Burbank Custom Metal & Electric Gates
Burbank Custom Metal & Electric Gates, based at 348 N 1st St, Burbank, CA 91502, brings specialized climate engineering expertise to automated gate installations throughout Southern California's unique Mediterranean environment. Operating in a region where summer temperatures routinely reach 88°F with occasional spikes to 97°F, while winter lows rarely drop below 46°F, the company designs systems specifically engineered to withstand Burbank's distinctive weather patterns and environmental challenges.
The Mediterranean climate zone presents specific material science challenges requiring careful selection and treatment of metals used in gate fabrication. Burbank experiences approximately 17 inches of annual rainfall concentrated between November and April, followed by dry summers with sustained heat exposure. This wet-dry cycle accelerates corrosion in untreated ferrous metals while creating expansion and contraction stresses in improperly designed structures.
Aluminum emerges as the optimal material for Burbank's climate, offering complete immunity to rust and corrosion while maintaining structural integrity across temperature extremes. Unlike steel and iron, which require protective coatings that eventually degrade and require renewal, aluminum forms a natural oxide layer providing permanent protection. This characteristic makes aluminum gates particularly valuable in Burbank's coastal-influenced climate where morning marine layer humidity can exceed 70%.
The company employs several corrosion-prevention strategies for steel and iron gates, including hot-dip galvanization creating zinc coating barriers, powder coating providing durable color finishes with excellent weather resistance, stainless steel fasteners and hardware preventing rust staining, and specialized primers for welded joints where coating damage occurs during fabrication. These multi-layer protection systems extend gate lifespans to 30-50 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar power integration addresses both environmental sustainability goals and the practical reality of California's abundant sunshine. Burbank receives over 280 sunny days annually, making solar-powered gate operators particularly effective. Modern photovoltaic systems generate sufficient power for daily operation while maintaining battery reserves for cloudy periods and nighttime use, eliminating electrical wiring costs and providing operation during power outages that occasionally affect the region.
Temperature management in operator enclosures prevents heat-related failures during Burbank's summer peaks. The company specifies operators with thermal protection circuits shutting down systems before damage occurs, ventilated enclosures promoting air circulation, reflective finishes reducing solar heat absorption, and thermal insulation where operators are exposed to direct sunlight. These measures ensure reliable operation when temperatures exceed standard operating ranges.
Wind loading calculations factor into gate design for Burbank properties, particularly hillside installations near the Verdugo Mountains where wind patterns can intensify. Solid panel gates experience significant wind pressure requiring robust structural design, while open designs using vertical pickets or decorative metalwork reduce wind loads while maintaining security and aesthetic appeal. The company employs engineering software calculating wind loads based on local building codes.
Wildfire considerations influence design decisions for properties in Burbank's hillside zones where the Verdugo Mountains present elevated fire risk during California's dry season. The company recommends fire-resistant materials avoiding combustible elements, adequate clearances from surrounding vegetation, emergency access protocols allowing first responder entry, and sprinkler system integration where property fire protection systems exist. These measures protect both property and lives during fire emergencies.
UV radiation degradation affects finishes and some polymer components in gate operators and control systems. Burbank's elevation and clear skies result in intense UV exposure during summer months, requiring UV-stable powder coatings resistant to fading and chalking, weather-resistant control enclosures protecting electronic components, and careful selection of seals and gaskets using materials formulated for extended UV exposure. Quality components maintain appearance and function for decades.
Drainage design prevents water accumulation that accelerates corrosion and creates operational problems. The company designs gate foundations with proper slope directing water away from critical components, incorporates weep holes in hollow frame sections preventing internal water accumulation, specifies sealed bearings in wheels and rollers for sliding gates, and positions operators above grade level protecting electrical components from potential flooding during heavy rainfall events.
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