Gates by Peter Weldon.
Your questions answered.

What gate designs can I choose?
I have many designs that have been successful in the past, some of these are illustrated on the website. You may have a gate that needs to be copied, or you may have a photo from an old book. We can make accurate copies of virtually any period gate design. I can work closely with you to make sure you get exactly the sort of design you are looking for.

Are they solid or hollow?
Almost all my gates are made from solid sections because this is the market I supply. If there are some difficult sections required where the dimensions are not available on the market then we will fabricate these sections by welding flat bars together- this can create hollow areas. Although there are no points of entry for water penetration all hollow sections are vented at the bottom to allow water to run out should any get into the design. They are also vented to allow the section to be galvanised both inside and out.

What is the weight of the gates?
Each design varies considerably depending upon the size and thickness of the sections used. Large driveway gates can weigh in excess of 1000 kilos. A small pedestrian gate could be around 60 kilos.

How are they made?
We use both electric welding and hot forge work and the method of manufacture depends upon the design and the requirements of the customer. Our most expensive and beautiful gates are made from solid materials secured with collars and rivets. The vertical bars are dropped through holes punched through the horizontal sections and the gate is assembled in a manner similar to joinery. Special details can be made in cast iron or lost wax bronze and we have the facility to electro-plate metals in silver and chrome.

Can the gates be galvanised?
Yes, all my steel designs can be hot zinc galvanised for complete peace of mind. This is done as standard for all exterior projects. We can supply a variety of finishes to suit your needs- such as plastic coated; extra hard coatings to deter vandals; coatings for extreme marine environments. My plastic coating and paint specialist is based in Birmingham- MPPC ltd- ‘Midland Paint and Powder Coaters Ltd’.

The Paintwork.
My designs arrive in a primer undercoat and I paint each gate again until the desired thickness is achieved. I use a very high quality industrial coating –‘Lechler’ that will provide many years of good quality finish. For a special job I will re-spray in zinc phosphate primer, and then at least three coats of paint. Sometimes customers specify an extra thick coating of paint to replicate an antique finish.

What sort of maintenance is required?
This differs depending upon the paint colour you have chosen. Lighter colours will need more maintenance than darker colours. Periodically you may wish to touch up the paintwork and grease the hinges.

What are the hinges like?
Our hinges are traditional hinges with no adjustment. Almost all the designs have one hinge fixed three quarters of the height up the outside frame and one floor mounted hinge at the underside of the outside frame. The uppermost hinge simply holds the gate upright and prevents it from moving back and forth, or dropping away from the pier. This hinge has a plate with four bolt holes that sits flat against the pier. The lower hinge bears all the weight and has foundation steel angle beneath for it to be concreted into the ground. This is the traditional manner of hanging gates and prevents all the weight pulling the gate piers over. It is under the lowest hinge that below ground automation motors are fitted.

How are they delivered?
They can be delivered by myself on the back of our truck or trailer. I also use a reliable haulage company ‘Reid Freight’ of Stoke on Trent.

What about automation?
In order to simplify the installation and automation process we now supply gates with the automation motors fitted beneath. We can also email a video of your gates being automated in a factory setting before they are dispatched. A basic system is supplied and we favour the CAME equipment supplier. After the gates have been installed it is not difficult to have a skilled electrician complete the work. If however, there are special requirements to your job the area CAME rep will supply and fit additional equipment such as video entry, additional keypads etc. Please visit: gateinstaller.co.uk Also visit home-iq.co.uk who are specialists in Gate Automation, Automating existing gates, Timber gates and Vintage gates, Including swing Gates and Sliding Gates. Chris and Carl from ‘home-iq’ work in partnership with Peter Weldon Iron Designs and automate our ironwork throughout the country.

What about the installation?
I don’t install the ironwork and have two installation firms that I can recommend. ‘Architectural Material Conservations Studio’ is one firm that offers a great installation service and we work together on projects. AMCS Ltd is based in Kettering, Northants and their contact is Alun Walker – Director. See www.amcsuk.co.uk or tel 01536 525782.

I prefer to design, manufacture and supply because any good builder can erect the gates and I am not really needed for that. Often I can design gate, motors and piers together with foundation steelwork in a complete assembly so that they can be lowered into a trench ready for concrete. This guarantees perfect alignment.

How much do they cost?
Please email for a price list. If you have a special job a price has to be calculated specific to you.

An example of our 19th Century Black-Smiths gates installed with Automation.