Absolutely they are! Because aluminium gates are lighter than steel or timber gates the electric operation is in theory easier and safer all round. Many aluminium gates which are sold as a ‘system’ to include the posts and all relevant accessories from the outset will be built with the automation in mind and appropriate additional fixing points in place to attach the relevant motor drive to.

Aluminium gates are perfect for automation whether they are hinged or sliding models and we can even offer gates with the electric operators built inside the gate framework itself, nothing on display to the outside world and less safety issues..

Yes, most designs we offer are available as either swing or sliding gates.

Our sliding gates use a bottom floor mounted tracking with rolling wheels built into the bottom of the gate. Alternatively we can offer cantilever type gates when the ground levels are not suitable.

We also offer a sliding, 2 part gate when the side room is limited for the gate to slide into. This is 2 gate sections which overlap each other when opening to take up half the space of the full width when extended and closed.

Sliding gates also require one electric motor drive as opposed to 2 motors on a pair of swing gates and generally have less maintenance requirements over the years..

The simple answer is yes, that this is possible, but the gate design, operating method and size will be a major factor for deciding if there might be an issue.

A solid design and wide set of swing gates for example would have far more intense wind loading on the gate panels when closed than any of the open slatted designs. A solid design but sliding gate would not have the same potential issues of a pair of swing gates and the forces needed to keep them closed in high winds. Sliding gates will take a lot more wind load and are also better for preventing forced entry too.

So, yes is the answer, but it depends on the design and operating method.

Whilst there are many standard and popular colours we can pretty much offer the aluminium gates in any standard RAL colour choice as well as some wood effect painted and laminated finishes.

The best aluminium gate finish is powdercoating and most of our aluminium gates can have a 25 year warranty on the paint finish with caveats on the stability of the colour fastness.

Certainly we wouldnt expect any further painting to be required with an aluminium gate once fitted and generally the same with the support posts or tracking on a sliding gate.

The best advice for a lot of outdoor building products in the UK is simply to keep them clean and for aluminium gates a wash down with a light solution of soapy water is the best and easiest option for keeping any potential corrosion or paint damage away.

Moving sections such as the hinges or pins used for automation should be kept greased but are generally very well protected anyway from the weather

Think of an unwashed car compared to a regularly washed car for an obvious comparison...

Aluminium has always been a material used when corrosion is perhaps an issue with steel or other materials. It isn't 100% fullproof and corrosion can occur in certain but rare conditions, but on the whole in the UK it is an excellent building material for use outside.

We offer aluminium gates with up to a 25 year warranty and a lot of the longevity will depend on the environment the gates are operating within. Sea salt for example will rot most materials quite quickly compared to a normal atmosphere. Properly powdercoated or laminated aluminium gates will outlast most steel or softwood gates easily.

Aluminium is a great material for stability and corrosion resistance, so is a great choice when you find the design you require. Just check finer details once you have found your gate design and make sure you are happy with the accessories used to operate the gate too...

Aluminium is deceptively strong when you consider the lighter weight of it. Many cars are built from aluminium and have been for many years. It is an easier material to form into complex shapes, especially when curves are involved.

It can be a very strong gate if it is made to a minimum standard but of course like so many building products in the UK, you pay too cheap and you will discover the reason for the lower price very quickly. There are different guages and profile sizes and for the larger gates above 4m wide you really need to do your research well.

Nearly all aluminum gates will be built from hollow section profiles and not solid sections as this isn’t necessary. The methods in which the profiles are connected is one of the main reasons for the overall integrity and sections simply screwed together for a fast turnaround on delivery usually won’t have the overall strength and longevity.

Both materials have their own unique benefits and steel has been used for so many years now because aluminium processes like we see today were not available years ago. Steel is heavier than aluminium and can corrode a lot faster, even galvanised steel can rust in some key areas over time...

Aluminum is lightweight, but if specified and manufactured correctly is very strong indeed and the lighter weight gives benefits all round.

Aluminium can look a lot more refined than steel with rounded edges and curves and nowadays with the manufacturing processes can be made to look like either steel or timber, but is lighter and generally a better price whilst providing a longer lifespan with some gates having up to 25 year warranty.

Steel has its place and is mainly seen on gates with open designs, square or round bar designs. Aluminum can replicate most designs seen in steel or timber these days so is a very attractive option and always prefinished in a powdercoated colour, solid or woodgrain effect.