Things to Know When Buying a Gate

First things to consider when buying a metal gate would be what your gate is going to be used for and where it will be installed. There is a wide variety of gates that includes:

  • Pedestrian Gates.
  • Driveway Gates.
  • Swing Gates.
  • Top Hung Gates.
  • Sliding Gates.
  • Garden Gates.
  • Door Gates.
  • Field Gates.
  • Automated Gates.
  • High Spec Industrial Gates.

To name a few.

Selecting the type of gate will help you understand what aspects it should cover and who you should look for to complete the installation works.

When you’re considering metal gates ask yourself a few key questions:

  • What purposes exactly the gate is meant to serve?
  • Where is the best place to install the gate?
  • Do you want a manual or automated solution?

You also want to give some early thought as to how you wish the gate to look; from decoration through to colour scheme.

Functionality

The functionality of your metal gate has a large bearing on the type of gate that you go for.

Commercial security gates are generally designed to look robust and intimidating to deter anyone who is looking to gain illegal access to your property.

Garden gates need to combine a bit of this and an element of attractiveness so they are in keeping with other landscaping features.

Driveway gates are slightly different in that they are certainly a security measure, but they are often the actual “front door” to your property too. Therefore, they have to be designed in a way that does not detract from the overall attractiveness of your property. Driveway gates should ideally also be remotely activated.

Make sure that the gate you choose would match a design and operating process that works in conjunction with the given space. It is eventually meant to allow easy access and work seamlessly with the fence or pillars that it is attached to.

Measuring Up

We’d recommend that you get advice from a professional when measuring up. There are usually quiet a few things to consider in that process. A welder that specialise in gate repairs and installations should be able to help you out with all tasks related to the supply and fitting of security gates.

Some of the things the welder will take into account is where the gate will be hanging from. There are number of variables between hanging a gate from brickwork, walls or wooden posts.

The welder will also consider:

  • The width of the gaps required for the gate to function smoothly.
  • Which side the latch needs to be fitted on (roadside or outside).
  • The type of material (which would also affect the weight and look of the gate).
  • The most suitable types of locking mechanisms.
  • And more.
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The Gate Design

After weighing all of the practical steps out of the way it’s time to start considering the design of your gates. We’ve touched on some of the considerations you need to take into account already, but it’s worth considering these in a little more detail.

Do you want your gate to just blend in and be indistinguishable from its surroundings? Do you want it to match the existing colour scheme? Do you want it to look intimidating and darn right difficult to get past? You can have your metal gates covering all of these options.

Metal gates will also offer you more options in terms of intricate design than you get with other materials such as wood or composite.

Steel Gates

There are many advantages to choosing steel as your material. It offers you far more flexibility when looking to develop complex designs and is extremely strong; this strength is not just about straight up durability, it allows to produce complex, narrow and otherwise delicate designs that will stand the test of time.

Steel is an economic material to use so it won’t break the bank and it can be treated to be protected from corrosive elements prolonging its life and attractiveness.

Special paints and powder coats are frequently used options in the treatment of steel and hot dip galvanising is another method which can be used with great success.

Who is going to install your gate?

When it comes to gate installation there are a few factors to note. There are basically 2 ways to get your gate supplied and fitted:

  • Buy the gate yourself and have installed by a gate fitter.
  • Get your gate supplied and installed by the same company.

Although it may be cheaper to get your gate made in one place and installed by a different fitter; It is always better to have your gate manufactured and fitted by the same supplier. This way all of your concerns will be addressed by the same company. Your warranty will be 100% guaranteed. And if you ever get any issue with the gate the fitter won’t be able to blame the manufacturer and vice versa.

Finding a local welding company is a good place to start enquiring about your desired gate. The welders are expected to ask you for some information about where the gate is going to be fitted, what design you had in mind and maybe also if you have taken any measurements. It is therefore recommended to gather as much info as you can in advance as well as some photos you could email them.