Mild Steel Gate

Mild steel is one of the major types of steel used in construction, the others being stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, and others. Mild steel is composed mainly of iron with very few percentages of manganese, carbon, copper, sulfur, silicone, and phosphorus. The carbon in mild steel enhances the properties of pure iron.

However, as compared to other types of steel, mild steel has much less composition of carbon and other alloys, making it more weldable and machinable. Because of its machinability, affordability, and weldability, this type of steel has increasingly been used in construction, agricultural and automotive equipment, gates, plumbing, poles, and machinery parts.

Mild steel is made by heat-treating pure iron to increase its carbon content. As the carbon content increases, the steel becomes harder but less ductile. Mild steel contains less carbon, making it more ductile and weldable. It is made by first mixing coal and lime with iron ore followed by adding alloy elements to further reduce carbon contents. The steel is then ready to be molded into the desired shape.

Mild steel is considered one of the best options for gates and doors due to its following properties:

• Because of its low carbon content, mild steel is highly machinable. It can easily be cut and molded into any shape or design.
• By adding certain alloy elements such as chromium, cobalt, phosphorus, and manganese to mild steel, its weldability can be increased.
• It has a high tensile and impact strength.

Mild steel is widely used in construction and for the manufacturing of machines, pipelines, poles, cutlery, cookware, fences, gates, doors, and others. Although there are other materials that may be used for gates and doors, homeowners in Singapore now prefer mild steel gates to other materials. Why? Mild steel is one of the best choices for gates because of the strength, durability, and affordability that it offers. It is the cheapest form of steel, so a mild steel gate is less expensive than other types of gates.

Since it is a form of steel, it is prone to rusting. Although a protective coating of paint can offer considerable protection from rusting and corrosion, if the paint gets chipped off, the gate can start to rust.

Mild steel doors can be considered stronger than wood doors and timber doors because of their inherent strength and durability. Although wood can also be treated to withstand enormous amounts of stress and compress under pressure, it can be affected more by weather changes. This makes steel stronger and more durable than wood when compared in the long run.

Mild steel gate is stronger than wrought iron gate because of the alloy carbon added to it. Mild steel doors can resist damage and withstand extreme pressures. However, if the wrought iron is damaged, the break occurs gradually over time, giving you enough time to repair it before it damages completely. Mild steel, on the other hand, breaks immediately without any warning in case of a powerful blow. Hence, you end up paying much more for repairing all the damage. You can also check out our other article that compares the differences between mild steel gates to other materials like stainless steel.

HDB doors serve various purposes, the number one of which is providing safety and security to prevent any intruder from breaking into the house. Hence, strength and durability is the first requirement for an entrance door. Moreover, an entrance gate or door is also the first impression that one gets when entering the house, therefore, it needs to be aesthetically pleasing and attractive. The second requirement for an entrance door, therefore, is to be designed beautifully and attractively. Both these major requirements can be met by mild steel since it offers the required strength and durability as well as allows users to customize it in any color, shape or design. Hence, a mild steel gate can be considered the best type of gate for entrance.

When it comes to metal gates vs wooden gates, the difference in prices can depend on several factors such as the quality of wood or metal used, the size of the gate, the installation expertise required, and other similar factors. If you choose the highest end metal such as wrought iron, then it would definitely be more expensive than wood. However, if you opt for a mild steel gate, it will come at a rather affordable price than its wooden counterpart.

Often iron and steel are used interchangeably and homeowners might confuse iron gates with steel gates and vice versa. Iron is a natural material that is obtained from Earth whereas steel is a man-made alloy that is created by combining iron with carbon and other elements. These elements and carbon give steel its distinctive properties of strength and durability. As compared to iron, steel is also much lighter and comes at a lesser price. Steel is resistant to corrosion at much better levels than iron making it a highly durable and long-lasting material. Therefore, steel gates can be considered more superior to metal gates in terms of strength, robustness, and extreme weather resistance.

Steel and mild steel gates are highly durable and robust that require little maintenance and care. However, if cared for and maintained regularly, a steel gate can last a lifetime. In fact, you can even find steel gates from many decades ago adorning homes and premises in Singapore in all their glory. A mild steel or any other type of steel gate can last as long as 70 years or even more. The idea is to make sure that you care for it properly and regularly to retain its strength, appearance, and longevity

Neglecting your steel gate and not maintaining it can cause various problems to arise with time that can affect the strength and durability of the gate. It is essential for you to maintain and take care of your steel gate through the following tips:

• Use a vacuum and cloth to remove dust and debris from the gate occasionally.
• Wipe the gate with a damp washcloth and plain kitchen cleaner.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives while cleaning the gate.
• Keep the hinges and screws of the gate oiled to avoid corrosion and rusting.
• Apply a protective coating on the steel gate.
• Carry out regular inspections to check your gate for any signs of damage or wear and tear.