Gates mark the entrance to your castle, your home. They should be beautiful, functional and also elegant, while speaking volumes about the residents. That is exactly what you get with wrought iron gates. Such gates can make your property stand out in the neighborhood with very little effort. Did you know that wrought iron is used extensively in building colonial and Victorian homes?
Here are top 10 reasons why wrought iron gates are a great choice.
1. Superior Rust Resistance
Wrought iron is more resistant to rust than regular iron because it is an alloy. The iron is mixed with a material called slag, which is fibrous in nature, and this makes wrought iron more resilient to rust. So, the beauty of your wrought iron gate is long-lasting.
2. Restoring Wrought Iron Gates is Easy
If you have a wrought iron gate and it looks a bit tired, don’t worry. Just bring out your paint box and give the gate a makeover. If you do a simple paint job, the gate will look great for about 3 to 4 years. A more elaborate paint job will sustain the appearance of the gate for about 10 years.
3. Extremely Durable
Wrought iron is more durable compared to vinyl and wood. It is a tough material and this makes it more impact resistant compared than most other types of material used for making gates. The durability of wrought iron makes it resilient to bending, denting and shock. Wrought iron is very strong and malleable.
4. Boost Security of Your Property
With kids and pets in the house, one of your main concerns is security. The last thing you need is kids making their way onto the road unsupervised or taking a dip in the swimming pool without an adult around. You can install wrought iron gates to your property, fencing as well as swimming pool fencing. The gates form excellent barriers since they are usually high. This keeps kids and pets out of trouble and prevents unwanted guests from gaining access to your property.
5. You can Customize the Design of the Gate
One of the winning qualities of wrought iron is its malleability. This means the alloy is elastic and ductile, and can be shaped into any design you want. The feature of wrought iron allows you to come up with stylish, elegant and unique gate designs, something you can’t do with many other materials.
6. Wrought Iron is Artistry at Its Best
The iron forging process and the manual working with special tools produces an end product that looks stunning and spellbinding. The person who designs wrought iron gates is nothing less than an artist and the way the gates are designed and created are nothing short of art. The superior handiwork that goes into making these gates clearly demonstrates there is a fair bit of artistry involved.
7. Easy to Repair
If your wrought iron gate (or a portion of it) requires repairs, you don’t have to spend money to replace the entire gate. The damaged parts of the gate can easily be repaired by a professional who specializes in wrought iron gates and fencing, and this will restore your gate to its former glory.
8. Adds Value to Your Property
A wrought iron gates adds a certain charm, beauty and appeal other gate materials can’t really offer. As a result, the resale value of your property increases. So, if any time you decide you want to sell your home, the presence of the gate will allow you to ask for a higher selling price compared to other properties in the neighborhood.
9. The Gate Can be a Reflection of Your Personality
Wrought iron can be molded into a range of styles, such as curves, decorative twists and elaborate scrolls. You can even put your initials on the gate – just like we see in mansions and manors. The ability to personalize the gate allows you to make the boundaries of your property your own. You can let your personality shine through the stylish and chic design of your gate.
10. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
If you are worried about the environment, a wrought iron gate is a great choice. Not only do you save natural resources, since wrought iron gates hardly have to be replaced; you also can recycle the wrought iron. The gate can be sold to a scrap metal dealer and will fetch a handsome price. Alternatively, you can sell the gate to antique stores and architectural salvagers as there seems to be a high demand for wrought iron fences and gates among these professionals.
Know the Downside as Well
While wrought iron gates are gorgeous and stunning and keep your property safe and secure, there are a couple of things to consider before buying:
- Cost: The rustic or elegant beauty of wrought iron comes with a price tag. Because it is labor-intensive to create wrought iron and mold it into beautiful designs and shapes, the associated cost may not fit every budget.
- Privacy: Wrought iron can be molded into a variety of designs, but usually the designs are limited to twists, curves, bars and swirls. Hence, people from the street can see through the gate into your property.
References:
http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20150107/News/150108490/?Start=2
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-wrought-iron-fence
http://www.stairsandiego.com/blog/5-benefits-of-installing-wrought-iron-gates/
http://www.metrosteel.com.au/5-great-benefits-of-installing-wrought-iron-gates/