Alternate slats and 1/2″ spacers Use the supplied spacers or one verified gauge. Check the running height every few courses so small variations cannot accumulate at the top. 09 Lock the bay and verify the post Complete the specified fastening or cover sequence, then recheck both posts for plumb, the slats for level and the entire bay for consistent engagement. 10 Install caps and clean the system Remove metal filings, concrete dust, adhesive and fingerprints. Install the caps and trims only after the bay has passed the final alignment inspection. Field-cutting rule: measure the clear engagement dimension at the actual bay. Use a non-ferrous blade, support the extrusion, deburr the cut and protect the exposed edge with the approved finish method. Never copy the cut length from the previous bay without rechecking. Uneven ground Step the fence unless an approved diagonal detail is provided Horizontal slats naturally emphasize grade changes. For a standard ALU20 run, divide the slope into controlled stepped bays and keep each individual bay level. Plan the step locations, post lengths and bottom clearances before ordering. Do not “rack” the bay by forcing one post higher while keeping standard horizontal cuts. A true diagonal installation requires angle-specific slat cuts and an approved channel or post detail. For that special condition, review the uphill aluminum fence installation guide and request the applicable Aluglobus engineering detail. Stepped run Each bay remains level Post tops or finished heights can step Ground openings must be checked individually Works with standard square-cut slat ends Diagonal run Requires measured angle cuts Typically uses a C-channel-style detail Rear fastening and finishing access must be planned Should follow an approved project detail Project imagery is design inspiration. Field dimensions and slope details must be verified for the actual site. Installation diagnostics Common ALU20 fence problems and what they usually mean Observed problem Likely cause Corrective direction Gaps grow smaller toward the top Spacers were omitted, compressed or replaced with inconsistent field blocks. Stop assembly, measure the running height and rebuild the affected courses with one verified spacer standard. Slats appear to slope One post is out of plumb, the starting support is not level or the slat is not fully seated. Check post plumb and first-course elevation before altering individual slats. One end will not enter the post Post spacing is too tight, the cut is long, the post is twisted or debris blocks the channel. Do not hammer the coated slat. Confirm the clear engagement dimension and clean the channel. Slat rattles or moves Insufficient engagement, missing spacer/cover, loose fastening or an incorrect post configuration. Compare the bay with the supplied detail and replace incompatible or missing components. Post moves after installation Undersized footing, weak concrete, poor anchor engagement or unsuitable substrate. Unload the bay and have the structural post condition corrected before continuing the run. White marks appear on black coating Concrete residue, hard-water deposits, salt or abrasive cleaning. Rinse promptly and clean with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid aggressive polishing. Finish is scratched at cut ends Unprotected work surface, incorrect blade, rough handling or no deburring. Deburr carefully and use the approved touch-up method before moisture and contaminants reach the exposed edge. Top condition does not match the drawing Cumulative spacing error, wrong slat count, incorrect bottom spacer or incorrect finished bay height. Do not hide the error with an oversized trim. Recheck the full course count and starting elevation. Material and fire-zone planning Aluminum changes the maintenance and combustibility conversation The ALU20 slats and aluminum post components do not rot, feed insects or produce the red-rust cycle associated with unprotected steel. The current product listing also identifies the aluminum as non-combustible. What aluminum helps with Non-combustible metal substrate No wood staining or sealing cycle Strong corrosion resistance Consistent architectural profile Low routine cleaning requirement What still needs verification Zone Zero and local defensible-space rules Adjacent vegetation and combustible materials Fastener and anchor compatibility Pool and property-line requirements Engineering for wind and support conditions Care and inspection Maintenance schedule for a clean black finish Immediately after installation Remove every metal filing and concrete splash Rinse construction dust from the coating Confirm caps, covers and fasteners are seated Photograph the completed run and retain order records Twice each year Wash with mild soap and clean water Inspect posts for plumb and movement Check exposed fasteners and accessories Trim vegetation away from the finish After storms or impact Check post bases and footing movement Inspect slat engagement and spacing Look for bent channels or damaged coating Replace deformed components instead of forcing them straight in place In coastal or high-pollution areas, rinse the fence more frequently. Salt and airborne contaminants can remain on top of any exterior coating even though the aluminum substrate does not develop red rust. Frequently asked questions ALU20 slat fence installation FAQs Is the ALU20 fence panel delivered fully assembled? Treat the 6′ × 6′ product as a kit-based slat bay, not as a welded panel that can simply be lifted between posts. The horizontal ALU20 slats, spacers, post components and attachment hardware must be inventoried and assembled according to the current product drawing. What does the 1/2-inch gap mean? It is the nominal open space between adjacent horizontal slats. The gap creates semi-privacy, allows light and airflow, and must remain consistent from the bottom of the bay to the top. How many ALU20 slats are used in a 6-foot-high bay? Current configuration information associated with this kit lists 29 ALU20 slats. Verify the packing list and current product drawing before installation because kit contents can change. Are posts included with every kit? The product is sold as a complete fence kit, but post length and mounting configuration can vary by order and shipping method. Confirm the exact post, cap, sleeve, bracket and fastener package on the live order before digging or drilling. Can I install ALU20 fencing on a slope? Yes, but a stepped layout is normally the safest planning assumption for a horizontal slat system. Do not rack or force the slats diagonally unless Aluglobus provides an approved C-channel or project-specific detail. Can the fence be surface mounted to concrete? A surface-mounted application may be possible with the correct post, base plate, anchors and concrete condition. The slab or wall must be suitable for the loads. Confirm the mounting detail rather than selecting anchors by appearance alone. Is the 1/2-inch-gap fence fully private? No. It is a semi-privacy design. The view through the fence changes with viewing distance and angle, but a 1/2-inch opening remains between the horizontal slats. Is ALU20 suitable near a pool? The material can be used around outdoor and pool areas, but the complete barrier must be checked against local rules for height, openings, climbability, gate operation and property-line requirements. The product name alone does not establish code compliance. Is the system non-combustible? The live product listing identifies the aluminum as non-combustible. For Zone Zero or defensible-space work, verify the complete assembly, adjacent materials, clearances and local requirements with the project authority. How should the powder-coated finish be cleaned? Rinse loose dirt first, then use clean water, mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive pads, aggressive solvents and cleaners that can attack the coating. Remove concrete residue, metal filings and coastal salts promptly. Factory-direct project support Send the full layout before ordering the fence Share the total run, corners, gate openings, grade changes, post mounting conditions and project photos with Aluglobus Aluminum Systems. The team can help identify the correct ALU20 package, post configuration and project-specific details. Request Project Support View Live Product Back to Learning Center This guide is educational and does not replace the current product drawing, packing list, engineering, permit requirements, utility-locating process or local building and pool-barrier rules. Product contents, post configurations, availability and specifications may change. Verify the exact order before digging, cutting or installation.