Driveway gates in Cape Town serve a very important role in the lives of homeowners. Their primary task is to provide safety and security to the properties they are installed in, but they are also very good at allowing homeowners to show off their aesthetic individuality.
First impressions are important and that is we at Glow innovations have made it our mission to help you find a driveway gate Cape Town can be proud to host, that not only makes your property look good but will also keep you happy and safe. Read on to find out how choosing the right driveway gate can contribute to you creating your dream home.
History Of Driveway Gates Cape Town
The driveway gates in Cape Town hold a significant place in the city’s architectural evolution, tracing back to colonial times. Originally, these gates were made from wrought iron, reflecting European design influences. Symbolizing not just social status but also the colonial era’s designs. The detailed artistry and sturdy construction of these iron gates became a hallmark of the city’s more affluent neighbourhoods. As South Africa underwent major changes, especially post-apartheid, there was a noticeable transformation in both the style and purpose of these gates.
Today, driveway gates still hold some of that traditional style, while also incorporating new technologies and designs. As modern aesthetics became more of a trend, the designs became more simplistic and sleeker. The focus on security also increased as the need for this became more and more obvious. Gates now sport stronger materials, surveillance cameras, and automated access to enhance the privacy as well as safety for homeowners.
Glow Innovations offers a diverse choice of driveway gate designs that meet the requirements of safety and style in Cape Town. The collection that we have available ranges from traditional styles to more contemporary, sleek designs. We pride ourselves in the fact that each design has been crafted meticulously with a commitment to high standards and delivery.
Materials Used For Driveway Gates Cape Town
As industry experts, we at Glow Innovations understand that our customers are expecting driveway gates for Cape Town made from premium quality materials. Our catalogue of materials generally includes the following:
- Wood
- Metal
- Aluminum
- Composite materials
- Glass, PVC, Vinyl
In Cape Town, the materials used for driveway gates are diverse, each offering their own aesthetic value and unique benefits. This section will explore the common materials used, their advantages and disadvantages, and how Glow Innovations harnesses these materials in their creations.
Metal:
The metal driveway gates Cape Town are so popular for remains one of the most tried and trusted choices for our customers who are interested in combining security with a functional and practical approach to the manufacture of their entrance gates. Although there is always the issue of potential corrosion to contend with, at Glow Innovation we counter this threat through the application of a highly effective rust-prevention treatment, ensuring that there is no risk of any exposed areas that can fall prey to the creeping threat of corrosion, even in coastal or high rainfall areas.
Aluminum:
A more modern approach to consider when evaluating the most appropriate material to use for your entrance gate is aluminum. Not only is this material lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but this material has the added advantage of being manufacturing in such a way that it can mimic the look of wood or wrought iron. One downside to consider is that depending on the thickness of the sheets chosen for the design, it might lack the strength of a more traditional metal gate.
Composite Materials:
When economic concerns are not the most important criteria in the decision-making process around the type of material to use in an entrance gate, composite materials are a modern and durable choice. Not only does it come with the added benefit of being very low maintenance, but it is also highly resistant to weather and pest damage. One factor that does not count in this materials’ favor is that currently the design options are still relatively limited, although the range of available choices are expanding rapidly.
Glass and Other Materials:
A range of less traditional material options are also available to choose from when deciding on a gate design. Depending on security requirements and the corporate or personal image you would like to project, choices such as glass, PVC or vinyl can also be considered. Glass, used either as panels or in accents, can provide a sleek and contemporary look. PVC and vinyl are also materials that could be considered, mainly due to the very low maintenance requirements, however, they may lack the elegance and strength of more traditional materials.
Wood:
Wood remains a traditional favourite exuding elegance. With unlimited options in regard to tint and varnish choices, wood can be creatively used to complement or blend into your chosen architectural style and colour scheme. An obvious drawback is that wood can be susceptible to weather and pest damage, especially in a coastal city like Cape Town. Glow Innovation only uses wood of the highest-quality, treated with industry-standard products to ensure that your gate is able to withstand the ravages of rain, wind and insects. We are also able to provide you with advice on a timely wood treatment reapplication process to ensure that your treasured gateway in Cape Town remains a feature to be proud of.
Choosing the right material is crucial in showcasing your unique style and aesthetic of your home. Glow Innovations is skillful in helping you select the right materials to meet your functionality, maintenance, and visual needs. We combine the materials to craft the gate right for your home.
We offer a range of curated designs for driveway gates readily available on our website. Visit our learning center after scrolling through the designs showcased. There is a range of designs such as traditional designs, modern designs, and custom/artistic designs.
Traditional Designs:
Typically, these showcase traditional designs and patterns, influenced by Cape Town’s colonial history. Common examples include wrought iron gates adorned with detailed scrollwork and wooden gates exhibiting enduring craftsmanship. The gates made at this time were a lot more intricate, showcasing detailed designs.
Modern Designs:
Modern designs are usually the gates that are sleek and simplistic. They offer a mix of materials and are well-suited for the city’s urban areas. Moving away from the traditional styles, they offer designs well-suited to minimalists.
Custom and Artistic Designs:
Glow Innovations offer creative designs in their gates to match the style of the homeowners. This ensures that the entrance to your home matches your home’s aesthetic, making it very visually appealing. You may also custom make your gate to match your own individual taste. You will work closely with one of our trained professionals to create a design that fits your needs perfectly.
Driveway Gates And How They Have Changed Over Years
At Glow Innovations, we have seen driveway gates in Cape town change dramatically in terms of design and added features. However, the one thing that always remains the same is that our clientele wants to invest in a great product that is sturdy and will last the test of time. In this section let us look at a few ways driveway gates have changed from the twentieth to the twenty first century.
1. 20th Century
After World War two, driveway gates consisted predominantly of aluminium, steel and after some time, composites. These materials sport a lighter and more durable design than driveway gates before the 20th century.
In the second half of the 20th century, design shifted from complex designs and patterns to modernism. Modernist designs were usually simpler and more straightforward. Moving away from cluttered lines and impractical designs.
2.21st Century
Technology:
In recent years, there has been an incorporation of technology in driveway gate designs. This includes automated systems for opening and closing, as well as advanced security features such as intercoms and surveillance cameras.
Eco-friendly:
In this day and age sustainability should be a priority. By incorporating recycled materials as well as ethically sourced wood, driveway gates can be made sustainably too.
Custom:
Gates can now be customised to meet the needs of the homeowner. You can now choose your materials, choose your designs as well as add technological advancements to your gate to tailor make it yourself, through companies like Glow Innovations. By adding your own choice of security measures, you can create a gate in which you trust because you have decided what features to add.
Glow Innovations For All Driveway Gates Cape Town
In conclusion, there is more to driveway gates in Cape Town than people think. They have a history and a story, as well as tell a story of a person’s home. We believe in the saying “do not judge a book by its cover’, but we also strive to make the cover of your home look great! Not only will it look great, but it will offer a range of security features ensuring you, and your family, feel safe and secured. We cater to your needs and preferences, so give us your ideas! We will do the rest. Contact Glow Innovations today or visit our learning centre so we can find the right driveway gate for you.