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Metal driveway gates can be a great addition to just about any property. Not only do they provide an additional layer of security, but they also increase the property's overall value and enhance curb appeal.
When in the market for driveway gates, you typically begin the process by selecting a material. This article highlights the benefits of choosing a metal driveway gate, ensuring you select the best product for your property.
Which Metal Type Works Best?
The four metals typically used to create metal driveway gates have advantages and disadvantages. This section aims to highlight these merits.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, metal driveway gates are intrinsically elegant, provided they are expertly made. It doesn’t matter if they are constructed from aluminum, iron, or steel; they are a great choice for driveway gate installations.
Wrought iron fencing is the best choice for those that want an ornate appearance. For those who want a simple design, a cast iron, aluminum, or flat-top steel gate might be a perfect choice.
Weight
Aluminum driveway gates are two and a half times lighter than iron and steel gates. This lower weight makes them less robust; however, they do not require as much support as iron and steel gates. Due to this, they can be automated using a lower power-rated gate operator. Furthermore, aluminum is a practical choice for bigger gates since they can be easily closed and opened.
Maintenance
Every metal gate is potentially a low maintenance one. They also do not require that much upkeep. Aluminum is the favored material since it is a naturally rust-resistant material. Steel and iron metal driveway gates do not rust, fade, or peel when finished with a powder coating.
Durability and Strength
Steel is the strongest of the metals on this list, while aluminum is the least heavy-duty. In theory, this means that a steel metal gate is capable of withstanding abuse and leveraging forces linked with gate operation. Iron gates, whether wrought or cast iron, are much less robust than steel gates.
While aluminum driveway gates are the least heavy-duty on this list, that doesn’t mean they are flimsy. They are capable of holding up to anything the elements throw at them. Nevertheless, it should be noted that aluminum driveway gates, unlike iron and steel gates, do not come as a single welded piece.
Rather, the pickets are screwed in to provide rigidity. This might result in the pickets coming loose over time, requiring adjustments. Fully welded metal gates are considered to be a lot more robust.
What Styles and Designs of Metal Gates Are Available?
Metal gates typically come in three designs:
Arched-Top With Finials
This gate style makes the top of the pickets extend past the upper rail. This can create an ornamental finish.
Arched-Top
An arched-top gate has an upper rail that creates a gradual yet sweeping arch. This style is traditional and elegant, making it a great choice for double swing gates.
Flat-Tops
Flat tops are the simplest type of gate style out there. The upper rail of flat tops is completely straight, making any gate manufactured in this style a perfectly rectangular shape.
While these are the three most basic styles available, there are many ways to customize a gate. For instance, you can select the spacing between pickets, the height at which the gate is mounted off the ground, and a range of ornamental designs for finials and pickets.
Metal Driveway Gates: Types
When purchasing driveway gates, there are four types to select from. They are:
Cast Iron
Cast iron is the term given to iron that has been melted and poured into a mold to solidify. While it is a strong metal, it isn’t as sturdy as wrought iron. It makes up for this by having a smoother finish compared to wrought iron.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is the term given to iron that has been heated and worked with tools. It is a lot more malleable than cast iron making it the right choice to be shaped into intricate designs. Furthermore, it has a fibrous appearance that gives the metal a lot of character.
Aluminum
Aluminum is malleable and lightweight. While it isn’t as robust as steel, it is completely rust-proof.
Steel
Steel is an alloy constructed from carbon and iron. It is a lot stronger than pure iron and can resist impact. For heavy-duty applications, steel is the go-to material for metal driveway gates.
Should You Go for a Slide Gate or a Swing Gate?
A traditional slide gate glides across a track that runs parallel to the fence. Slide gates can also come as trackless cantilever gates, which slide on post mounted rollers. You can also use stacker or telescopic gates, which combine two or more panels on top of each other when the gate is opened. This process allows the gate to be compactly stowed when in use.
Swinging gates are by far the most popular choice as they have the main advantage of not requiring as much space along the driveway. Furthermore, swing gates are the best for those that want a traditional arched-top metal gate design. Double and single swinging gates are also available.
Single swing gates are best for driveways with a narrow opening, while double swing gates are best for a larger opening and for those wanting to give their home a more traditional look.
You should note, however, that double swing gates require two gate operators like the LiftMaster LA400XL20W Upgraded Dual Swing Gate, which also works with a solar gate system.
If you are interested in installing metal driveway gates and aren’t sure which mechanism works best for your situation, you can simply visit All Security Equipment, as this is your one-stop shop for all things electrical driveway gates. You can also discover the various security solutions available to you.
