Owning a gate means that you are responsible for maintaining it, which can require a dedicated effort at times! Wrought iron and wood are vulnerable to the ever changing weather and if they are left to fend for themselves then they can lead to some pretty nasty and often irreversible consequences. In fact, we have put together some of the most common problems that occur as a result of a lack of maintenance to show how important it is.
Rust
If you leave wrought iron gates in wet conditions then they will eventually show signs of rust. Usually this can be rectified when caught early using sandpaper and a high quality paint. However, if you leave rust to spread through your gates then eventually the only solution will be to replace them. This is because rusted gates become weak and lose their strength as the metal erodes away.
Wood Splitting
Wooden gates are susceptible to both warm conditions and wet conditions. Timber will absorb water over the wetter months, which will cause it to expand and shrink in winter and summer, respectively. This can be incredibly trying on the wood so it is vital that wooden gates are covered in a suitable moisture resistant stain in order to promote integrity. If this isn’t carried out then the gates may begin to splinter and even fall apart after a few winters outside.
Low Lifespan
Gates that are not taken care off will deteriorate in quality and this often means that they won’t last their entire lifespan. After all, a 10 year guarantee is based on basic care and upkeep being provided. If this basic care isn’t met, most of the time a replacement is the only option for gates that have been neglected for too long. To ensure that your gates are cost effective you should ensure that they are regularly maintained.
Here at Cheshire Metalcraft we believe that a gate should be maintained on a regular basis in order to guarantee both longevity and durability. To find out more information about maintenance, get in contact with the best gates in Manchester today!