Do Aluminium Gates Scratch?

2024-01-08

When choosing new garden gates, the question of whether aluminium gates will get scratched often comes up. After all, when you invest in a nice set of gates, you likely want them to maintain their good looks for a long while - not get dinged up right away. The good news is that aluminium is highly scratch-resistant - though not 100% impervious. If you understand the potential causes of scratches and take some basic precautions, your aluminum gates can retain their eye-catching beauty year after year.

 

The Toughness and Durability of Aluminium

As a material, aluminium has properties that make it very scratch-resistant for use in gates. Pure aluminium is soft and prone to scratching and denting easily. But garden gates are made from aluminium alloys which have blended the metal with others like magnesium, silicon, and zinc to make it much stronger.

The alloys used today make aluminium gates tough enough to withstand routine daily use without showing signs of wear. Aluminium garden gates from reputable UK providers use high-grade 6063 alloy plate. So, you can expect them to maintain their great looks for 20 years or more.

 

What Can Scratch Aluminium Gates?

Though aluminium won’t scratch from routine use like opening and closing, deliberate or accidental misuse can damage the surface. Some common culprits that can scratch up aluminum gates:

• Sharp rocks and debris getting caught underneath
• Pets clawing at gates
• Kids scraping gates with bike pedals
• Moving heavy or awkward objects through gates roughly
• Aggressive cleaning with steel wool pads

Minor scratches won’t affect performance and may blend into the background over time as gates get weathered. But deeper ones can undermine structural integrity if left unchecked. Thankfully avoidance and maintenance is straightforward.

 

How to Prevent Scratches on Aluminium Gates

While occasional light scratches are unavoidable, taking a few precautions can prevent unsightly damage:

Check Gates Regularly: Do a quick visual inspection to remove any stuck debris before it scratches the surface from opening and closing. Prevent piles of gravel, dirt and leaves from accumulating underneath.

Soften Ground Surfaces: Cover patios and walkways right next to gates with outdoor welcome mats or rattan rugs to keep hard objects from getting kicked up. Deflect blows from kids’ bikes jumping curbs with old tyre sidewalls.

Discourage Clawing: Set up alternative scratching posts and boards around the garden to protect gates from attention-seeking cats. Regularly trim back overhanging branches they could climb.

Reinforce During Remodels: Pad aluminium gate corners and wrap edges when doing exterior work. Make workers aware of being careful when hauling tools and materials through garden access points.

By being proactive, you can keep your aluminium gates smooth and relatively scratch-free for decades. But if damage does occur, act quickly so it doesn’t expand.

 

Fixing Scratches on Aluminium Gates

For light scuffs that haven’t removed much material, use an aluminium polish containing fine abrasives to smooth them out. Reapply protective sealant after. Deeper gouges should get professionally repaired as soon as possible - exposed alloy that’s unsealed can start corroding from moisture and chemicals.

Most gate installers offer scratch removal services. They’ll assess severity and method - smoothing, filling, spraying, or replacing gate sections as needed. This quick fix prevents eyesores from becoming bigger headaches.

 

Get Long-Lasting Good Looks from Aluminium

If cared for properly, aluminium is one of the most durable gate materials resistant to scratches. By selecting a quality supplier like Garden Gates Direct, maintaining vigilance against damage, and repairing promptly if needed - your new gates can retain their sleek facade for decades of reliable service regulating property access. Invest now in aluminium’s trusted resilience.