The very first thing visitors notice upon approaching your property is your entry gates. Entry gates are designed primarily to provide safety and security, but their installation and design are also important in increasing your home’s value.
It creates an impression on visitors and passers-by. Many entry gate ideas range from minimalist and rustic designs to massive and luxurious types. Many modern homes today also make use of technology in their driveway gates.
Automated systems are increasingly popular because of their convenience and aesthetic appeal. If you are looking for entry gate ideas, you can find fresh inspiration here.
What to Look for in Entry Gates
With a plethora of choices for entry gate designs, it is probably a hard decision to select what you want for your home. Entryway gates are not made the same, and you need to narrow your options.
The first thing that you should consider is the size of your driveway. Some gates are not ideal for being hooked up in driveways. Swing gates, for example, are traditional designs that offer a more welcoming feel. However, the design and mechanism are not ideal if you have a tight space and may only become bothersome.
You can even build a custom gate with your own style. A custom gate driveway is made more special because it utilizes your unique design that exudes your style and character.
So, how do you choose what type of entry gate is suited for your front yard?
Choose the Driveway Gate Type
Entry gates operate on two main mechanisms: swing or slide. In this category, you need to consider the space allotted for your driveway.
Sliding Gates
If you have a tighter space and an unelevated driveway, sliding entry gates are the viable choices. These gates run on track or wheels and open or close horizontally. Sliding gates are the best option if your driveway opens close to the road.
Swing Gate
Swing gates open inward or outward and take up space. It is best for massive driveways that can cater to the fence gate without obstruction. If you opt for this design, go for inward swinging gates, which create a more homely and welcoming ambiance.
Some gates have two parts of the swing gate that opens like French doors or a Bi-Fold Swing Gate. There are also Curving Sliding Gates where it swings at a curved angle for really tight spaces. Other gate types include the barrier gate, which prevents vehicle entry and is used in community gates.
The Gate Material
Fence gates are also divided into two main types of materials: wood and metal. Metal is also divided into different categories, such as aluminum, wrought iron, or steel gates. Choosing the type of material is your preference, considering its design, appearance and cost.
Wooden gates are popular in farm gates and rustic homes. It gives the property an air of sophistication while providing a high level of privacy because it can obstruct the view. The price range ranks from affordable to the most expensive, depending on the type of wood used.
Metal gates are versatile and more flexible in terms of design and budget. Examples of metal gates are:
- Aluminium driveway gate for a lightweight gate with a sleek and modern look
- Wrought iron driveway gates are ideal for ornate and classic entry gates
- Steel gates are highly-durable, rust-resistant and low-maintenance gates that can be fabricated into many different designs
If you want to automate your entry gate, professional installers will consider the material weight. Generally, gates of the same size but made from different materials weigh differently. The material construction is necessary for installers to know the appropriate motor to match its weight.
Gate Construction and Operation
For a long time, entry gates require humans to physically open and close the gate. But, innovative technologies minimized such people's interventions by developing automatic gates.
Automatic entrance gates have a unique entry system that uses a motor and access control system. The access control signals the gate opener to do the job via a remote trigger device. It makes any house modish and automated and serves as a security gate to prevent intrusions. Access to the gate is restricted to authorized users as instructed by the trigger system.
Pedestrian Gate Openers
Yes, automatic gate openers are not limited to driveway gates. It can also be used in pedestrian gates because not everyone arrives by vehicle. The articulated arm or ram is often used along with low-power operators.
Automatic Driveway Gates
If you want to add a more interesting feature, upgrading your entry gate to an automated one is a great option.
Automatic gates utilize different operating mechanisms like articulated arms, sliding gate openers, linear ram motors or underground gate openers. The first four options display the hardware or box that controls the gate opener.
For inconspicuous devices, the underground opener provides a seamless and discrete operator. The system box is dug underground by the gate with only the working arm visible. This is ideal if you want a seamless and unobstructed finish for your gate.
Automatic Gate Accessories
After deciding to automate your entry gate, you can choose the accessory kits used along with it. The most common automatic gate accessories are:
- Access control system. It includes devices for keyless entry like keypads, cards, fobs, vehicle tag readers or wireless transmitters
- Video surveillance system
- Automatic sensor for exiting or free exit device
- Emergency access
Entry Gates Access
Entry gates are the focal points in the house’s exterior facade. Making them more striking without compromising safety is possible with the right material and finish. You can automate gates to enhance convenience and security and make them more practically useful.
Before installing your entry gates, especially automated ones, remember that these can be costly. The installation and maintenance can rip you off with the wrong or inferior product or improper installation.
If you have any questions, contact us at All Security Equipment. We offer reliable driveway gate operators and door security products with durability and efficiency. Our selection of products is trusted by professionals all over the world.
