Use aluminium for the construction of your range of gates
A gate is both a functional and aesthetic item since it ensures the security of the house while at the same time contributing to its visual identity. The choice of the material for making gates therefore depends on a number of criteria which must be considered in combination with the intrinsic properties of each basic material available on the market.
What factors should you consider?
When choosing the material to be used for gates, various factors have to be taken into account.
- Weight: light weight ensures that the gate is easier to handle at the same time providing greater safety for the user and easier incorporation of the motor and automatic opening systems.
- Robustness: a good gate must not only be resistant to accidental impacts and attempted break-ins, but also resistant to possible damage resulting from mishandling.
- Durability: the choice of material and its coating will determine the gate’s durability over time as well as its ability to endure adverse weather conditions, solar radiation and possible disturbances without becoming deformed or losing its aesthetic appearance.
The most common materials on the market and their advantages and disadvantages
Each material that has been used for gate systems has always had its advantages which are still valid even today. However, at present, aluminium is an excellent alternative. A quick comparison of the different alternatives will help you understand the reasons why.
Steel and wrought iron: sturdy but expensive
Steel and wrought iron are particularly sturdy and heavy but they are also very maintenance-intensive and sometimes difficult to operate.
- Wrought iron is a typical solution that has a certain artistic appeal but requires a lot of maintenance work to prevent rust.
- Galvanised steel fixes the corrosion problems associated with wrought iron but still requires regular repainting.
Wrought iron and steel are particularly expensive solutions for gates, especially when compared to robust custom-made aluminium alternatives. Even though the heavy weight of the metal guarantees excellent robustness, such gates are unfortunately difficult to handle and operate mechanically with increased risk of being jammed.
PVC: low-cost but at the expense of quality!
Quite often, PVC gates are cost-effective and easy to maintain for those with very limited budgets. However, low-cost products often end up being expensive in the long run since PVC is not a long-lasting solution.
- It has a poor mechanical resistance to bad weather conditions.
- PVC is also is susceptible to solar radiation, which causes colour fading and even distortion to the extent that it will require replacement after only a few years.
In addition to the aspect of durability, the aesthetic dimension must also be factored in. Even when brand-new, a PVC gate does not come in the same variety of colours and textures and with the same finesse as an aluminium alternative.
Wood: traditionally a difficult to maintain product
Wooden gates are definitely an elegant alternative that continues to be appealing, above all for aesthetic reasons. It is particularly suitable for old buildings with exposed roof frames. However, wood has several disadvantages.
- Heavy and large wooden gates can be difficult to handle and pose a hazard to children. In addition, the motors, if any, are heavy and cumbersome.
- Wood needs a lot of maintenance! In ideal cases, this product should be sanded and treated against parasites such as insects, fungi and mould every 12 to 24 months.
- In the long run, even if it is well maintained, wood may lose its original colour, it may become distorted, cracked and damaged depending on the weather conditions and the amount of sunshine.
Aluminium: the ideal compromise for all projects!
At the end of it all, aluminium emerges as the ideal solution for projects involving gates and doors.
- Lightweight and slim, aluminium products can be easily integrated with all types of motorization and automation systems. It also offers a high level of safety, especially for children.
- It is durable, it does not suffer from heat or frost, and does not deteriorate due to bad weather conditions. It does not require any maintenance.
- Resistant: when combined with the right design, aluminium is highly resistant to accidental risks, natural damage and attempted break-ins.
- Reliable: in case of severe impact, aluminium can easily bend without breaking and thus prevents the risk of cuts, splinters or splashes. It is also highly flame resistant and does not emit toxic fumes in case of fire. If any parts of the gate become damaged, they can easily be replaced.
- Malleable: aluminium can be used for all sizes of gates and wicket doors as well as for all types of entrances and exits. It can be textured and dyed for even greater durability.
- Aesthetics: aluminium can be given customised textures, colours and shapes. In this way, you can perfectly imitate classic materials such as wood or wrought iron, or, alternatively create a modern or even futuristic look.
Lacquering to increase the lifespan of aluminium gates
Aluminium gates can be given a surface coating to enhance their intrinsic qualities and leverage them. Installux’s lacquering products for gates are Qualicoat, Qualilaquage and Qualimarine certified. A real guarantee of quality! With the introduction of class 2 powders, known as “high durability”, the gloss longevity is increased from a loss of gloss after 10 years for class 1 powders, to 25 years for class 2 powders. In this way, these lacquers harness both the traditional durability of aluminium and its ability to be freely coloured and textured.
