Automatic Slide Gates

Just as the name suggests, a slide door slides from right to left or left to right on wheels, or in both directions in the case of two sliding panels making up the gate. Most supermarkets and stores use slide gates at the entrance.

The biggest consideration when opting for a slide gate is the space you’ve got available, as these would require quite a lot. In order for the slide gate to be a practical option, you need free space that is equal to your driveway’s width and a few feet extra, on either the left or the right side of the gate. For instance, if your driveway is 16 feet wide, a 16 feet slide gate will need sufficient room at either side to fit its 16-feet heft, as well as a few feet in addition, so you will be looking at 19 feet of available space to be able to install a slide gate.

If this isn’t possible and your driveway doesn’t allow sufficient room on either side of the gate, then a slide gate is likely not an option for you.

Now that you have an understanding of what slide gates are and the most important consideration, lets have a look at the kinds of slide gates available for installation.

V-track Gates

These are the most widely used slide gates, chosen for their reliability. Since the wheels move on a wedged V track at the bottom, this V track needs to be kept clear of hindrances and debris, making the gates unsuitable if your area gets lots of snow during the winters.

A V track gate will normally have to be 3 feet wider than the opening for the gate, so that an automated gate opener can be installed.

Rear Pipe Track Gates

Similar to the V track gates, rear pipe track gates also need to be 3 feet wider than the gate opening, and are mostly used on chain link gates.

But the way they need to be installed leads to an important consideration which your gate installer should already know of, but it doesn’t hurt if you do too. The back end of the gate holds two wheels mounted on pipes, that are in turn mounted to the panels on the fence. The front end normally constitutes a wheel carriage formation, with a single rubber wheel and a V track wheel.

Now, the consideration is that if you’ve got a slide gate with a rear pipe track installed already, and the front has two rubber wheels, you should replace one wheel with a V track wheel and track, before installing the automated mechanism for it to work.

Cantilever Gates

If your area gets a lot of snow during winters, a cantilever slide gate is what you should be considering. These gates do not have wheels at the bottom that touch the ground, instead slide between wheels mounted on a vertical carriage on the side of the gate. They are, therefore,not affected by accumulated debris on the ground.Depending on how they are installed, and the placement of the roller carriages, you can either get ‘full cantilever gates’, ‘bottom track cantilever gates’, or ‘top hang cantilever gates’. Your gate installer can discuss this with you and help you pick the right one.

The most important consideration for cantilever gates is space, which they require a lot of; this becoming their biggest drawback. The gate has to be 50% longer than the opening of the driveway, which means that you will need a gate measuring 30 feet for a 20 feet driveway opening.

Swing Gates

These gates work similar to regular doors inside houses, swinging open outward or inward. An important consideration when installing swinging doors that open outward is to ensure there is enough space in front of the house and that they don’t take up the sidewalk or the street, otherwise they may hit a vehicle or a passerby.

When in the market, you’ll find that you can get either single swing, or double swing gates. Single swing gates open up like a bedroom door, while double swing gates work similar to garden and patio doors, with two swinging panes next to each other.

Since these doors swing open, it is important that your driveway is level, and not rising up in places otherwise that will act as an obstruction for the gates. It is also preferable to install gates that are no more than 16 feet wide, although some gate installers specialize in gates up to 20 feet in width.

Often seen installed in front of mansions and compounds, double swing gateslook more appealing to the eye than single swing gates, as well as being easier to operate than their counterpart.

If your driveway is on a slope, more likely to happen if you live on a hill,‘uphill swing gates’ may be better suited for installation. You should keep in mind, however, that they are a lot more complicated to install than regular swing gates, and their installation should only be contracted to installers with experience of doing so.Other factors like the size, weight, and type of gate also need to be considered as these will determine the maximum slope the gate can be installed on.

If you are in an area that gets a lot of snow, or have an uneven driveway, you can also consider ‘lift and swing gates’. These make use of a hydraulic lift that lifts the gate before it swings open, which then continues to raise as it is swung open. These are ideal if you don’t have enough space for a cantilever slide gate, but will cost you a lot more than regular slide and swing gates as well.

Barrier Gates

You must have seen these at parking lots, toll booths, and other controlled areas. Barrier gates work as simple levers, pivoted at one end, where the other end lifts up vertically to let people and vehicles through.

As it’s just a metal rod going across the driveway, a barrier gate is not very costly to purchase and install, but wouldn’t offer much in terms of privacy and security, and is not very appealing to look at either. Because of this, these gates are only suitable for controlling vehicular and human traffic.

Vertical Pivot Gates

If you don’t know what they are, you may think them similar to barrier gates, which they are to a certain extent. But where the one above is merely a barrier in the middle of a driveway, these are actual gates,rising up to a height of 8 feet, or even more. When it’s closed, it’s like any other entrance gate, but rather than swinging or sliding open, it lifts vertically up on a pivot to let vehicles through.

The majesty of a vertical pivot gate when it opens up is a sight to behold, and it also offers more security than a barrier gate ever could. It is a good option to consider if your driveway does not have enough space, or doesn’t meet other requirements for a slide or swing gate.

Vertical Lift Gates

These can normally be found at industrial complexes or at entrances to warehouse compounds. This is partly because of the costs incurred in their purchase and installation.

These gates are huge, rise up to great heights to allow freight trolleys in, and work on a pulley mechanism, with both ends pivoted to a post on either end. When a vehicle needs to pass through, the pulley mechanism in the posts lifts the gate up from both ends to whatever height is needed, underneath which the vehicles can pass through.

Vertical lift gates provide heightened security and can be installed with virtually any kind of gate panel so they can be incredibly to look at.

Phoenix Driveway Gate Installation

You may have begun reading this article thinking what a complicated task installing a driveway gate was going to be, but we hope reading it has equipped you with a better understanding of the different options available to you, the factors to keep in consideration, and which type of driveway gates will suite your needs best. To get new driveway gates at your Phoenix home contact the experts in metal at Victory Metal Works. Give us a call at 480-584-6220 or use our contact form.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STEEL GATES AND WROUGHT IRON GATES?

Because metal gates are generally advertised as the same thing, being metal, the differences are not clearly obvious with modern manufacturing processes. However, from a scientific perspective, there are some differences that will assist you in determining the proper type of gate for your situation. For starters, steel is an alloy while iron is an element found on the Periodic Table. Basically, steel is a man-made metal combining carbon and iron, while iron is a raw material that is extracted from the ground.

Of course, if you are not big on Chemistry, you could be questioning why knowing the science behind the two metals help determine which gate to choose. Below is an outline of characteristics between each type to highlight the differences. This enables you to ask the proper questions when shopping for your metal gate.

WROUGHT IRON GATES

Iron gates are created from the raw element (iron) after being excavated from the earth. Iron has been used for centuries all around the world. Although, traditional wrought iron forged by civilizations using a hammer and an anvil do not exist in a modern commercial sense. However, the work is still done by a few establishments, which often charge premium prices. But, for the past century steel has been the preferred metal due to being rust-proof, stronger and simply being superior.

Although, the major change from iron to steel is not to suggest manufacturing no longer uses iron. This is particularly true with manufacturing of metal gates, where steel may be used for the railings, posts, pickets and frames, the manufacturer may prefer to use sand-casted iron for the gate frame caps and posts, panel brackets, final tips, and various visual elements. Steel is no doubt more wear resistant and stronger, making it the ideal material for stamping, rolling and cutting. However, sand-cast iron provides manufacturer’s the ability to create more visual details, providing an appealing gate, in combination with a strong frame.

STEEL GATES

Steel gates are the most common type of metal gates manufactured today, followed by aluminum. As previously mentioned, the reason being steel provides a rust-proof and stronger frame. Although, material quality used depends on the manufacturer. You should question the dealer about what type of metal the gate is fabricated with. Many gate fabricators create gates from a thinner type of stamped steel with picket tops pressed into flat pointed shapes, which have no iron elements. This process is cheaper to manufacture, making it a preferred option on a small budget. However, it does not have the high-quality appearance that iron tip gates provide. Generally, for an additional charge a manufacturer will offer final tip upgrades, but many of these are fabricated from die-cast or plastic with each being applied by pressure. Therefore, to get the best appearance possible you would have to align each picket to be straight and even. When dealing with several feet of fencing, this can be challenging.

Although, this is not suggesting these type of steel gates is poor quality, necessarily. Because they are mostly fabricated from steel, they provide strength while being economical. They just do not have the stunning appearance achieved with iron finishing’s on a steel frame.

Because of this, reading the fine print becomes an important step, along with asking questions when shopping for a metal gate. We hope our explanation has helped to provide a clear understanding between the differences between iron and steel gates. As a metal gate is not a cheap investment, you should be well informed for making your decision.

CUSTOMIZED METAL GATE FABRICATIONS

Are you searching for a custom fabricated wrought iron or steel gate in the Scottsdale, Arizona area? Victory Metal Works is an experienced fabricator and offers custom wrought iron gate fabrication. We will help you develop a custom design for your metal gates, fabricated it with the highest quality metal and fabrication techniques, and then professionally install it at your home, office, or any property you wish.  We design, fabricate, and install both custom single gates and custom double gates.

Start your order by giving us a call at 480-584-6220

Wrought Iron Versus Cast Iron

What are the differences between them? Find out and learn just how they are used.

Antique iron fencing is made from wrought iron.

Wrought iron is normally used for architectural and decorative applications like railings or fencing.

People normally assume that wrought iron and cast iron are the same term for early iron work, but there are a lot of differences.

Wrought iron is iron that has been heated and then worked with tools.

Cast iron is iron that is melted and poured into a mold, and then allowed to become solid.

The main difference between wrought iron and cast iron is how they are produced. The differences can be found in the names: wrought means past work or worked iron and cast describes anything that is formed during a casting process.

The different methods will create metals that have different strengths and weaknesses, which is why you never see a wrought iron frying pan or a cast iron fence.

What is wrought Iron?

Wrought iron is made from elemental iron with a small amount of slag. Slag is the by-product of iron ore smelting and is normally a mixture of aluminum, phosphorous, sulfur, and silicon oxides. Wrought iron is made by repeatedly heating the metal and using tools to form it into something.

Wrought iron is made principally out of basic iron with little measures of included slag (the result of iron metal refining, by and large comprising of a blend of silicon, aluminum, phosphorous, and sulfur, oxides). This type of wrought iron is created by constantly heating the iron and using tools to work it and  distort it.

Wrought iron is very pliable, enabling it to be heated, and reheated, and worked into different shapes—the iron becomes more grounded the more it’s worked and is portrayed by its sinewy appearance. Wrought iron contains less carbon than cast iron, making it gentler and more pliable. It is likewise profoundly impervious to exhaustion; if a lot of weight is connected, it will experience a lot of disfigurement before fizzling.

The term wrought iron is regularly abused today; it is ordinarily used to portray outlines like chronicled wrought iron pieces—paying little respect to the metal utilized. Gentle steel that has been machine-twisted into shape in a chilly state or cast steel and iron pieces that have been painted dark are both frequently mislabeled as wrought iron work. To be really assigned as wrought iron, a metal piece must be created by a metal forger who warms it and mallets it into shape.

Wrought iron was utilized as right on time as 2000 BC in the Anatolian landmass (now Turkey), and it was generally utilized as a part of development all through the nineteenth century. Progressions in metallurgy in the twentieth century, in any case, have made it simpler and more affordable to machine-shape and weld metal parts. The relatively costly and tedious nature of blacksmithing prompted the finish of its huge scale business in the mid-1970s. This implies most genuine wrought iron pieces today are either collectibles or a claim to fame pieces that have been smithed by neighborhood craftsmans.

What is cast iron?

Cast iron refers to a range of iron alloys, but it is mostly associated with a gray iron. Just because it has the name iron, it is not pure elemental iron. It is actually an alloy that contains carbon with small amounts of manganese and silicon. There are other items like phosphorus and sulfur that are quite common.

Cast iron is made by melting pig iron or smelting iron ore and then mixing it with various types of scrap metals as well as other alloys. The liquid is then pour into a mold and allowed to cool and become solid.

The final result is a strong but brittle product. Because of the high carbon content, cast iron will become solid as a heterogeneous alloy, which means that it contains multiple materials in various phases within its microstructure.

Cast Iron is quite naturally brittle, which means it is hard and non-malleable.

This blended microstructure is the thing that gives cast iron its particular physical properties. The inward carbon particles make inner emphasize directs favorable toward crack. Cast iron is harder, more fragile, and less flexible than wrought iron. It can’t be twisted, extended, or pounded into shape, since its powerless elasticity implies that it will break before it twists or contorts. It does, in any case, include great pressure quality.

Cast iron pipe fittings are one case of cast iron’s utilization in an assortment of uses.

Cast iron has practically boundless modern applications.

Casting is essentially less work serious than assembling wrought iron, and was an unmistakable type of generation all through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The coming of steel and computerized machining advances have lessened the part of casting in a few businesses, however it remains a savvy and broadly utilized process in numerous others. While steel has totally uprooted solid metal in development, cast iron stays prominent for items with complex shapes that are less demanding to cast than machine to shape. Cast iron is less responsive with shape materials than steel, and has a lower liquefying point, making it more liquid.

Old cast iron benches will demonstrate the limit with respect to iron to be filled extremely mind boggling, lavish shapes

Cast iron has positive properties which actually make it perfect for delivering parts like elaborate outside furniture.

Ductile iron: Versatility and Strength

Pliable iron, otherwise called malleable cast iron, is a cutting edge and exceptional type of cast iron created by analysts amid the 1940s. They found that by including select combinations—at first a magnesium-copper compound, and in the end cerium—they could control carbon particles to frame an unexpected microstructure in comparison to in cast iron. The ductile iron microstructure keeps splits from framing, bringing about a metal that has the benefits of cast iron without the weakness.

Ductile iron can be fabricated to accomplish high pliability and elasticity

Ductile iron can be made to various evaluations to accomplish high pliability and rigidity. As tempered ductile iron, created with extra warmth treatment, has surprisingly better mechanical properties and protection from wear.

Bendable iron additionally shows moderately little shrinkage as it cools, influencing it to ideal for exactness casting. Ductile iron is frequently utilized “as-thrown,” which means it doesn’t require warm medicines. This can help diminish fabricating costs, particularly finished the long haul.

Emptying liquid iron into a sand casting mold

Both pliable and cast iron castings are delivered by emptying liquid iron into molds

Corrosion Considerations

Wrought iron and cast iron are susceptible to corrosion whenever the bare surface is exposed to oxygen when wet. This can be challenging for outdoor environments that have constant exposure to humidity and precipitation. Unlike other types of metals that can form an oxidative coating, iron if it is given enough time will flake and rust away completely.

In order to prevent rust, iron products will need to be coated in order to prevent exposure. Paint is normally used to coat and protect bare metals. Powder coating is a method that is great for outdoor furniture that is prone to wear in high traffic areas. Powder coating is highly durable and it won’t fade, crack or chip over time.

Historical Preservation

From Lincoln, Nebraska to Lincoln, Massachusetts to Lincoln, Ontario, North America is filled with history. Each town has a story to tell and all of the buildings in these areas have played a part in crafting in the past.

When it comes to restoring historical buildings with architectural metalwork and iron, authenticity and quality are important. Large outdoor elements like lamp posts, fences, park benches, gates and bollards will play a big role in setting the mood to historical times. Modern metal workers are able to reproduce early metalwork just by using design cues that came from original structures or historical drawings.

Phoenix Valley Ornamental Iron

From gates and stair railings to range hoods and entry doors Victory Metal Works will help you design, fabricate, and install the style of wrought iron or other alloy elements for your commercial or residential property.  If you’ve got a home or business in the valley that could use new sturdy entry doors that are stylish and secure, we can help!  No matter what metal architectural element you need we can help.  Give us a call today to discuss your project 480-584-6220.

What are security doors?

Our businesses, homes, apartments, and hotels protect our guests, families, property and ourselves, but they are not able to effectively do their job if the doors cannot effectively keep criminals out. Most security doors will use deadbolt locks, security chains, alarms and door strike reinforcers to be able to stop unauthorized entry. Security cameras, door windows, and peepholes can offer you the ability to screen your visitors before you have to disengage the lock and allow entry.

One of the biggest things to consider is that the ability to keep people out isn’t just on the deadbolt, lock or chain, but on the strength of the doors structure. The best security doors are often made from solid hardwood or metal. Doors that are made from plywood or composite materials will not be strong enough to make sure that your business or family is safe. They are able to be kicked in or rammed through because of the lack of strength. One of the biggest intimidating deterrents will be a visibly thick, heavy door that has a pretty thick frame. Most crimes will often be crimes of opportunity, such property left unattended and open garage doors. A security door is a really great way to send a message to any potential criminals that your business or home is protected and it will not be an easy mark.

Types of Security Doors

Decorative Grilles: These are very flexible when it comes to being customized. If the biggest reasons that you would like to add a security door to your home is for style, then this is a perfect option. There are a lot of different shapes and patterns available.

Cast Iron Grille

These feature an outer aluminum frame like other doors, but it has a cast iron grille. It is a perfect option if you want to match the architecture and style of your home. Whenever you choose a door, you need to be aware that cast iron doors are very heavy, and you may need the frame reinforced to support it.

Standard Diamond Grille

This is the most common security door type and is a very common choice for homebuilders. This is because it has an aluminum grille and frame. Because of the diamond shape of the grille, it keeps an intruders hand from getting in easily.

Stainless Steel Security Wire

This is the most costly of the options, but it is also the type of door that will give you the best protection. It uses a 3-point locking system and it is fitted with heavy steel and stainless-steel mesh which makes it nearly impossible to break through.

Security Door Basics

The Frame: Your door could be made as strong as Thor’s hammer, but it will do nothing unless it has been paired with a strong frame that is ready to help keep an intruder out. They may be built from either steel or aluminum.

Industry leaders have stated that steel doors, whenever it is properly constructed and installed can be a really effective solution for security that is available.

If corrosion happens to be an issue at your building, then aluminum may be a great option as it is less prone to having issues with reacting to salt or salty air being applied to the road to help control ice and snow.

The frame will need to be equipped with deep receiver channels for a grille, and that is so that the edge isn’t able to be forced out of the frame to easily. You want to ensure that the main portion of a frame and receiver channel will make a good connection, so that it will be sturdy.

Some doors can be equipped internal corner stakes that you can’t see. The stronger option is a fully welded corner joint.

Reinforcing the Security Door

Aluminum Grilles: They are available in heavy duty versions of this door which look really secure, but they only offer just enough protection to keep bugs out and it won’t safeguard your family.

Steel bars, Grilles, or Motifs

These will be some of the strongest systems in the whole world. They will often send a clear message that you are protected and that you don’t compromise your safety.

Structural Aluminum Perforated Sheets

These are a fairly new option and industry leaders have been stating that they are similar to stainless steel mesh when it comes to security, but it is not as expensive.

Steel Security Door

These are an older solution to securing your building and one that has become less popular. This is because of the cost and that they don’t offer any more protection than other doors. They are even constructed less because of the propensity for corrosion and weight.

Stainless Steel Mesh

This is going to be the most expensive type of door and it is also probably one of the most effective and strongest when it comes to keeping what you own in and those you do not want in out. The great part about these doors is that they are very similar to looking through a fly screen. You will have security while keeping your view.

Security Door Installation

If you have any other questions about how to get the best protection for your office or your home in Scottsdale or the Phoenix Valley with by installing a great security door, call the experts as Victory Metal Works. You are able to reach us by phone or simply fill out our contact form.

Call today to get your security door installation started at 480-584-6220

How To DIY Install A Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron is beloved by homeowners as the material lends itself to being ornamental.  The style of your wrought iron fence can be as modern or classical as you like.  Knowing how our team installs wrought iron fences helps you understand the steps we take to ensure the durability of your fence and gates.

Step 1. Check Building Codes

Some neighborhoods will have building codes that regulate the type, placement, and height of fencing.  This is especially true if you live in an HOA.  A little research and planning before your project saves huge headaches and wasted money later.

Step 2. Measure & Plan

The next step is to decide where your new fence will go, how tall it will be, and what style you prefer.  This is a good time to call to have underground utility lines flagged so you know your post holes will not be in the wrong place.

Step 3. Gather Tools & Materials

In addition to the wrought iron posts, panels, and gates you will need some supplies to install a wrought iron fence.  These materials include: fasteners, post hole diggers, shovels, a level, tape measure, stakes, string, screwdrivers, wheelbarrow, gravel, and fast setting concrete.

Step 4. Set Outline with stakes

Set stakes to help ensure you’ve got the right dimensions and angles for your new fence.  Drive the stakes at the corners and where it changes direction.  At each of these stakes wrap and tightly stretch  your string to show where the fence will sit.

Step 5. Dig Post Holes

Dig post holes at corners, on both sides of fence panels, and ending points.  Most post holes should be about 2 feet deep and 6 inches in width.  Before adding your quick set concrete fill the bottom of your post holes with about 2 inches of gravel.  With all of your post holes dug mix your concrete in your wheelbarrow.  Don’t make your concrete too wet as it needs to help keep your posts standing straight in the holes.

Step 6. Install Fence Posts

First put the post in the post hole.  Next add the concrete to the hole.  Stop pouring your concrete when it’s about 4 inches from the top of the hole.  This is done for all of the posts and then a worker uses a level to ensure the posts are straight and set in line with the rest of the fencing. Once the posts are straight and the concrete is holding them up the top 4 inches in the hole is filled loosely with dirt.  Wait about a week for the concrete to set before moving on to installing your wrought iron panels.

Step 7. Install Panels

Wrought iron fencing consists of the posts you’ve already installed and panels that fit into them.  The panels are attached to the posts using screws or bolts.  Line up the panel brackets with the posts and attach the top bracket, then the bottom bracket. Do this for all of the fence panels.

Step 8. Hang Gates

The last step in installing your wrought iron fence is to hang your wrought iron gate.  Most times this will be a gate made for pedestrians to walk through.  If it is a driveway gate you’ll likely need to have the help of professional installers to help get it installed correctly.  This is especially true if you’re installing an automated gate with a motor.

Phoenix Valley Wrought Iron Fence & Gates

If you want a wrought iron fence installed at your home or business in the Phoenix Valley, Victory Metal Works can help!  Our team designs, fabricates, and installs nothing but the highest quality wrought iron fencing and gates in the state.  We take the hard work out of installing your new fence and ensure you get the design you want with the security you need.

Call 480-584-6220 or Contact Us