Which Driveway Gate is better built?
I’m looking for a 14ft aluminum Driveway (Estate) Gate. I found two manufacturers that have designes I like. The pricing is about the same. This is a swing gate.
First choice: http://www.ameristarfence.com/residential-ornamental-wrought-iron-steel-driveway-entrance-gates-estate
material: 6063-T6
Pickets: 3/4″ square, 0.125″ thick
Channel Rails: 1″x2″, 0.250″ thick
Ends & Intermediates: 2″ square, 0.250″ thick
Second Choice: http://www.gatecrafters.com/driveway-gate-aluminum.aspx
material: 6061-T6
Pickets: 3/4″ square, 0.090″ thick
Channel Rails: 1-1/2″ x 3/4″, 0.125″ thick
Ends/Internediates: 2″ square, 0.125″ thick
So choice #1 uses “weaker” aluminum but uses thicker material, and choice #2 uses a stronger alumimium but thinner material.
Which is better?
Replies
How the (bleep) Would I Know?
I suspect the details of the actual install matter far more than any single component of the design.
Just as important, the arrangement of the pieces, and the connections between, are critical to the design.
Finally, we have no way of knowing what exact alloys and processes were used.
Unless you need to weld to the gate using anything other than TIG, go with the 6063.
10% less yield strength, but the heavier thickness, esp the ends, more than compensates for that.
Cost differential - 6063 probably costs more as is significantly heavier ? Or is the material weight lost in the markup and fab costs?
Assume the gate posts are substantial enough for either weight.
Both are likely anodized? So minimal difference in corrosion over time.
@CountryBumkin
"Which is better?" - The one with the BEST hinge post installation.
Do you have children who might be apt to hang on the gate as it swings open or closed?
14' is a heck of a lever arm applying force to the post. Over time the top of the post may lean toward the opening. If the top of the post leans 1/2" out of plumb, then the far end of the gate will drop about 2". This could wreak havoc with your latching mechanism.
If it were me, I'd opt for a double leaf gate. The drop at the latch end of the gates would be 1" and could be about the same for both leaves, hopefully mitigating (or minimizing) any misalignment of the latching mechanism.
Remembering of course,
The original post was from 2015.
Yeah, I didn't notice that right off.
Still, the info may be beneficial to someone else thinking about a driveway gate.
“Still, the info may be beneficial to someone else thinking about a driveway gate.”
Exactly