Why metal gate posts?....

#Electric-gates are a worthy investment, so why take the risk? So many times over the last three decades I have been told by some customers, that metal posts are ugly and not what they want. Some are willing to listen to my reasoning and some simply want just masonry.

A lot of people like the clean line of gate against pier and find it hard to see why this is not such a great idea. Today, with the every growing awareness of safer gate systems, #automatic-gates should avoid any hazards during their design and this way, save not just money, but actually increase reliability and servicing costs.

I often explain that a steel support post can be very atractive and much like a picture on the wall, the frames can be seen as the piers of a #gate-system, the boarder around the picture, much like the steel posts within the opening and the picture itself, being the actual gates. Nicely balanced and standing out especially well.

This simple example shows the clean lines that highlight the gates and yet enhance the large rendared piers, giving a very classy finish, to a modest style.

The technical advantages are huge and this adds greatly to the reliability and life expectancy of the whole installation. Timber or metal gates can both benefit from the balance of cosmetic look, with a stronger design, whether the steel posts are obvious, decorative or hidden.

The above picture shows metal posts that have been linked underground for added stability and clad, above ground to look like timber. Lead capping adds to the tradional look and the steel posts will last decades longer than solid timber.

Here decorative steels create the ideal fixings for the gates & #gate-operators as well as providing a hidden pathway for cables and equipment. Bearing hinges and great access for servicing enable this to be one of the longest lasting, low maintenance cost solution available.

A brick pier or wall is only as strong as it's foundations and the materials used to build it. Traditional fixings like the ones above, were good enough for some manual gates, but with #automation and regualr use, new up-to-date methods and fittings are recommended.

Also the picture above shows a rugby ball, traped in the hinge point of a swing gate demonstrating an area of greater force that should be avoided. New design guides recommend having #swing-gates hung so that this grave hazard is elimnated completely.

Our very best advice to all would be owners, is to choose your gate system focusing on a reliably safe solution, above one that may simply look nicer.

For good design access our web site and down load our guide for free. Or follow the DHF Code of Practice DHF TS 011:2016 and use a trained and approved supplier.