Driveway entry gates are a great addition to any property. They provide extra security, add value to your home, are aesthetically appealing, and much more.
Let’s take a closer look at these welcoming entrances, their benefits, and how you can choose the best driveway gate for your property.
Reasons Your Home Needs a Driveway Entry Gate
Adding a driveway entry gate to your home can provide a number of benefits. These are a few top reasons for adding this external feature to your property.
Safety and Security
The most apparent reason behind installing a driveway gate is to provide additional security to your property. A driveway entry gate can protect your home from an array of threats, including theft, vandalism, uninvited cars pulling into your driveway, and stray animals wandering onto your property.
You can even equip your gate with an intercom system or surveillance cameras to further augment security.
In addition to guarding your property against unwanted guests, a driveway gate prevents your pets and children from escaping your property, keeping them safe from any harm.
Therefore, if you are a homeowner concerned with securing your family, there is no better way to do it than by installing a driveway gate.
Convenience
Driveway gates are one of the most convenient solutions for controlling the traffic in your home, particularly if you pair them with advanced systems. For example, adding an automatic gate operator will allow you to open and close the gate remotely. This is particularly useful to let yourself and your guests in on rainy or snowy days.
Beauty
Driveway gates are a fantastic option for elevating your home’s attractiveness. Although you can go for pre-fabricated gates, these gates can also be designed according to your specifications, enabling you to add a signature feature to your home’s exterior.
Improves Property Value
When buying a home, your main goal should be to add as much value as possible. And one way of doing this is to install a driveway entry gate. These gates can improve your home's curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers.
Secondly, if your gate is equipped with an automatic opening mechanism, it can also lower monthly insurance costs. This is because the companies are well aware of their security benefits.
How to Choose the Right Driveway Entry Gate for Your Home
Finding the right driveway gate for your premises can be daunting with so many types and models. But, to help you in this task, we have compiled an overview of factors you should consider to narrow down your options.
Gate Width and Height
The width of your driveway dictates the width of your driveway entry gate. So while you can go for a standard-sized gate, it is always better to measure your entrance area and get a customized gate made to fit your property.
In contrast, the height of your driveway entry gate solely depends on your preference. Some people prefer extra-high gates for added privacy, while others stick to low, slatted ones because of their casual look.
Material
Another key consideration when choosing a driveway entry gate is its construction material. A range of different materials is used for driveway gates. These include:
- Wood: Wooden gates come in many styles, including rustic, stressed, or ornate. They are sturdy and strong and can be customized to fit in well with many house styles. However, they do need to undergo proper treatment for longevity. Timber is a popular option among wooden driveway gates. This is because it is easy to carve and can impart a traditional or modern look depending on the carved pattern and design.
- Wrought Iron: Wrought iron driveway gates offer a sleek aesthetic from basic and simple to intricate and contemporary.
- Aluminum: Aluminium driveway gates are popular because of their rust resistance and heightened durability while being lightweight. You can even powder-coat them to suit your home’s color palette. However, these gates are unsuitable for high-security applications since aluminum can be easily bent using heavy objects like hammers and pry bars.
- Steel: The strong, resistant nature of steel makes steel gates an excellent option for driveway applications. They can withstand high impact and rain, wind, and other harsh weather elements. However, since steel is heavier and more expensive, installing these gates is more complex and pricier.
The Type of Gate
You can choose from swing and sliding varieties when picking a driveway entry gate. Swing driveway gates swing inward/outward to open, whereas sliding gates slide to one side to let the vehicles pass through. Sliding gates are preferable if your driveway is on a steep slope or has limited space.
However, most residential properties use swing gates, more specifically, double swing gates. These gates consist of two separate wings mounted on both sides of the driveway's posts. You can even combine them with a barrier arm to maximize protection.
Electric or Manual?
The opening mechanism you choose for your driveway gate can significantly impact your home's security. Are you looking for a gate with basic functionality? If so, manual gates are a suitable and economical pick.
But, if you wish to make the gate’s operation quicker, it is best to go for automatic or electric gates. These gates can be paired with smart gadgets like keypads, phones, and remotes, allowing you to operate them from anywhere. This is especially helpful during bad weather or when time-saving is crucial.
Driveway Entry Gates
A driveway entry gate is a must-have in homes today. When buying one, consider not just your budget and needs but also the safety and privacy it offers, opening direction, type of material used, design, and whether it is electric or manual. Each one of these factors will have a long-term impact on your property.
