So, you’ve been on the hunt for a gate for your driveway or a garden.
There are so many kinds out there – in terms of both materials and design – that you aren’t sure which you should opt for.
If that sounds like you, then you may want to think about choosing aluminium gates.
Aluminium can be shaped to any style you choose, from contemporary to classic – and we’re sure you’ll find something to match your tastes.
Here is everything you need to know about aluminium gates, including why they would be a perfect addition to your property.
Advantages of aluminium over wood
For a long time, people considering whether to install new gates opted for wooden ones instead of aluminium, mainly because of the price difference between the two.
That isn’t really an issue anymore.
When you buy an aluminium gate, you truly only need one gate for life.
To start with, like wooden gates, aluminium is available in a bunch of different designs because of its modular construction.
You can choose from classic, contemporary or modern.
In addition, aluminium finishes are also weather-resistant, and you can get them in pretty much any colour you want.
Or, if you prefer something simpler, you can even opt for an aluminium gate with a realistic looking wood finish!
At Stargates, we’re also able to supply aluminium gates in a wide range of different colours with textured finishes.
From red tones to beech or, if you want something that stands out a bit more, we also have solutions featuring two shades.
Aluminium gates are tough and durable, and Stargates’ products are guaranteed for 10 years.
You hardly need worry about looking after them either because they are so robust.
All you need to do is wipe them down every now and then to ensure that they stay looking like new.
Our gates have a tough Qualicoat surface coating that gives the gates their colour, texture or wood-look finish and protects the metal beneath from the elements and corrosion. This means that the material is sealed and protected from any external stressors such as rain.
Unlike wooden alternatives, aluminium gates do not warp, crack, dry out or soak up any water.
This ensures their longevity, meaning you don’t have to worry about replacing them any time soon.
One other issue with wooden gates is, as they change following a few years of use, they risk not opening and closing properly.
Aluminium gates simply aren’t affected in the same way, which makes them ideal for automation.
Because aluminium gates are lightweight and modular, they are not terribly time consuming to install, with the tright tools and know-how.
In summary, with aluminium gates you can count on a low-maintenance, long-lasting and stunning solution that is affordable and won’t leave you having to replace them as quickly.
Driveway or pedestrian?
Driveway gates
Aluminium gates can be an attractive addition to your driveway.
They are built in modern and tradition styles. They mimic wooden gates, without the added problems that can arise from using wood as a primary material.
At Stargates, we make our gates from aluminium sections that are precision cut and put together in a similar way to a wooden gate.
That means you have the authentic look and feel of a wooden gate without the durability concerns.
Pedestrian gates
Here at Stargates, we don’t just offer driveway solutions.
We also supply pedestrian or side gates.
Our aluminium products do not suffer from rust or rot, unlike iron or wooden alternatives.
We also make pedestrian gates in a range of different colours and styles.
They require minimal maintenance, and are completely weatherproof.
If you have the room, it makes sense to have a pedestrian gate installed alongside your driveway gate.
Having an automated driveway gate can also alleviate any safety concerns by making sure that vehicles and pedestrians don’t attempt to use it at the same time.
Automation
A lot of homeowners enjoy the additional benefits that come with aluminium gate automation, but it can sometimes be difficult to know what is the best choice for your situation.
Indeed, there is plenty to consider before you buy.
The first type of automated aluminium gate is a swing gate.
When most people imagine gates, they think of ones that swing open and closed, usually mounted onto pillars.
These aren’t suitable for all properties because they can require a sizable amount of empty space to open into.
For example, if yours has a span of three metres then it’s going to need the same amount of room behind so that it can swing properly when opened and closed.
You also can’t have them swinging onto a rising driveway because they will hit the ground at the bottom.
Swing gates are also not an option if a homeowner is unable to move their car into and out of the space available with the gates open, or if the gates aren’t able to close once a vehicle is parked.
Alternatively, you could opt for a sliding aluminium gate.
They move exactly as you’d expect, sliding along a track installed in the driveway across the width of the entrance.
Usually, it will slide alongside a fence, hedge or wall that already exists.
Another factor that could influence the type of gate you choose is its width.
Automatic gate motors
You can also use a belt or chain drive.
For swing gates, motors have a harder job because they are mounted onto the gate posts or pillars, and push and pull the gates open and closed from a point on the gate that can be closer to the pivot point.
There is a range of different automated motors for swing gates, including articulated arm gate motors, ram gate motors, underground gate motors and wheel system gate motors.
Manufacture
At Stargates, we take pride in having the highest quality solutions.
Our Star Range represents the best of European-manufactured aluminium gates using skill and know-how developed over the past quarter of a century.
Our aluminium profile is handcrafted and cut into a massive selection of sizes and designs.
Meanwhile, any special colours and wood finishes can be made to order so you can have something that fits your specific wants and needs.
Once the material has been cut, every individual component is laid out onto an assembly table and put together with the utmost care.
Each stage of the process is carefully managed and the gates tested to make sure that they are the best possible fit and work as designed.
Once they have been checked and given the seal of approval, the gate is wrapped carefully and loaded onto an A-frame pallet made specifically for it.
We want you receive your aluminium gate in the best possible condition to guarantee many years of use.
Delivery and guarantee
As far as delivery is concerned, there are two kinds of aluminium gates.
First, we have stock options in set sizes and in limited colours and designs.
You can buy these from our online shop, and they will be delivered within a week of your order.
For stock aluminium gates that require alterations, delivery will take longer.
If you opt for a bespoke, made-to-measure solution, it will take more time to construct.
As a guide, delivery happens within six to eight weeks of receiving an order.
Those lead times may vary during the Summer and Christmas periods.
All of our aluminium gates are made according to European standards, but still need to be installed properly to ensure that they are safe.
We also provide two types of guarantee: a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee, and a surface finish guarantee that lasts for 10.
Lastly, it is important that accurate measurements have been taken as bespoke gates can’t be returned. This is ideally done by an installer.
If you’re looking for an aluminium gate to add to your driveway, why not give us a call today on 033 022 34800 for a quote?
Alternatively, browse our website shop to find one of our stock designs.
You can place an order with just a couple of clicks, paying online.
Someone will come to measure the space, as bespoke gates can’t be returned if they don’t fit – so we need to get it right first time. This is ideally done by an installer.
We also have access to a network of qualified aluminium gate installers who can put yours in place once you’ve received it from us.
