1. Intended Use
A good gate serves the purpose for which it was designed. The intended use and style should be determined before acquiring quotes. A quality gate is practical and looks good. It provides the user with a balance between cost, quality and functionality.
2. Hinges
You will need to inspect and consider the type, quality and the sturdiness of the hinges of a gate. Substandard hinges are often the weakest point on the gate.
3. Frame Thickness
The thickness / diameter of the frame helps to improve the strength and rigidity of the gate. The frame thickness should also be in proportion to the size of the gate.
4. Frame Support
The steel struts inside the gate frame, adds further strength to the frame. It is welded firmly onto the frame and must be in proportion to the frame itself. It is best to look for a gate that has proper frame supports to ensure it is secure and suited to what you require.
5. Finishing
It is always better to buy galvanised gates as opposed to painted only gates. Galvanising adds a protective barrier against rust and prolongs the life of the gate. Yes, it adds a sizable extra portion to cost, but it is absolutely worth it. You can either choose to have the gate manufactured with pre-galvanised material or made from mild steel and hot dipped galvanised afterwards. Should you choose to paint the gate a colour it can be done afterwards as a DIY job. It is recommended that you use a primer that is suited for galvanised surfaces before you paint the topcoat.
6. Wire quality
Wire thickness range from 1.0mm to 2,5mm. Then there is also lightly galvanised wire VS fully galvanised wire. Fully galvanised wire gives you 5x the rust protection compared to lightly galvanised wire.
7. Steel Thickness
The diameter of the frame is visible and can easily be seen, but the thickness of the steel wall is as important and is the quality element where some manufacturers incorporate paper thin steel. You can easily determine the quality by picking up the gate and estimate its weight. A good quality gate often weighs almost double the weight of similar sized poor-quality gate! A gate made from sub-par steel, can easily bend and warp when the wire is added and tightened.
8. Quality Of Wire Work
The quality of the wire work of a top-notch gate manufacturer is what sets them apart from the rest. Wire work for a gate is an art form that requires about one year of practical training to perfect.
The type of wire that is used for the gate, the strain on the wire, strength of the knots, spacing of the wire, strain on the gate frame, and the stability of the final product are the qualities that sets a good gate apart from the rest
9. Welding
The use of quality welding equipment by an experienced welder makes a significant difference to the quality of a gate.
10. Bending Work
Good gate manufacturers use the best bending equipment for the bending of the steel pipes. This ensures a smooth bend with minimum or no distortion of the steel. Poor bending work weakens the gate’s rigidity and strength.
Summary
A durable gate that serves its purpose, is reliable, and long-lasting, is what you want to get. Always work with a reputable gate manufacturing company that will not cut corners.
It is possible that a poor-quality gate could cost as much as half the price of a good quality gate. A good quality gate will however outlast a poor-quality gate by a factor of 5 or more. Van Schoor quality check each gate and it gets a sticker of approval before it gets delivered.
We hope these practical tips can help you to choose the right gate that will last for years to come!
Order the best quality gates from Van Schoor Gate (Pty) Ltd situated in the hamlet of Philadelphia to the west of Cape Town. Established in 1910, Van Schoor is a name you can trust to adhere to these quality determining elements. We manufacture gates to size and deliver to Cape Town, the Garden Route and the wider Western Cape. Website: www.gatesandfencingatvanschoor.co.za.