Gates are common whether it is homes, office are commercial buildings. Apart from offering a suitable entry point to the main building, gates also play a big role in protecting the home and the building from outsiders. Gates in combination with walls provide complete and foolproof protection to the entire homes. Gates comes in various sizes, shapes and dimension. They are also used for securing lifts, and are also used in banks, and other places where valuables are stored. Hence there is no doubt that there are versatile and offer a lot of advantages and benefits. Different types of materials are uses for making gates and iron and steel are the most commonly used metals for making them. There are gates which are also made from aluminium and perhaps even a few other materials. However there is no doubt that wrought iron is the most commonly used material followed by steel. Hence it would not be a bad idea draw a comparison between metal gates and steel gate.
Almost All Metals Have Iron In Them
When it comes to choosing metals for making gates, as mentioned above steel and iron are the most commonly used metals. Hence it would be interesting to draw a comparison between the two and find out which is a better alternative. When we talk about iron as a metal for making gates, they are made either from cast iron or wrought iron. On the other steel is considered to be a more expensive proposition by many. In fact steel is also a by product of iron and some alloys are used to make it that shining and long lasting metal. Steel and iron gates have their own unique features and characteristics and it would depend on the end user as to which metal they would like to use.
Factors That Come Into Play When Choosing Metals For Gates
There are two major factors which come into play when one goes in for gates are looks, safety and security. In both these aspects there is no doubt that both iron and steel have their own advantages and benefits. While iron gates are considered to be a better option when it comes to charm, grace and style, those who would like to go in for a contemporary gating solution would most certainly opt for steel gates. Apart from this basic difference, here are a few more differences between the two.
Rust And Corrosion Resistant
When it comes to choosing a metal that is rust and corrosion resistant, there is hardly any doubt that opting for steel would be a better choice. Since they are processed and other metals and alloys are used, they go a long way in making them highly resistant to corrosion and rust. While there are iron gates which also come with anti-corrosion coating steel always is a much better choice because of its ability to withstand better the various element so natures. Hence from this point of view it can safely be concluded that steel is a better choice.
Durability
Durability is another important aspect to be taken into account when it comes to making gates. While wrought iron, cast iron and steel have their own uniqueness in terms of durability, here again steel scores because it has more concentration of carbon which enhances the strength of steel and therefore makes it a much better option when compared to iron. There are also gates made from alloy steels which have a large concentration of wrought iron. This alloy could also be a perfect metal for making good looking as well as long lasting gates. In general it has been proven time and again that steel with the right alloy could be a much better option as far as durability and longevity is concerned.
Cost
There is no doubt that cost is also considered to be an important attribute when it comes to choosing a material for gates. Which steel might score in terms of looks, appearances and durability, when it comes to cost there is hardly any doubt that wrought iron, cast iron and even aluminium are cheaper options when compared to steel. Even when one looks at the costs from the long term perspective and also looks at the maintenance costs, there is no doubt that steel is more expensive.
Weight And Strength
Weight and strength are two important factors which are also taken into account whenever a gate buying decision is made. There is no doubt that iron is a much heavier metal but everything that is heavy need not be strong. Today, technology in steel making has improved from level to another and therefore today some of the light steel alloy metals are much tougher in quality when compared to iron.
Ease Of Making
When it comes to ease of making both are on the same platform and using modern technology it is possible to make steel as well as iron gates quite easily. However, if you are one of those looking for the best of designs, intricacies and other such features iron could be a better choice because it is more versatile and easy to mold when compared to steel.
Hence at the end of the day there is no doubt that both steel and iron having their unique advantages and benefits. Aluminium is also regularly used these days for making gates. But at the end of the day it is the choice of customers and the end use which matters the most. However, before choosing either steel, aluminium, iron or other metals the end use must be taken into account and then a final decision should be made.
If you are not sure about the decision making process it would be better to look for various sources of information. The internet could provide you with a number of resources where you could get the desired knowledge about the difference between iron, steel, aluminium and other metals. This will help you to make an informed and correct choice keeping in mind specific needs and requirements. In fine, for those who are looking at modern gating systems steel would be a better choice. Those who believe in classic gates and protection systems, wrought iron or cast iron could be the metal of choice.