Aluminium Gates vs Steel Gates. Which is Better?

With such an investment decision as you’re looking to make, you want to know it’s the right one. In this article we look at whether steel or aluminium is the better material for your automatic gate.

Rust: Enemy Number 1

While there’s no definitive right or wrong answer, the ideal choice does depend on whereabouts you live. Away from coastal areas, that choice is less critical in terms of your investment lasting a decent amount of time as the corrosive effects of the “sea air” are lessened, and steel will retain its looks a lot longer.

Where do you live?

Of course if you do live near the coast and wish to choose a steel gate, you can take preventative measures to slow down the oxidisation process and prolong the life of your gate. Use of products like a cold galvanising paint on welded joints, rivets and other exposed areas of untreated steel.

Unfortunately, even this method can be a little hit and miss, as even the smallest hole will be enough for the gate to start rusting. So it’s for this reason that we highly recommend that if you’re in areas near the ocean (e.g. the Gold Coast), you choose a gate made in aluminium.

Why is aluminium the better choice for coastal areas?

Put simply, due to its inbuilt properties, the thin coating of aluminium oxide on its surface actually makes it impossible for oxidisation to begin, making it resistant to corrosion and rust.

Now, bad school chemistry lessons aside, the takeaway is an aluminium gate will last longer and retain its looks – ensuring you have a great looking entrance way to your property for years to come…