Good gates do more than simply block off a drive. The right gates can enhance and enrich the appearance of your house, provide a greater sense of security and, of course, contain children and pets. Traditionally, gates have been manufactured using iron and steel; but as with fences, the range of options has exploded. Understanding the differences before making a decision can pay dividends.
Each individual gate is forged by hand, which makes each one slightly unique. The strength of wrought iron makes it a popular choice for gates, but the weight of the material makes it more expensive to produce and harder to transport. Genuine wrought iron is becoming more difficult to source, so most gates made from wrought iron are actually made from a lower grade steel. Mild steel is a good alternative, as it is much easier to work with and can give similar results to wrought iron. If you want to use a mild steel gate, make sure the manufacturer finishes it to a high quality. If you want to use the real thing, ask the manufacturer to provide a declaration of wrought iron in the specification.
When you are comparing styles and prices, a good range of metal gates is the easiest way to see what suits your property.
Measure the opening in several places to account for any misalignment. Allow for a gap at the bottom so the gates clear the ground, and make sure the drive isn’t sloped, as a slope could require a hinge set at the top and a bottom rail split in two. The posts are just as important as the gates, poor posts are the most common reason for gates that drop, drag, or fail to latch.
Rust is the enemy of steel. So the finish is the most important part of a gate. The best finish is a combination of hot dip galvanising and powder coating. With this combination, the steel is protected with a layer of zinc and the gate gets a colourful and tough finish. Cheaper gates can rust at welds in just a couple of winters. Any finish can be improved with a little regular care. Washing a few times a year and touching up paint chips will protect the finish. Lubricating the hinges and latches with a few drops of oil is another way to give the gate a little tender loving care. All of these will add a decade or more to a gate’s life.
A well-maintained wrought iron gate sends an immediate message that a property is secured. Spear tops and finials not only look good, they discourage climbing, and if positioned correctly, allow line of sight of children. Sliding and swing gates can both be automated and controlled by a power supply. Sliding gates need a clear path alongside the drive, and swing gates need room to fully open. Both need safety sensors. Automated gates of any type need to be wired and controlled by a power supply. Planning the route of cable runs can save a good deal of mess and expense.
Take your time designing the gates, considering how they will look from both the road and the house. Choose a supplier who will talk about materials, finish and fittings, and be open and transparent about the process. High quality gates will last decades, so the time and effort spent at the design stage is almost always repaid.
The most common regret when designing gates is choosing gates with bars that are too thin for the opening. While slim bars and thin frames may look elegant in a design, those bars can flex in the wind and wear out hinges quicker. Also, don’t forget to check your height against local restrictions, especially if there are pavements in front of your property. A gate that has leaves swinging into a street or pavement can quickly become a liability. Do not procrastinate on making a decision, as order times can increase with special requests or finishes.