Ornametals and Finer Welding, Inc.

You just ordered or are about to order a new entry gate for your home or development, here are 5 things you need to know!

Custom Entry Gates and Entrance Designed and Built for Mt. Laurel Estates in Western North Carolina.

1. Not all entry gates are created equal.

There are literally thousands of entry gate builders in this industry and you would be surprised at how different each one goes about building your gate. Some choose the fastest route and "manufacture" hundreds/thousands of the same entry gate in different widths. Most of these manufactured entry gates are made in China or India, with underpaid, under-qualified labor and inferior materials. These gates are very cheap, very light and will not hold up to the test of time!

We choose to fabricate our entry gates one at a time with high grade steel and the best materials we can find! Our gates are hand made, hand welded and hand finished to produce a one of a kind gate that is not only very strong and very heavy but are also very beautiful!

Entry gates created for private residence in Saluda, Western North Carolina.

2. Adding an entry gate to your property can increase the property's value and can also lower insurance costs.

An entry gate can boost a property or home’s value in many ways, enhancing its overall curb appeal and adding an undeniable air of luxury and security. That’s why, for developers, homeowners or real estate agents who want to maximize their property's value and security, adding an entry gate is a smart choice.

3. If you are going to have stone/brick columns, they must be built to handle the weight of the entry gate and the possible impact from a vehicle.

Most quality gates are extremely heavy and the columns must be built with that in mind. We add a steel Hinge Post to the footer of the column, which (based on gate size) also needs to be deep. The block work is added around the steel post and then filled solid, to eliminate any flexing of the post. This method creates a very strong column that won't crumble when a vehicle bumps the gate!

4. Entry gate automation, get the best system you can afford!

The automation system is the last place you want to "Save" money, you wont! Your entry gate is controlled by an automation system that receives all the signals from the devices connected to it. Many of the devices are for safety, others are for access, such as key pads, exit device and remote control entry. The safety devices keeps the gate from closing on a vehicle and/or opening on an obstruction (person, dog, horse, etc.), and also need to be the best quality. This is not the place to skimp on quality.

5. Entry gate maintenance, or lack there of!

Although a quality built entry gate and automation system, needs very little maintenance, it does not mean it needs no maintenance. For the most part oiling the hinge points on the control arms, and greasing the hinges every six months (I use sealed bearing hinges, so no grease) will keep your entry gate running like a fine oiled machine! Keep the areas around any accessories clear of debris, weeds and over-growth, especially around any photo eyes. When there is a problem with the gate, you will need to call a local gate repair company, to take care of any issues you may have with the entry gate.

Ornametals and Finer Welding, Inc. is one of the only full service ornamental iron work companies in Western North Carolina. 

Ornametals offers complete entrance design, fabrication and installation of one-of-a-kind driveway gates and entry gates, including full automation with security devices for any size entrance, stone columns, landscaping, water features and monument Signs.

 You've decided to develop a property, you have the land, you've platted the property, acquired the proper permits, now what. Well, in order to sell your property, you will need to create interest in that property. One of the best ways to do that is to have an entrance to the property that makes your future clients "want" to live there!

  The entrance should be exciting, warm and welcoming. Your future clients will want a sense of security (Gated community) with out feeling caged in. The hardscapes and landscapes should compliment and "Fit in" to the surrounding areas. You can also create interest by installing a custom gate that reflects the feeling of the community, beautiful stone work, bright and colorful landscaping that "Shows off" year round, hardscapes and/or water features that tie the property into the natural surroundings, these are the kind of attributes that get properties not only noticed but "Sold"!

  People more and more are looking for Security. There are many properties that offer a "Gated Community", so there are many to choose from. By having an Inviting, beautiful entrance you not only increase the property value, but you increase traffic and interest to Your property. You want your prospective buyers to feel secure in there new home, but not locked in. By having beautiful hard scapes, attractive lighting, interesting landscaping and not to mention a custom gate that enhances the property without giving off that "Keep Out" feeling.

  Remember most of all you are trying to sell your property, satisfy your clients and create an atmosphere of "Welcome Home!".

Tom Elfers, artist and owner of Ornametals and Finer Welding, Inc. has been self employed for over 30 years. His custom gates, iron sculptures and entrance designs can be seen throughout the country. Based in Western North Carolina, Tom prides himself on following 3 major criteria that he will not deviate from.

1) Dependability: From design to project completion, staying in constant contact with his clients and keeping them apprised of the progress, allows our customers to know that their project is important and on schedule.

2) Accuracy: Our quotes are honored and the computer design our clients receive upon acceptance is what they enjoy upon completion of their project. Changes along the way are  welcome should our clients wish to make them and are clearly stated and acknowledged by all parties.

3) Expert Service: We are experts in our field and therefore it is imperative to live up to our high standards. Every custom gate, sculpture and railing is inspected continually throughout the fabrication process. Tom is a perfectionist when it comes to his creations and it shows clearly in every project he completes. 

No job is too large or too small, the same attention to every detail is what Ornametals and Finer Welding, Inc. promises to deliver. Visit our website at http://www.ornametals1.com to see many examples of our work.