Driveway Gate Types for Your Property Entrance

Since it is likely the first thing guests will see and interact with when arriving at your home, your automatic driveway gate must be functional and beautiful. A residential driveway gate can increase your curb appeal and the overall value of your home. Your driveway gate should not be put in place solely to flatter your house, though. It must be dependable and function well. At first, choosing an automatic gate for your driveway may seem overwhelming, but it really boils down to three choices. Gates can be both formal and informal, depending on your taste or the functional demands of the home. It is important to match the architecture of your home when selecting a gate for your driveway. Gates with curved tops and intricate metal work tend to be more formal, while gates with flat tops and simple designs feel more informal.

Believe it or not, there are various types of driveway gates that you can have installed on your driveway, and often when someone first decides to install a driveway gate, especially an automated one, the different types, styles, and materials can all seem a bit daunting and confusing to say the least!

Wrought iron gates: These gates deter thieves due to the large spikes that are generally found on the top. Wrought iron gates can also give a home an old-fashioned appeal while adding a strong first line of defense against intruders.

Electric gates: Made out of a variety of materials, electric gates can be an incredibly convenient selection. These gates are operated by a remote control or a keypad. This comes in handy when it is raining, snowing or when it is downright freezing cold. Instead of going out in the elements to open the gate, you can simply operate from in a car or home.

So, to help you design the best driveway gate for you, we’ve broken down the various types of electric driveway gates to help give you more information about this topic and what choices would work for you.

Slide Gates

Slide gates will either slide on wheels from left to right, or from right to left depending on your preference, and in order to install a slide gate you must have sufficient space to the left or the right of where you would like your gate to be situated to accommodate the gate. A sliding gate is a very elegant style choice that is extremely popular. Sliding gates look good with a variety of different homes.  While there are many different types of driveway gates to consider, a sliding gate is always a stylish choice. Although not ideal for those who do not the space required, there are a few different types of slide gates, that we will discuss.

V Track Slide – this is the most popular type of slide gate as they are very reliable, however, they are not a great option if you have a lot of snow or ice build-up.

Rear Pipe – this gate works by using two wheels mounted on the end of the gate which is mounted to fence panels. The front of the gate usually has a wheel carriage that houses one rubber wheel and one V track wheel.

Cantilever – perfect for places with lots of snow and ice, cantilever gates don’t have wheels that touch the ground, and instead, have wheels which are in a vertical post. The gate fits in between the wheels allowing it to roll back and forward in the middle. The downside to cantilever gates is that they must be 150% longer than the driveway so they take up a lot of space.

Swing Gates

Much like a normal household door, swing gates simply open inwardly or outwardly but must be set back from the street or footpath so as not to hit anyone or anything passing by. These gates offer two different options: bi-parting or single swing for you to consider, a single swing gate which is like your bedroom door; basically, one large gate that swings open and closed. A bi-parting swinging gate is made of two gates that come together to close. Much like French doors in how they operate. Both can lend their own unique style to a home. Industrial swing gate is ideally installed on flat driveways or slight decline and should be kept under 16’ wide, however, if you live on a hill, then you can consider an uphill swing gate to accommodate for the slope.

Vertical Pivot Gates and Vertical Lift Gates

If space is an issue, then vertical pivot gates and vertical lift gates can help solve your problem because instead of moving sideways, the Gate is automated to rise vertically into the air.

For pivot gates, the side of the gate is tilted so that it points towards the sky, whereas with a lift gate the whole gate is lifted straight up into the air. Although usually reserved for industrial uses if you’ve got the money and the inclination, vertical gates can really work for you. There are many different types of driveway gates to consider adding both security and style to your home.

Why Professional Help Is Important

These different types of driveway gates can give your home a chic look, but installing them can be a lengthy and frustrating process. It also takes a little bit of mechanical know-how. If you feel this is not a task that you can accomplish on your own, do not fear. Advanced Fences can connect you with a qualified handyman that can install a driveway gate with ease.

Strength and durability

Steel is the strongest metal of the bunch and aluminum the least heavy-duty. This means that, in theory, a steel gate is best able to withstand abuse as well as the leverage forces associated with gate operation. Iron gates are only slightly less robust than steel gates.

Although aluminum gates are the least heavy-duty, they’re far from being flimsy and most will hold up to anything you or Mother Nature throws its way. However, it should be noted that, unlike steel and iron gates, aluminum gates are usually not a single welded piece. Instead, the pickets are screwed in. They may, as a result, loosen over time and require adjustments. Fully-welded constructions are always more robust.

Maintenance

All metal gates are low maintenance and require minimal upkeep by the user. Aluminum has the advantage of being a naturally rust-resistant material. However, iron and steel gates are finished with a powder coating to ensure that they don’t rust, peel, or fade.

Weight

Aluminum fences are about 2.5 times lighter than steel and iron gates. This makes them less heavy-duty but, by the same token, they don’t require as much support. They can therefore be automated with a less powerful gate operator. Moreover, aluminum can be a practical choice for very large gates so that they can be opened and closed with greater ease.

Appearance

Provided they’re well-made, metal gates are intrinsically elegant, whether they’re made of steel, iron, or aluminum. If you’re looking for a more ornate appearance, wrought iron is an ideal option. If simplicity is your thing, a flat-top steel, cast iron, or aluminum gate may be right for you.