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What
are iron gates?
An iron gate is a gate made of iron that wraps around
a property or is situated at the front of a property.
Iron gates are considered luxurious and are seen to
give an appealing appearance to residences and public
buildings. Iron gates are thought of as timeless, classic,
and elegant.
Do iron gates have a function?
Beyond adding intricacy and richness to the exterior
appearance of a home, iron gates also serve as a means
of keeping unwanted visitors off of a property. Most
gates can lock when necessary and can also be opened
wide in order to welcome guests when desired.
Many iron gates have electronic functions to them, allowing
for a property owner or manager to open and close a
gate with the use of an intercom or another security
method. Electronic or not, iron gates are considered
great for security as they are nearly impenetrable depending
on their design.
Who designs and creates iron
gates?
Blacksmiths and custom metal forgers design and create
metal gates. Metal gates come in a variety of designs,
which range in levels of intricacy. Some iron gates
have decorative wrought iron designs, while others simply
employ straight solid iron bars. Many designs combine
these two concepts, using intricate design at the entranceway
of the gate while allowing the perimeter of the property
to be outlined in a simpler, more straightforward gate.
Silhouetting is another form of iron gate design. In
this case, a sheet of iron with a design incorporated
into it is part of the gate. These sheets are created
using aluminum and steel plates. Silhouetting is a popular
option for those who want a custom design or a family
or company name worked into an iron gate.
What type of design elements
are used on iron gates?
Iron gates often include embellishments such as:
• Scrolls
• Baskets
• Stampings
• Spikes
• Balls
Are iron gates expensive?
Adding an iron gate to a property does require a firm
investment. Because iron gates are often forged by hand,
the costs of creating an iron gate - particularly one
with an intricate design - can be high. The process
essentially involves the blacksmith putting an iron
rod into a fire until it becomes malleable. Once the
iron is red hot and malleable, the blacksmith shapes
the metal into the design of the gate.
At times, a hand forger may purchase pre-decorated rods,
which can offset the costs a bit. Factory gates can
be more budget-friendly but are still considered relatively
expensive.
What are iron gates made out
of?
Surprisingly, not all iron gates are made out of pure
iron. Most gates that are producers in a factory, for
example, are made of a metal compound called mild steel.
Mild steel is comprised of carbon and iron. Mild iron
is actually stronger than pure iron, and therefore is
not as malleable. Some gates are also made of aluminum
that is then fashioned to look like iron. This is a
less expensive option than pure iron or milk steel. |
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