Have you got time on your hands? We’re guessing the answer to that is ‘no!’ Most of us struggle to fit in everything we want or need to do as it is, without adding more jobs to the list. Time is one of those things that is precious to us.
The value of time has to be balanced with protecting our investments and keeping our home environment looking tip-top. Automatic gates are a significant investment, an you will want to make sure they are cared for and look good for years to come. To be clear, we’re not talking here about the regular technical maintenance by a qualified person that your gates need, this is about keeping them weatherproof, clean and attractive.
Choosing the right gates
It’s important you make sure you get the best gates for you, your property and your circumstances. Here are some tips.
Start with gate maintenance in mind
Maintenance takes time, and managing that time starts with the gates you choose to invest in. Yes, they have to fit your budget, do the job required and suit the aesthetic of your property, but they also have to fit in with the time you have available for, or are prepared to invest in, keeping them looking great.
Take advice from a professional
To help you make the right choice talk things over with a professional, someone with experience of the various types who can give you the benefit of their experience. They’ll help you decide on every aspect of your gates, maintenance included.
Keep your gates looking great
Here at Autogate Services we design, install and maintain gates made of three materials: metal, wood, and composite. Gates can be made from metal or wood, or comprise a metal frame with either a wood or composite infill.
The metal used in our gates is powder-coated, so protection against the elements is built in.
We use Iroko hardwood that can be oiled or stained. You can choose clear oil to bring out the natural wood colour and enhance the grain, or colours similar to those of natural wood. Oils also improve the durability of wood and as they’re absorbed and are nourishing too. Maintenance, once oiled, can be as simple as lightly sanding any damage and applying a fresh coat.
Composite is a strong, tough material that looks good and won’t fade, warp or crack.
Cleaning metal
Metal is quick to clean; all it takes is a bucket of soapy water – use a mild detergent – and a sponge, once or twice a year, and your gates will keep their good looks.
Cleaning wood
Wood takes a little more care. Whether you opted for an oiled or stained finish, it’s wise to give this close attention on an annual basis, to keep the wood in good condition and avoid damage from the elements. That might mean a fresh coat of wood stain or oiling the wood.
Applying wood oil
Oil penetrates the timber; it’s not a coating, it gets deep into the grain. Once there, it both restricts moisture penetration and protects against pest infestation. There are various wood oils to choose from. Our recommendation is tung oil. Be generous when you apply it, let the timber absorb the oil, and keep going until it can’t take any more.
Cleaning composite
Composite is highly durable. To clean, you can jet wash it or just use a bucket of soapy water and a sponge.
Cleaning mixed materials
If you have metal frame gates with wood infill, you’ll need to care for the wood as described above, although the metal will just need a wash with soapy water.
In the case of metal with composite infill, use soapy water and a sponge, or a pressure washer on a low setting.
Maintenance matters
Automatic gates are an investment, an addition to your business or property that you can enjoy and take pride in, but they do need regular maintenance to keep them at their best. After all, you wouldn’t buy a top-of-the-range vehicle and never wash it, polish it and valet it!
If you have any questions about automatic gates, get in touch. We’re always happy to help.