Metal art gates are a great way to provide both security to your home as well as project an image of style and class right from the moment of entry.
When installing metal art gates there are some things the home owners need to keep in mind.
• The metal art gate design should be in keeping with the style of the house. For example, a ranch style gate at the entry to a New England style home will look out of place.
• The size and height of the gate should match the rest of the boundary wall of the property. While the height of the gate may be higher or lower than the wall, it must not look out of place.
• Metal art gates are heavy. A light gate will not provide any security. The mounting of the gates on the wall need to be strong so that the wall does not crack under the weight. The hinges must also be strong enough to resist warping under the weight and constant opening and closing.
• The best metal art gates should be of a thickness of two inches. Anything less will not only be flimsy, but give that appearance also.
• All welding must be smooth and finely ground. Make sure the manufacturer does not use fillers like bondo to fill in joints. Filler will crack over time and not only ruin the appearance of a metal art gates, but moisture will collect and promote the growth of fungus and moss which will require constant removal.
• The scroll work and designs should be of wrought iron which will add strength and durability to the gate. Cheap metal art gates often have their designs made with tubing of light aluminum alloys which will easily dent and crack.
• The gate should have an industrial powder coat finish to protect it from the elements. While this base coat, usually in black, is attractive in itself, it also forms a good base for the application of other paints and finishes.
• A full size metal art gate should have a glass pane embedded in it to allow those inside the house to see who is outside before opening the gate.
• The glass pane should be at least one and a half inches thick and of tempered glass so it cannot be broken easily.
• The glass may be etched or designed to match the rest of the metal art gate, take care that the visibility is not affected.
• While the glass pane may be bonded to the gate, another option is to mount it with strong hinges and a reliable latch so that it may be opened for the receipt of small parcels etc. without the necessity of opening the whole gate.
Small metal art gates may be used inside the house to create defined spaces. A gate could be used to separate the upstairs and the downstairs. Or one may be used at the entrance to the garden or patio.
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