Aluminium gates have become increasingly popular with our customers over the past decade. We get asked about their lifespan regularly, especially by customers comparing them to traditional wrought iron or wooden alternatives.

From our experience selling and installing aluminium gates for over fifteen years, we can give you realistic expectations about how long they'll last.

                                                            

Why aluminium lasts so well

Aluminium naturally forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to air, which prevents further corrosion. This makes it particularly suitable for the UK's wet climate. Unlike steel gates that can rust if the paint coating gets damaged, aluminium won't corrode in the same way. Even if the powder coating gets scratched, the underlying metal remains protected.

We've seen aluminium gates installed fifteen years ago that still look excellent, despite being in exposed coastal locations where salt air would have destroyed steel gates by now.

                                                           

Powder coating makes the difference

Most aluminium gates come with powder coating as standard, and this finish significantly affects the gate's appearance over time. Quality powder coating typically maintains its appearance for 15-20 years before showing signs of fading or chalking. We've noticed that gates in sheltered positions last longer than those in full sun exposure. Cheaper powder coating jobs can start showing problems after 7-10 years, which is why we only work with suppliers who offer proper warranties on their finishes.

                                                          

What we see in practice

The oldest aluminium gates we've supplied are now approaching twenty years old, and most still look very good. The main maintenance has been occasional cleaning and one or two recoating jobs.

Structural failures are extremely rare. We've had to replace aluminium gates due to accident damage or customer preference changes, but never because of corrosion or structural deterioration.

Hinges and automation components typically need attention before the gates themselves. Most hinge problems can be resolved with lubrication or adjustment rather than replacement.

                                                           

Maintenance requirements

Aluminium gates need very little maintenance compared to other materials. Annual cleaning with soapy water usually suffices for most installations.

Gates near busy roads or in dusty environments benefit from more frequent cleaning, but this is cosmetic rather than essential for longevity.

Automated gates require regular servicing of the motors and control systems, but this isn't related to the gate material itself.

Comparing with other materials

Wooden gates typically need treatment every 2-3 years and replacement after 10-15 years, depending on quality and maintenance.

Steel gates can last 20-30 years with proper maintenance, but require regular painting to prevent rust. Once rust takes hold, it can be difficult and expensive to stop.

Aluminium gates fall between steel and composite materials for initial cost, but their low maintenance requirements often make them more economical over their lifetime.

Quality variations matter

Not all aluminium gates are created equal. We've seen significant differences in quality between manufacturers, particularly in wall thickness and joint construction.

Gates made from thin-walled aluminium sections can develop problems with sagging or distortion over time, especially on larger gates.

Proper manufacturing with adequate wall thickness and quality joints is essential for achieving the full lifespan potential of aluminium gates.

                                                           

Investment perspective

The higher upfront cost of quality aluminium gates is usually justified by their longevity and low maintenance requirements.

We often recommend aluminium to customers who want the appearance of painted steel without the ongoing maintenance commitment.

The powder coating will likely need refreshing once during the gate's lifetime, typically after 15-20 years depending on exposure conditions.

From our experience, customers who choose quality aluminium gates from reputable manufacturers are rarely disappointed with their longevity and performance.

Interested in aluminium gates for your property? Browse our aluminium gates collection or contact us to discuss the best options for your specific location and requirements.