Driveway gates provide security and enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior. They are available in a variety of materials, styles and designs. When choosing a driveway gates near me, it’s important to consider the size of your property and your level of security needs. In addition, it’s essential to know how much maintenance the gate will require.
Gate Material
Driveway gate materials include wood, metal and vinyl. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Wood offers a timeless beauty that can be customized to fit various architectural styles, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent warping, rot and insect damage. Metal is more durable, but it can be prone to corrosion. Vinyl is relatively affordable and low-maintenance, but it may not be as strong or sturdy as other materials.
Installation
When installing a gate, professional fabrication and installation is recommended to ensure safety, functionality and aesthetics. A quality fabrication shop will be experienced in working with a variety of metals and can design custom gates for any style or layout. When sourcing fabrication and installation separately, verify a contractor’s credentials, experience and references to be sure you will get high-quality work.
Before starting your project, it’s essential to know the height and width of your gate and how far you would like it to open. This will determine the type of gate that is best suited for your property. Also consider your landscape, as you may want the gate to blend with the surrounding scenery or stand out in contrast. If your driveway is curved or slopes, you will need to decide which direction the gate(s) will swing and how high off the ground they will hang (this is especially important for areas prone to snow).
Once the site is prepared it’s time to dig the post holes. They should be a minimum of 36’’ deep to ensure they are below frost line, and at least as wide as the largest gate panel. If you have a dual swing gate, the hinge side of one post should be on its own block, while the latch side of the post will sit on another block (or shim). This allows for 1’’-2’’ of gap space to allow for expansion and contraction of the posts over time.
When installing the posts, it’s important to make sure that they are plumb and level before putting in concrete. Using a level and a tape measure will help you achieve this. It’s also a good idea to have several people helping on the project, as it can be very heavy and dangerous if you don’t have enough help.
There are many different options for automation, depending on your level of security and budget. Some gates are operated by remote controls, while others use motion sensors to detect approaching vehicles and automatically open them. Some gates are equipped with intercoms that allow you to talk to visitors, while others are simply a pin pad mounted box that accepts a code or key to grant access.