A home’s entrance is usually the first impression people get of your property. An awkward gate can detract from an otherwise pleasant home, and the right design can improve it. Because of this, more people are installing electric gates, as they provide a secure, convenient, and pleasing design improvement to your home.
The appeal is obvious. The remote control or intercom provides a convenient way to open the gate from the comfort of your dry car on a rainy night, as opposed to getting out to open a heavy gate. It is a reassuring way to keep children and pets safe within the boundary of the property.
Security is important. A closed gate obstructs a path to the house. A sensible lighting and fencing plan can help a property feel more secure, especially if coupled with a closed gate. Good fencing can obscure the view of your property while still feeling open. This can make an property feel more secure.
A swing gate opens in the same way as a standard gate, with the leaves turning on hinges. Space is needed on both sides of the gate to allow the leaves to open. Swing gates can be very decorative and grand.
Sliding gates move horizontally along tracks or cantilever systems. When the driveway approaches at an upward slope and there is not enough space for a swing gate to fully clear the driveway, a sliding gate can still be installed. Ground levels, the width of the entrance and the space available on both sides also impact the type of gate selected.
There are different personalities of gates based on the material they are made from. With timber, a natural look is achieved especially with cottages and period homes. Steel is quite strong and has the potential for different designs. With aluminium, it is lightweight and durable with not much maintenance, and available in several colours.
Design details are extremely important.
You probably notice small details when thinking about:
In this case, material choice is critical as the entrance needs to complement the neighbouring structures andIntegrate them into the existing context.
Sensors and safety edges are important to detect obstructions in an automated gate system. When an obstruction is detected, the gate should stop or reverse. These features are critical if children or pets are in close proximity to the driveway where the gate opens to.
When you’re shopping for a gate, reliability is important too. Look for gate operators from reputable manufacturers and have them installed by professionals. Check that the batteries are included and the system includes a battery backup and a manual release. Systems like this will ensure your gates operate during a power outage.
Modern gates come with lots of different ways to open them. The most common is a remote control. But, you can also have keypads, intercoms (with audio and video), and even electronically open your gate with your smartphone. Smartphone based control is convenient because you can see who is at your gate before opening it, whether it be visitors or deliveries.
Reflect on your day-to-day life. A family who is always on the go may prefer remote fobs on all of their vehicles, but a person who works from home and gets lots of deliveries may like a video intercom more.
Before putting up gates, check if you need planning permission. Factors that affect your need for planning permission include gate height, if the gate opens to a highway, and if your property is located in a listed building, a conservation area, or an area of outstanding natural beauty. Speaking to your local council or an installer early will help you avoid delays.
You’ll need to account for electricity, groundwork and any cable trenching in your plan. These things can be easy to forget, but are very much part of the project, and a complete site survey will find these immediately.
Electric gates can be quite dependable, but they do appreciate routine maintenance. An annual checkup helps to ensure safety features work properly, and lubricates and aligns moving parts. It’s a good idea to keep tracks free of debris to help sliding gates glide smoothly.
Keeping the gates clean is essential for the look of the system. Dirt build-up can lead to blockages, so regular cleaning is essential.
The right gates can enhance security and improve the convenience and look of your home. These aren’t small purchases, so take your time with this decision. It’s best to be able to see the gate in person. If possible, visit showrooms, completed installations, and ask as many questions as you’d like.
When strategically placed and created with the design in mind for your home, an entrance can be one of the best features of your home from a design and usability perspective.