Jump to:
One of the key advantages of aluminium garden gates is they are easy to maintain. If you plan to invest in one or just want tips on taking care of the one you have for longevity, this guide has you covered!
Caring for Your Aluminium Gate
The weather resistance of aluminium gates comes from the material itself, and the added protective layer of powder coating doubles this protection. However, insects and bacteria can still be harboured. A little extra care through cleaning and maintenance can make a difference. Here’s how:
Regular clean your gate
Clean your aluminium gate every 3 to 6 months to prevent wear and tear on the powder coating. Use a mild soap solution mixed with warm water, plus a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the gate. Focus on the small areas like hinges or crevices where dirt builds up.
Rinse off any cleaner residue with a garden hose pipe. To prevent water spots and streaks, dry the gate immediately with a dry cloth instead of letting it air dry.
Note: If you live in a polluted, salty, or rainy area, clean it every 2 to 3 months. Also, exercise caution and don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the powder coating.
Treat the components
Powder-coated aluminium gates don’t need any treatment, but parts like the hinges, locks, and posts may still require maintenance. A squirt of WD-40 will help to keep the moving parts loose and free of rust. Just remember to wipe away any excess fluid.
Prevent a loose garden gate – check the screws and bolts
Over time, the repeated opening and closing of your garden gate can loosen its screws or bolts. Each time you go through the gate, take the opportunity to assess the screw parts, and make it a point to tighten them as needed. Don’t just leave it until some vague time in the future – schedule when you are going to do it! Tightening the screws and bolts helps keep the gate properly aligned, ensures smooth operation, and extends the gate’s lifespan overall.
Note: If your gates are automated, have them serviced to keep all the electromechanical features working in order.
Touch up with paint
Aluminium gates can get scratched from regular use, like bumping into things or contacting tools. This is also common, as the surface can be exposed to wear and tear over time. The good thing is that you can tackle this with paint to cover the scratches and keep it looking new.
You can use a car repair pen for touch-ups as long as the colour matches the gate. Just make sure the pen (the same goes for standard paint) is suitable for metal surfaces and follow the instructions for best results.
Tips: Consider oil-based or acrylic latex paint paired with a primer suitable for metal surfaces for better adhesion.
Round-up
Aluminium garden gates are durable and great to look at, especially when well-maintained. We hope these maintenance tips can help you keep yours looking as good as new for many years. Be careful with cleaning products to avoid damaging the protective coating.
If you’re still considering purchasing aluminium gates, check this guide, ‘Are Aluminium Gates the Best Choice? (Pros and Cons Guide)’ for more information.
Shop Aluminium GatesFAQs
How much are aluminium gates?
It depends if you’re looking at double aluminium driveway gates or a pedestrian gate. For example, our BillyOh Click A aluminium garden gates start at just £225.00 (inc. VAT).
Are aluminium gates strong?
Aluminium gates are both durable and lightweight. They offer the best of strong iron and steel gates. All whilst being easy to manoeuvre and install. This is because slats of reinforced aluminium have a high strength to weight ratio.
How often should I clean my aluminium gates?
This is up to you, but we suggest semi-regularly. Clean them before a service or after periods of inclement weather like dust or snow. The great thing about aluminium gates is that their powder-coating makes them weather-resistant. This means they’re a lot lower maintenance than other traditional gate options.
Do aluminium gates improve property value?
Whilst an exact percentage increase is sometimes touted at around 4-5% it’s hard to say. What we do know is that security is a major concern when buying a property. And a good aluminium driveway gate can both enhance security and kerbside appeal.
Aluminium gates provide a great return on investment (ROI), especially when paired with an electronic gate opener. All our aluminium gates are compatible with electronic gate openers.
