Aluminium Vs. Iron Gates: The Surprising Advantages Of Aluminium

For many homeowners, wrought iron gates create an image of strength, security and ornate design. What could look more impressive at the entrance to their home than a pair of intricately designed iron gates that open and close automatically for visitors?

But they rarely consider maintenance requirements to keep rust at bay. They are unaware of the costs of this maintenance and the operating costs of the powerful gate motors needed to move these heavy gates.

Wooden gates may be a consideration but these suffer even more from British weather and succumb to rot and decay if not maintained religiously and at considerable cost.

So, what’s the alternative?

Aluminium is lighter than both and recycled aluminium gates are environmentally friendly.  Their full life costs can be dramatically less than iron gates and they cost less to run and maintain.

Key Takeaways

• Aluminium gates last a long time because they are resistant to corrosion.
• Aluminium gates are light but strong so they can be automated with motors built for lighter gates.
• Aluminium gates can be designed to mimic traditional wooden or wrought iron gates or any modern design.
• Aluminium gates don’t need the same maintenance and operating costs as iron or wooden gates and don’t need to be replaced as often so their whole-life costs are much lower.

Why Light Aluminium Gates Are Better than Heavy Iron Gates

Don't be fooled by the low weight of aluminium gates; their strength, durability, and ease of installation make them a far superior choice to heavy, high-maintenance iron gates. Aluminium gates are lighter, they do not rust and they are easier to install.

Why Aluminium Gates are More Recyclable and Environmentally Sustainable than Iron Gates 

Did you know that opting for an eco-friendly gate choice like aluminium can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint?

Aluminium gates are highly recyclable, making them an environmentally sustainable material. Unlike iron gates, which are resource-intensive to produce and challenging to recycle, aluminium is more eco-friendly.

Although extracting iron from the Earth's crust is cheaper than extracting aluminium, the story is very different in terms of recycling. Aluminium is cheaper to recycle and the amount of material lost during recycling is minimal.

It's yet another reason why aluminium is a superior choice for your gates.
 

Why Aluminium Gates Are More Secure Than Iron Gates 

Aluminium gates provide outstanding security. It even outperforms traditional iron gates in durability and strength.

1. Aluminium gates do not rust, ensuring long-term protection.
2. They're incredibly durable, standing up to harsh weather conditions.
3. Reliable locking mechanisms enhance security.
4. Unlike iron gates, aluminium doesn't degrade, maintaining its strength and security over time.

Why Aluminium Gates Are More Customisable Than Iron Gates 

Aluminium gates come in ranges described as traditional, contemporary, classical, modem and much more. Thanks to the design process and the way that extruded sections of aluminium are produced to form the component parts of an aluminium gate, nearly any existing gate design can be mimicked in aluminium.

Classic designs tend to be full boarded (without gaps) and flat topped or curved topped. More modern designs may have clear inserts, spaces between boards, sloping tops and different colours.

Aluminium panels can be assembled in a steel frame to create a gate that is stronger but still maintains its overall lower weight and resistance to corrosion.

The protective covering applied to many aluminium gates can be created in any colour, multiple wood-effect finishes and even textured finishes. So, while it adds the final degree of corrosion protection to your gates, it also gives them any colour you want or an Oak, Beech or Walnut finish for example.

Aluminium gates are perfect as pedestrian gates, bi-fold swing driveway gates and bi-parting sliding gates as well as traditional swing or sliding gates.

Why Aluminium Gates Need Much Less Maintenance Than Iron Gates

Have you ever thought about how much time and effort you could save with a gate that requires minimal maintenance?

Aluminium gates are the answer. Like iron gates, aluminium is pretreated to resist corrosion however, this gate material needs less maintenance, requiring only a simple wipe-down to keep it looking its best.

To clean, avoid using a pressure washer as it can damage the coating. Instead, use water and a sponge or a hose to gently clean the gate, focusing on areas where dirt tends to accumulate.

For stubborn grime, use a non-alkaline detergent, ensuring it contains no chemicals that could weaken the coating. Rinse with lukewarm water and let the gate air-dry or wipe it down for a perfect finish.

Why Aluminium Gates Are Perfect For Gate Automation

Aluminium gates stand out as the best choice for gate automation.

Their reduced weight allows for easier movement and requires less powerful motors, leading to energy and cost savings. Additionally, the lower forces involved in moving these gates make the system safer and less prone to mechanical failures.

Mounting motors on aluminium gates is also straightforward, using special riv-nuts instead of screws or welding required for wooden or iron gates. For added durability, a steel-framed aluminium gate provides extra strength, making it ideal for motor mounting and long-term reliability.

How Aluminium Gates Price Compares To Iron Gates

Replacing a gate that has corroded is expensive. Aluminium gates do not need to be replaced as frequently as iron gates. The difference here is full life costs.

The purchase cost of aluminium gates varies, influenced by design, size, and finish, but their price tag generally offers great value.