1. Material Difference: Aluminum alloy guardrails are primarily made of aluminum, which boasts no issues of brittleness, rot, or rust streaks. After production, they are coated with a special paint or undergo oxidation, providing resistance to UV rays, color fading, yellowing, peeling, cracking, bubbling, and termite infestation. The lifespan of aluminum alloy guardrails can exceed 60 years. In contrast, zinc steel guardrails are made from high-temperature hot-dipped zinc materials, where steel is submerged in a molten zinc bath at several thousand degrees. After a certain period, the zinc penetrates the steel, creating a unique zinc steel alloy. The surface of hot-dipped zinc material does not require any treatment and can remain rust-free in outdoor conditions for up to 30 years, easily resolving the issues between rust prevention, aesthetics, and safety.

2. Differences in railing accessories usage: Aluminum alloy railing does not rust or oxidize, so it does not require a waterproof sleeve like zinc steel railing tubes do. Although zinc steel railing is galvanized, the interior still lacks protection, necessitating a waterproof sleeve to shield against rain and air, enhancing the railing's functionality. However, some aluminum alloy railings use waterproof and wear-resistant sleeves, not for waterproofing but to prevent tube movement and increase durability. For instance, accessories connecting crossbar tubes to upright posts, zinc steel railing can use galvanized two-pack clips, three-pack clips, etc., while aluminum alloy railing can only use accessories made of cast aluminum. The corners of aluminum alloy square tubes are more pronounced than those of zinc steel railing. Zinc-coated railing accessories, for aesthetic and safety reasons, have a slight curve at the corners, making them incompatible with aluminum alloy tubes.

3. Cost Estimation: Aluminum alloy, being cast aluminum, is slightly more expensive in terms of cost. In contrast, the cost estimation for zincalume fencing is slightly lower than that for aluminum alloy fencing. Some manufacturers, in pursuit of economic practicality and aesthetics, use cast aluminum decorative pieces on zincalume fences, making them comparable to aluminum fences in both quality and price. The combination of the two represents a step forward in innovative thinking.