Aluminum Vs Steel: Which Is Best For Driveway Gates?
Driveway gates can bring huge benefits to your home, improving its appearance, safety, and security. If you have made the wise decision to invest in driveway gates, you may now be looking at material options. There are many different types of driveway gates on the market, but aluminum and steel are among the most popular choices. Here is a look at the pros and cons to help you decide which one comes out on top.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining your new gates, an aluminum driveway gate will almost certainly come out on top. Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal that is not impacted by water and weather effects. Therefore, it will not corrode or rust and is not impacted by the effects of climate or proximity to the sea. This means you will need to do very little maintenance on your aluminum driveway gate. Aluminum is usually treated with a strong powder-coated finish that does not scratch, meaning you will not have to repaint your gates. Steel, on the other hand, is affected by rust, which can make your gates look old and worn over time. Repair work and maintenance will likely be needed over time.
Style
There is no denying that steel gates look stylish, but aluminum gates also offer a wide range of style options. You can achieve the look of steel or wrought iron gates with aluminum. There are so many different design options available, from the picket style you choose to add decorative features such as curves, scrolls, sunburst arches, and finials. Although you may think of aluminum gates as always coming in black, there are plenty of other colors available so you can find one to complement your property. White, bronze, and khaki are among the other options that work well for driveway gates.
Strength
Although aluminum is more lightweight than steel, it should not be overlooked in terms of strength. In fact, there is an argument to be made that the fact that it is lightweight makes it better suited to fencing and gates. This is because it is more malleable and can often withstand more tensile stress than steel, making it more adept at handling conditions such as high winds.
Its lightweight nature also lends aluminum more to DIY installation, meaning you can save on labor costs and install fencing and gates yourself. You can select different types of aluminum fencing depending on the strength you require. You can choose residential-grade fencing that is adequate for homes, commercial fencing that lends itself to businesses and other commercial enterprises, or industrial fencing, which is considered the top choice when it comes to security.
Cost
Aluminum is generally cheaper than steel. The price of your driveway gates will depend on the size and style you choose, but aluminum is a less-expensive alternative to steel. Aluminum is also a longer-lasting metal, with experts claiming it can last for as long as 50 years or more. This means that an investment in aluminum gates is certainly a long-term one that will soon pay for itself.
Ultimately, the material you choose will depend on personal preference. While steel and aluminum are both strong and attractive, aluminum certainly outperforms steel in the maintenance and cost categories. It is easy to see why aluminum is becoming an increasingly popular gate and fencing option.