Wrought iron gates are durable, have a long lifespan,
increase home security and look gorgeous in any home. The benefits of iron
gates make them appealing to most homeowners. However, some mistakes homeowners
make keep them from accessing the full benefits of a wrought iron gate. Here
five mistakes to avoid when installing an iron gate.
1. Selecting the Wrong Size
The size of an iron gate determines the security and
aesthetic it gives a home. The ideal size of the gate will depend on the
dimensions of your home. For instance, if you have a larger home, choosing a small
gate may make it easier for people to peek into your home. A larger gate will
provide more privacy and security, as no unwanted people can see into your home
2. Design Errors
The design of your gate will depend on your goal for
installation. Some gate designs focus on bringing out a home's aesthetic
appeal, while others support a home's security. Most homeowners fail to
consider the purpose their gate will serve and choose a design that compromises
their gate's function.
Design errors also compromise the aesthetic appeal of your
gate and may pose safety issues. For instance, if you have pets or small
children, you should choose a design that keeps them from opening the gate
unsupervised. If you want a gate design with bars, keep the spaces between the bars
small to ensure no intruders can enter your home.
3. Choosing the Wrong Material
The quality of the material used for your iron gate will
determine its durability. Consider factors such as whether the available iron
is galvanized, weldability, tensile strength, and pliability. Galvanized iron
has high rust resistance; thus, it will last longer on a gate.
On the other hand, weldability and pliability will
determine how easy it will be to install your gate and shape it into the
desired design. Tensile strength will determine how easy it is for someone to
snap the metal, which will contribute to your home's security.
There are different iron qualities; thus, before settling
for material for your gate, do your research to ensure you make the best
choice.
4. Failing to Consider Installation Costs
Besides budgeting for the costs of wrought iron, you must
set aside money to pay for installation. Most people forget to include
installation costs in their budget, which sometimes forces them to work with
cheap contractors.
Cheap is not always best, as most homeowners have
discovered after working with a cheap contractor who did a bad installation
job. The quality of an installation job will determine the life of your iron
gate; therefore, hire someone who will do high-quality work.
Working with a contractor with the right skills and
qualifications guarantees you a well-done installation. A professional will
also have the right tools for the job, which ensures that they will not damage
the material while trying to install the gate.
5. Failing to Create a Solid Foundation
A sturdy gate requires a strong foundation. A strong
foundation will ensure your gate remains standing even in extreme weather.
Additionally, because you use your gate frequently, it should have a strong
foundation to avoid accidents such as your gate falling unexpectedly. Finally,
a gate with a strong foundation will last longer.
Your gate is the first thing visitors see as they come up
to your home. Therefore, you must ensure you make the right choices when
choosing a gate for your home. Working with an experienced contractor will help
you avoid most of the above mistakes. Contact us
today for
more information on your options for an iron gate.
