Driving through leafy suburbs and rural estates of the UK, you cannot fail to notice a growing trend of metal driveway gates gracing the entrances of homes. These aren’t just functional barriers; they’re statements of style, craftsmanship, and security. Why have metal driveway gates become the choice again for the majority of driveways within the country?
A Blend of Form and Function
Metal driveway gates do a double duty that can’t easily be topped. Beneath security, these gates become canvases for personal expression. Whether traditional ornate with curlicues and scrolls or sleek modern, matching a metal gate to your building usually considers a modern built design or and the stately home concept. Metal as a material is beautiful because it’s so versatile. It can be shaped into intricate patterns, lines and even into these clean or minimalist lines by skilled craftsmen.
Choosing Your Metal: Wrought Iron vs. Steel
When it comes to metal driveway gates, you’re typically looking at two main contenders: wrought iron and steel. Both have their place and is often decided based in personal preference and budget. Wrought iron is just timeless elegant. And done properly, they’re so tough they’ll last for generations. For those looking for a period or traditional kind of look, the material lends itself well to elaborate designs and is a favourite. Wrought iron however is a little more expensive, and you must work to keep it from rusting.
Wrought iron tends to be less expensive and needs less maintaining. Powder coating is available in a large range of colours which means steel is more customisable. Wrought iron isn’t the only game in town when it comes to custom gates — while probably not as characterful as wrought iron, steel gates can be designed to look stunning, even providing quite a kerb appeal.
Automation: Increasing Convenience while retaining Security
It’s not days of wrestling with a heavy gate in the pouring rain. You can open and close your gates, with the push of a button or tap on your smartphone, from the car.
You can have intercoms and cameras integrated into the automated systems and determine who to let in before you open the door. This not only increases security but also more luxury in your home. Imagine how impressed they would be walking in the gates, silently swinging open, to see them.
Maintenance Matters: Top Form Keeping Your Gates
You don’t need to buy a new metal driveway gate for your house, just some love and TLC. Minor issues can become major problems with just a little letting them get out of hand. However, wrought iron gates are occasionally repainted to prevent rust. Metal gates tend to require less maintenance, but it’s better to be watchful in case you notice any wearing down.
Planning Permission: Navigating the Red Tape
However, before you get carried away with designs, in some cases you may need planning permission to install metal driveway gates. Especially if your property is listed, or in a conservation area, this is particularly true. The height of your gates, and where they are located, can be other factors.
Kerb Appeal and Security
Metal driveway gates are expensive — but it can provide dramatic value to your property. They do security, privacy and kerb appeal all in one. When the time comes to sell in the UK housing market, it can make all the difference when these factors come into play.
And finally, metal driveway gates make for a winning mix of security, aesthetics and elegance. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s defences or simply want to make a grand entrance, a well-chosen metal gate can transform your property’s frontage. Then why not proceed with this evergreen statement in your home?
