Gates, Railings And Grilles Why We Need The Metalworking

Metalworking is one of our oldest pursuits and humans have been doing it since before recorded history. Ever since the discovery of working metal with fire, civilisations have manipulated metals to create everything from tools to statues, monuments and even jewellery.

Today, thousands of metalworking companies use advanced technology to create these items more efficiently than ever before. New methods of metal forming and cutting automate much of the process meaning that even the most sophisticated decorations can be machine-made.

For the average homeowner, this process is taken for granted as we have better access to metal tools and equipment - everything from gates and railings to secure houses, to decorative grilles and fireguards.

Gates and railings are a tried-and-tested means of making your property safe. They can help control access to a property and act as a deterrent to intruders, as well as being relatively low-maintenance.

Being secure doesn't mean transforming your home into a prison. Most companies will provide a choice of design and can work with a variety of metals such as steel, wrought iron or even metal and wood combinations, to help blend the new gate with the style of the surrounding buildings.

The most durable gates are usually subjected to a galvanising process - finished with a powder coat to maintain the metal for as long a period as possible.

Another popular method of home security is the grille - a see-through but solid structure attached to a front door or shop window. Brass grilles have the advantage of being sturdy without obscuring a view - they're also offer protection against vandalism and can be customised to fit in with their surroundings.

Besides security, metalworking can contribute aesthetically to a home - adding a decorative sheen to household conveniences such as fireplaces and air vents. Brass grilles are a popular covering for air ventilation outlets thanks to their durable nature and attractive appearance.

Grilles can also be used as radiator covers and fire screens, allowing the comfort of central heating or a real fire without the attendant risks of spitting flames and loose coals.

Metalworking has come a long way since the Iron Age, but we're still reaping the benefits. Whether offering practical solutions to household problems or visually enhancing the home, this is a skill that we are not likely to lose.