A fence door or wicket is a small pedestrian door or gate installed alongside a massive driveway gate. They are small and narrow, intended to allow entry for visitors on foot without opening the large gate.
They are also used as garden gates, pool gates or side and back gates that keep the perimeter safe and secured. Like driveway locks, a fence door lock is also an essential part of a fence door.
Fence door locks have a wide selection of choices. You can install a simple gate latch or automate it conveniently.
How to Secure a Fence Door
Fence doors are narrow and presuming, but it does not mean they are safe from intruders who may be spying on your property. The only way to feel safe inside your property is to ensure that the fence door is always locked.
Not many homes include a fence gate in their installation. However, it can be a useful addition to the yard for easy entry and protection. A self-closing fence is necessary if your pool or yard is near the road. This is most recommended if you have pets and children around. Pool gates are often secured with a magnetic pool latch to prevent accidents.
Here are a few tips on keeping your wicket gates security feature on full function:
- Use a proper fence door lock
- Reinforce the gate with a latch or pad bolt
- Use a security strip or bar at the top of the fence gate
- Choose a durable gate material and gate hardware like the gate frame, hinge and latch
- Get a self-closing gate to avoid leaving the site accidentally open
- Keep privacy fence gates with pool gate latch around pools and hot tubs
- Repair a damaged door, gate or door hardware immediately
- Secure the door hinges properly to make them difficult to remove
- Ensure the voluntary compliance of the gated enclosure and locking system to insurance requirements
Types of Fence Doors
Fence doors are made of different materials, each with its own privacy and security features. Stainless steel is considered the premium door and gate material for its durability. It can resist weather changes, rust and corrosion. Stainless steel is also fabricated into different designs, making them versatile.
Other fence gate styles include:
- Chain link doors to match chain link fences with varying slats, colors and heights
- Aluminum doors for a lightweight but good-looking fence gate
- Wood gates to match the rustic wooden fence and driveway gates. Wooden slats and gaps can be adjusted for privacy purposes
- Vinyl gate for heightened privacy with varied design and style options
Fence Door Locks
No matter how sturdy your fence and gate are, your privacy and security can get easily compromised without a strong lock. Fences by themselves ward off strangers who may wander around the property, giving you a sense of privacy.
But for burglars, fences are not enough to keep them at bay. You need to reinforce it with a fullproof privacy gate lock to seal the property thoroughly.
Here are some common options for fence door locks you have for your wicket.
Padlocks
A gate padlock is one of the most inexpensive options for securing fence gates. It has a simple locking and unlocking mechanism and is commonly used along with a gate latch. You may use it with a chain or close it around a gate latch to secure it. Sometimes, a padlock is added to an existing lock for security.
Keyed Fence Door Lock
The door lock you use in your front door can also be used as a fence gate lock. As the name implies, it uses keys to access the door latch. Sometimes, the door locks use deadbolts where a key is needed when locking or unlocking it. The keyed lock is also an inexpensive lock option ideal for residential wickets with a few users.
Electronic Keyless Fence Door Locks
A code fence door lock is a touchpad combination lock commonly used in driveway gates. This type of lock is also a great option for fence gates. Keyless locks are convenient since you can simply punch in a code to access entry.
The problem with electronic door locks is not all materials are made to weather outdoor conditions. Stainless steel models are ideal, like the weatherproof Wireless Keypad LIF- KPW5 from LiftMaster.
Smart Lock
Automating a fence gate for ease of entry and updated security is also possible. Smart locks operate with tech features like Bluetooth, WiFi and remote access controllers. You can easily enter the fence gate without touching a key or keypad.
Smart fence door locks are often integrated into existing door locks. It enables you to open and close the gate remotely through its pre-programmed technical storage commands.
Takeaway
Fence gates are a major investment designed to maximize the efficiency and functionality of fences. Installation of fence gates reduces the need to open the driveway gate for smaller errands. To scale, fence gates are often built wide enough to accommodate the size of a standard lawn mower.
Most fence gates often use a gate latch as closers, but a latch alone does not have a locking mechanism. Adding trusty fence door locks is a practical upgrade to protect all entryways. It ensures that the latch is not easily compromised.
The gate security system encompasses a wide range of materials and devices for ensuring safety and privacy. If you are sifting for durable fence gate locks, check out our range of products at All Security Equipment. Our company is committed to providing failsafe gate and door safety devices for peace of mind.
All Security Equipment has the complete door and gate kit for all your security needs. If you are unsure about the materials you are getting, feel free to contact our customer service.
We can provide options from the standard inexpensive lock latch to the digital and streamlined smart locks. So, your only concern is choosing the hardware material and locking mechanism that best suits your lifestyle.