Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Pro Handyman Editorial Team
The pride of homeownership goes beyond the property’s walls. Indeed, it includes the security and aesthetic appeal bestowed by the entrance itself. Installing wrought iron gates is one of the best options to enhance both aspects. So let’s explore the unparalleled benefits and the rich heritage this choice brings to your property.
Unearthing the Essence of Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is an iron alloy distinguished by its low carbon content, approximately 0.08%, compared to the 2.1-4% in cast iron. The result is a highly sturdy, flexible, and corrosion-resistant material readily weldable. Its long-standing use dates back to Ancient Roman times, from mundane objects like nails and horseshoes to exquisite garden furniture, gates, and railings.
Nowadays, most objects marketed as ‘wrought iron’ are mild steel. Despite the difference, the characteristics of both metals are similar. The term ‘wrought iron’ is preserved mainly for its historical resonance and the aesthetic value associated with products resembling those crafted by blacksmiths in bygone days.
The Perennial Appeal of Wrought Iron Gates
Wrought iron gates combine utility and grandeur, offering several unique benefits that significantly enhance your property.
Exceptional Durability
Wrought iron outperforms other gate materials like wood or vinyl in strength. In addition, its robustness renders it highly resistant to dents, bending, and shock damage. Consequently, a wrought iron gate is a long-term investment, ensuring that your entrance will stand firm for years to come.
Rust Resistance
Wrought iron’s composition, refined with a small amount of slag—a by-product from metal refining—makes it more rust-resistant than pure iron. This fibrous additive helps maintain the integrity of the gate structure, promising a rust-free, visually pleasing entrance for an extended period.
Enhanced Security
Safety is of paramount importance for any property owner. With their strength and potential for great heights, wrought iron gates create a formidable barrier against unwelcome intrusion. In addition, this versatile material can secure not only the front of your property but can also be extended to fence the entire perimeter for an additional layer of protection.
Decorative Potential
The malleability of wrought iron allows for many elegant, stylish designs. So whether you seek a stately home’s grandeur or a more modern aesthetic, a wrought iron gate can be fashioned to match your vision, adding a unique charm to your property.
Property Value Addition
A wrought iron gate can significantly enhance your property’s curb appeal. Its design, strength, and craftsmanship make a striking statement, setting your property apart. Even if selling is outside your immediate plans, the added appeal can only be beneficial.
Easy Restoration
Despite their durability, wrought iron gates may need occasional touch-ups. However, the process is simple—a new coat of paint every few years is typically enough to maintain the gate’s pristine look. Moreover, a specialist can quickly repair any damage, often without a complete replacement.
Personalized Designs
One of the major attractions of wrought iron gates is the ability to fashion a unique, personalized design. Working with a skilled artisan, you can bring your creative vision to life, ensuring your entrance is as individual as your property.
Enhancing Your Domestic Safety
In the current climate of pervasive stay-at-home orders, enhancing the safety of your residence becomes a matter of paramount importance. This necessity highlights the intricate blend of alertness, do-it-yourself initiatives, and strategic use of non-contact services. Therefore, we are eager to provide informed suggestions on augmenting your residential safety under these conditions.
Conduct a Comprehensive Property Audit
Begin by examining your property with a heightened sense of security awareness. Survey all exterior doors and windows, walk around your property perimeter, and look for unsecured openings or potential vulnerabilities. Next, examine your fences thoroughly for any sign of disrepair. Finally, note any practical security concerns and possible enhancements to your security measures.
Establish Distance-Maintaining Garden Features
While social distancing is the order of the day, you and your family must keep safe distances from neighbors, even during outdoor activities. This can be achieved by creating distance-maintaining garden features such as flowerbeds or planters 3-6 feet away from your fence line. Adding a half-height fence around these beds can provide a physical reminder of the safe distance boundaries.
Renew Aged Gate Locks
Consider replacing outdated gate latches to secure your yard from unsolicited visitors. In this era, backyard gate latches can be significant weak points in your home’s security system. Installing a sturdy, rust-free latch that includes a padlock or key lock option ensures your family’s safety from unwanted backyard intrusions.
Restore Damaged Fence Segments
Damaged or rotting fence sections can pose a considerable risk to home security. However, both wooden and metal fences can be easily repaired or replaced by units, effectively preventing unauthorized access and keeping potentially infected animals at bay.
Fortify Under-Fence Areas
Your fence’s base might be a gateway for small pets to make uninvited visits. To prevent this, secure the space beneath your fence. For example, you can bury a few bricks or add a layer of low and partially buried fence, like chicken wire, to prevent access under the fence.
Replace or Construct a New Fence
For severely damaged fences, installing a new fence might be the most secure option. This ensures your family can safely enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about unexpected interactions with others.
Introduce a Porch Security Gate
In our era of home deliveries and curbside services, front porches become potential contamination points. Installing a security gate for your patio provides a safe distance for package deliveries and visitor interactions.
Install a Front-Yard Fence
Extending your secure area to the front yard by installing a fence allows your family more space to enjoy outdoor activities safely. Ensure there is a designated path for delivery services to prevent any disruption.
Leverage Professional No-Contact Security Services
While many of these home security enhancements can be executed as DIY projects, for more extensive jobs like fence installation and new security gates, professional help may be needed. Therefore, we recommend employing reliable no-contact services for these tasks.
Conclusion
Wrought Iron gate repair and replacement allow us to enhance our home’s security. By combining vigilance, self-initiated tasks, and the wise use of professional no-contact services, you can significantly boost your home’s safety and ensure your family’s peace of mind.