Automatic driveway gates add beauty, security and convenience to your property. They’re an excellent solution to protect your home, keep your children and pets safe from busy roads and express the architectural style you love. This guide will walk you through the basics of installing a gate for your driveway, from deciding between single and dual swing gates to finding premium electric gate installers near you.
Types of Home Security Gates
Depending on the available space, the shape of your driveway and the aesthetic you’re looking for, you’ll want to select a different type of gate. Three main kinds of automatic driveway gates are available to homeowners, each with unique benefits.
1. Single Swing Gate Designs
Single swing gates are easy to use and cost-effective. They are installed by mounting a single gate frame, or “leaf,” to a gatepost using hinges so that the gate can swing forward. The maximum recommended width for a single swing gate is usually 16 feet, although wider gates are available.
2. Double Swing Gate Designs
Double, or dual swing, gates add a stately, stylish look to your driveway. They use hinges to open inward in tandem as if respectfully inviting you in. This gate generally fits entrances up to 32 feet wide, accommodating even the most sprawling driveways. These gates also come in a wide variety of designs to fit the theme of your home. High-quality double swinging gates are designed and installed for precision fit, spaced one inch or less between gates for a seamless look.
3. Cantilever Gate Designs
Sliding cantilever gates are the perfect solution for driveways with limited space or that run along a slope. They open to the side instead of to the front, so you can use them when swinging gates wouldn’t work. These heavy-duty gates are durable, secure and expansive, granting access to vehicles of all sizes. Cantilever gates move along rollers mounted to gateposts, making them cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Essential Features of Driveway Gates
There are three features every homeowner should ensure their driveway gate has. These features will ensure your gate looks good, lasts for a long time, remains reliable and sturdy, and provides the most convenient entry and exit.
1. Electric, Automatic Opening
The most convenient gates are electric and open with an automatic driveway gate opener, allowing you to control them without stepping out of your car or walking up to them.
2. Wrought Iron Frames
Wrought iron is more durable than aluminum or wood, has impressive tensile strength and is highly elastic, making it the go-to material for driveway gates. It is also malleable, so it can create intricate, beautiful designs on gate frames.
3. Professional Automatic Gate Installation
When choosing automatic gates for driveway spaces, choose an installation company that provides cost-effective solutions, quality assurance, dedicated customer service and a wealth of experience.
If you’re in western North Carolina and looking for gate installers near you, Garage Door Specialists, Inc. covers all these bases and more. Our installation services include your gate, all hardware and the necessary gate operators to ensure perfect operation. Our professional technicians are trained to install your electronic gates and operators safely, with care and precision. All installations include a one-year warranty on parts and labor if you choose us as your automatic gate installer.
Benefits of Automatic Driveway Gates
Compared to manual gates or a property entrance with no barrier, automatic driveway gates outdo the competition by miles. Advantages of automatic gate installation include:
- Security: You can protect your home, family and belongings from intruders with a heavy-duty automatic driveway security gate. You’ll gain a significant amount of control over who has access to your property with remote controls, and the durable wrought iron material will help prevent forced entry.
- Safety: Gates work both ways. Besides keeping unwanted visitors out, automatic gates help keep young family members and pets safe by keeping them in. A driveway gate, combined with a sturdy perimeter wall or fence, provides an all-encompassing safety barrier for your loved ones.
- Convenience: With your automatic driveway gate opener, you’ll save time and effort — you’ll never have to push open a heavy barrier again. Automatic gates prove especially valuable during spells of rough weather, keeping you dry and comfortable in the rain or giving you a few extra moments of bliss in your air-conditioned car. It’s also much easier to close a gate remotely with two arms full of groceries.
- Privacy: Keep unwanted vehicles, visitors and animals off the premises by installing a security gate at the foot of your driveway. For homes with big front yards, the privacy a densely patterned gate awards you is immeasurable. Children can play, sunbathers can relax and introverts can go about their business.
- Improved curb appeal: Wrought iron driveway gates come in various styles, paint colors, sizes and themes, adding stunning cohesion to your property’s aesthetic and skyrocketing its curbside appeal.
- Increased property value: More beautiful exteriors and better security encourage buyers to pay more for your property, should you ever sell.
Automatic vehicle gates are not suited for pedestrian access. For guests on foot, it’s recommended to install a separate, dedicated pedestrian gate. Automatic pedestrian gates are available to match driveway gates with additional features to fit your needs. Reach out to us today for a free quote on a matching vehicle gate and pedestrian gate!
Driveway Gate Repair Services
Wrought iron gates made and installed by expert specialists will need very few repairs compared to wooden or aluminum gates. However, when you work with an all-in-one company like Garage Door Specialists, Inc., you’ll have a direct line to a team of helpful, knowledgeable technicians ready to get your gate back to tip-top shape should something come up. We even provide free repair advice over the phone to help you address simple, safe-to-address hiccups.
Electric Gate Installers and Repair Services in North Carolina
Garage Door Specialists, Inc. is your one-stop shop for home security gates, installations and repairs. If your home is in western North Carolina, we’re the people to partner with for the best results. We’ve served the area since 1976 with the same attitude — our customers always come first. Get a no-charge installation estimate, or schedule a professional gate repair service for your home or business today.