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There are many options when it comes to picking the perfect gate for your home or business. While many people nowadays opt for aluminium gates, thanks to their easy maintenance and long-lasting capabilities, some still prefer to use wooden gates. Often, these have a historical connection to the property or are believed to add further charm to a location’s exterior.
One of the main problems faced with wooden gates is keeping them looking fresh and new throughout the year. Many things can impact on the appearance of a wooden gate, so regular care is essential. Here, we take a look at some of the ways wooden gates can be kept looking good come rain or shine!
Many homeowners would love to keep their gates looking as natural as possible. Unfortunately, the reality is that many insects use wood for homes and other purposes and will quickly wear down any furnishings if they are not protected. A lot of wooden gates are already given a layer of protection as standard. However, this can erode due to weather and UV rays, so will need to be replenished at regular intervals. Consult with the gate manufacturer or follow the varnish instructions for a rough guide as to how often this needs to happen.
It’s easy to forget, but wood is a living organism – strictly speaking, it is a tissue harvested from the stems and roots of trees. As with any living thing, it needs nutrients to survive, and these are often lost when a wooden gate is manufactured and covered in varnishes. One way to further offset a wooden gate’s decay is by including wood oils in any treatment process. These can permeate the wood and replace some of the nutrients lost, helping the gate stay stronger for longer.
Unfortunately, the natural process of time can lead to some gates falling into a less favourable state. However, if a gate has not rotted and remains structurally stable, it can often be saved. If a wooden gate is losing its natural colour, remove all paint layers by sanding down the surface before treating any areas of mould with a suitable cleaner. From there, wood reviving formulas can help bring an old gate back to life!
Wooden gates are particularly susceptible to damage, and extra care has to be taken to ensure that they last for as long as possible. One of the most damaging things for exterior woods is moisture, which can cause quick deterioration if not taken into account. The simplest way of avoiding moisture in wooden gates is by varnishing or using a paint with a protective layer. However, it’s vital that gates are left to dry for several days before treating, to allow any moisture to escape the wood. It is also recommended that you do not treat gates if rain or frost is expected over the following days, as this can disrupt the treatment as it embeds into the wood.
While the gate itself requires regular maintenance, the surrounding features are just as crucial to the overall strength and longevity of the structure. Make sure that metal features, such as hinges, are still strong, as not only can this create weak points in the wood but is vital to the entrance’s performance. It is also worth maintaining any natural areas surrounding the wooden gate, as these can create potential weak points, depending on the type of plant that is growing.
To keep a wooden gate looking fresh in the long-term, all of this is required. However, there are still certain traits, such as expansion and contraction, that are unavoidable and will lead to the deterioration of the product over time. These are some of the reasons why many more people are now choosing aluminium gates as their ideal solution.
Here at Linkcare, we sell a range of aluminium gates that are created with care and attention to imitate the look of wood. Aluminium is lightweight, durable and doesn’t rot like wood, ensuring that your gate will look brand new for many years with minimal hassle! With a range of wood-look designs available, why not browse our range today
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