Aluminum vs Steel - Which is the Best Material for Gates in Vancouver

Gates are an integral part of every property, whether that is in Vancouver or anywhere else. The gates not only protect the property from intruders and animals, but also give passersby a perception of the people living inside the property.

When choosing gates for your property, you should consider several points, such as strength, durability, customization, and appeal of the design. You have various options from which to make your gate choice. For example, aluminum and steel. In this blog, we are going to compare these two for you to help you make the right choice.

We begin with Aluminum.

Aluminum as a choice for gates in Vancouver 

Pros: 

1. Aluminum is a lightweight and versatile material that is suitable for any environment. So, you don't have to consider the unique environment of the place you are choosing it for as your gate choice.

2.  Aluminum is resistant to bad weather. Bad weather cannot damage it and cause corrosion. 

3.  Aluminum is resistant to rust, so it does not deteriorate with time and will last for a long time. 

4.  With little maintenance and care, you can maintain its appearance for many years.

5.  Aluminum doors are customizable and look awesome. 

Cons: 

1. It is a weaker material than steel, and can easily be damaged, so installing aluminum gates at places in Vancouver where extra security is required will not be recommended.

2. Aluminum gates can easily be bent, so if you are living in a more accident-prone area, this will not be a smart choice. 

Steel as a choice for gates in Vancouver

Pros 

1. Steel is a stronger material than aluminum. Bending it is very difficult. So, if anything heavy falls on it, then it does not damage or bend.

2.  Steel is resistant to impacts. So, it is a smart choice for harsh environments.

3. When it comes to security, steel gates are much more secure than aluminum gates.  

Cons

1.  Due to its ruggedness, its installation is difficult. 

2.  Steel is a more expensive choice compared to aluminum.

We believe this comparison will be very much helpful for you to make your choice. However, if you have any uncertainty, then come to us. We will recommend to you the best gates, depending on your requirements. We are a specialized, trustworthy, and affordable provider of gates in Vancouver.

3 Steps to Prevent Corrosion of Iron Driveway Gates

Iron driveway gates are generally installed in residential, as well as commercial properties for security benefits. But such gates need maintenance services to prevent corrosion and rusting. With proper care, the privacy & security needs can be served for longer period of time and the overall appeal of the property will be enhanced with well-maintained iron driveway gates. The inherent quality of such gates is an important aspect as well, which can be ensured by buying gates from well known gate manufacturers. Maintenance of gates will ensure that changing weather conditions won’t have much effect on the metal surface of the gate. No matter what kind of design, or size of gate you’ve installed in your place, maintenance is required for them all. 

Are you worried about a reddish, rusty appearance of the gate on your property, or about its automatic functioning? You don’t need to. There are three simple steps that you can follow to maintain the stylish look of your place and the integrity of the mechanics.

1. Surface Cleaning and Smoothening

The rusty, red spots that can develop on the surface of iron driveway gates should be removed by scrubbing the surface with sand paper or a steel brush. Powdery, red rust will get removed with forceful scrubbing and you need to apply a coating of primer to prevent further corrosion. The gate surface can become corroded because moisture in the air, or inclement weather attacks the surface. With a primer layer in between, the effects of moisture are reduced. A further layering of paint over the primer can add an attractive touch to it as well. If you’re painting the gate by yourself, make sure that the hard-to-reach spots are painted as well.

2. Greasing

The moving parts of iron driveway gates need to be maintained for smooth movement as well. For that, grease works best. After regular use, it happens that a creaking sound occurs with movement of gate. This is due to the friction between the moving parts. Grease serves as a lubricant & smoothens the movement.

3. Automation Damage Repair

If you have features of automation installed in the iron driveway gate, the automation system may get damaged with continuous use over time. So, you should hire professionals for regular maintenance checks to prevent unexpected failure or damage.

Aluminum Gates for your Beautiful Garden

Your garden is the best place to unwind on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Your little children and pets make the perfect combination along with the soft sunrays to uplift your mood and give you that holiday kick! How special is your garden to you? What are the best memories you have in decorating your garden and also relaxing in it?

Decorating your garden

We all use a variety of trees, shrubs, fencing, boundaries, stone walls and gates to decorate and protect our gardens. There are special garden ornaments found in the market today. We can use displays such as green hangings, marble work items, fountains, pebble art, benches and chairs, wrought iron furniture for adding to the overall charm of the place. Similarly, we can use security methods such as adding fencing and iron and aluminum gates to your garden. They add on to the security of the place and also add more charm to it. You will take pride in displaying your garden to visitors and family.

Using aluminum gates for decoration

Aluminum gates are one of the best ways to add on to the security of your garden and also add more value to it. Aluminum gates are available in a variety of designs and styles. One can choose from contemporary styles to authentic traditional styles that look exotic and classy at the same time. Aluminum gates can be easily installed and look elegant in your garden. With their addition, you do not need to worry about the safety of your little ones, your pets, plantations etc.

Benefits of using aluminum gates

Aluminum gates are a preferred choice in metal gates because of many factors. They are light weight and can be easily installed. It does not cost a fortune to get them installed or repaired. They are low maintenance metal gates and are cost-effective to other varieties of metal gates. Most importantly, they do not damage easily and are resistant to easy wear and tear such as corrosion, rusting and other weather-induced complications.

Benefits of Adding Strong Metal Gates to your Property

The beautiful entrance of your house is bordered by the colorful bushes and greenery. The garden is a spectacle along with the small fountain in it. You love the old-world charm of your home, your home! The backyard is no different as it witnessing countless of plays and hide-and-seek sessions of your children and of course, the lazy Sunday afternoons! This is a picture-perfect home and you don’t need any added protection or security, do you?

Metal gates are synonymous with security and the sense of protection. It is a good thought to have your property, your small little world protected from unauthorized entry, trespassing, stray animals, burglars etc. You want the beauty and the privacy of your home to remain intact. Your haven is what you really need to protect and what better than the use of strong yet artistic metal gates.

Security

Adding security gates to your property is a strong security measure. You can protect the interiors of your property, lawn, garden, backyard, entrance etc with the use of highly secure, automated or manual security metal gates.

Kids and Pets

If you have children and pets, you want to avoid them from moving out of the property. In case, you wish to be sure, add aluminum gates to your garden and backyard as well. This keeps the protected inside the property.

Beauty

Metal gates are available in a variety of designs and patterns. They are concave, convex, picketed, artistic designs available in aluminum and iron gates. You can also add pedestrian gates, garden gates to your property to enhance its beauty and charm.

Value

A secure residence is always considered more valuable and appealing. The addition of strong metal gates, railings and fences adds more value to the overall property.

Privacy

You can keep the privacy of your home intact with the security gates. You can check trespassers or strangers from entering into your backyard or other premises. Hence, you can check the encroachment on your property as well. This lets you enjoy your family time and host parties in the open as well.

Durability

Metal gates are far more durable, strong and a better option to natural alternatives such as bushes, shrubs, trees etc. They provide the right protection and safeguard your family and loved ones.

Install classic or modern-styled metal gates to your home or business. Choose from a variety of designs available with the best gate manufacturers in Coquitlam. You can also have custom designed gates, railings, fences or doors installed as per your need or convenience!

Gate Security and Professional Help

Gates, fences, railing are installed by many house owners not just for enhancing the beauty of a house but for security reasons as well. Therefore, when you plan to install a gate, make sure to consult professional metal work specialists. They can guide you to choose perfect gates, railings, fences that can enhance the security of your building or a facility.

House owners prefer metal gates for security purpose. Aluminum gates and iron gates are mostly preferred. These gates can be designed with additional safety integration enabling modern technology.

There are many types of gates. Sliding gates, swing gates are two major gate types. Before consulting a metal work specialist, you have to determine a budget and your needs. Once you specify your requirement, these specialists can either get a pre-designed gate or can customize according to the way you want.  

Since security is an important aspect to all homes, you should not compromise on the quality of the metal ensuring that the beauty and carvings remain intact. You can choose from wrought iron to steel doors that come with rust-proof, anti-tampering, and durability features.

Many gate manufacturers and suppliers hire knowledgeable technicians, skilled contractors who can handle advanced designing equipments. They present the desired gates for elegance and safety catering to residential as well as commercial sectors.

Metal Specialist for Home Renovation Projects

Make home renovation projects successful with our quality metal products. We, Touch of Class works with contractors, developers, designers and homeowners to provide perfect solution for renovation task in Coquitlam, BC. One can make selection from our products like:

•    Fences

•    Gates

•    Railings

•    Steel doors

Developers are capable to provide desired products ranging from a small backdoor to security fence or gate or stairwell railing. Our motive is to satisfy our wide clientele so we lay emphasis on service commitment, quality of products, friendly customer service and affordable prices.

Come to us and make your home renovation tasks simple and worth.

3 Steps Followed For Incorporation of Aluminum Gates

Aluminum gates make the perfect option when you need to add an artistic flare to your entrance. Steel or iron gates are preferred over aluminum gates when security is an overriding concern. However, it does not imply that aluminum gates are not secured; however, it certainly depends upon how the gates are incorporated.

Three important steps followed for incorporation of aluminum gates are as follows.

Designing

The gates should be designed based on individual needs. Actual site survey is also a must, before the gates can be designed. It is better to design a gate based on specific requirements, rather choosing a custom design from available options.

Manufacturing

Once the site survey is complete and the designer has presented some options based on your specific requirements. You can choose the one you like the most, and it will be sent for manufacturing. Aluminum gates that are manufactured based on the design you have chosen will thus exactly fit in the desired space. This saves you a lot of money that you would have spent on masonry work to make space for a gate that does not fit in.

Installation

The installation process requires services of professional installers. The installers make sure that the gate is properly installed, as projected in the design. Moreover, it is necessary to employ professionals for the incorporation of aluminum or iron gates or iron fences, since it requires precision, quality and commitment to properly install a gate.

Iron Railing Gaining Preference over Wooden Railing

There are different types of iron railing that can be incorporated. Same is the case with aluminium gates and this is the reason behind their popularity.

Use of iron railing has not lost its popularity even after centuries of usage. There are several reasons behind it. Using it, not only the look of your home gets enhanced, it also makes your property secure. Wooden railing is also an alternative but with certain disadvantages.

The iron railings score heavily in comparison to other options as these are more durable and also low on maintenance. While incorporating railings of iron, you also get a lot of options to choose from, which is absent with wooden railings. Moreover, these railings do not need to be replaced after some years, as in case with the wooden ones. Wood in comparison to iron is neither more tough nor is able to offer more choices. Similarly, aluminium gates are more useful than the wooden gates. Steel railings are also one of the options for those who do not want to go for the iron railings. However, if you think of giving your property the contemporary look then you have to choose the railings of iron over the steel.

Aluminium gates have other advantages as well. These are light in weight and still offer considerable security. Being a metal aluminum is very malleable and ductile and thus can be easily moulded in desired form. It is also easy to design an aluminum gate.

Another reason for aluminium gates to gain popularity is the fact that the technology required is readily available. Going in for natural wooden doors is also not good for the environment. Iron railing and aluminium gates find place in the contemporary design whereas wooden railings and gates have faded away.

Types of iron railings

Based on iron used to make the railings, these can be broadly classified in three types. Railings of Wrought iron are the costliest because of the intensive labour involved in making of wrought iron. Those made from cast iron are not as durable as the wrought iron railings but are less costly. Mild steel railings are the third type, which have the quality of steel as well as that of iron.

Development in making of iron railings

Advancement in technology, method of welding and processing of iron ore directly affected the availability of iron railings. Earlier it was very costly to get incorporated but with technological advancement it became affordable for all. Now, with even more advanced methods of processing iron, it is far easier and cheaper to get an iron railing incorporated to your home.

Touch of Class Aluminum and Ironworks has the expertise and experience of incorporating iron railing and aluminium gates. We offer wide array of services enhancing the view and safety of your property at best rate.