Home improvements come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and what better way to be reminded of your latest home improvement every day, before you even step through the front door. We’re of course talking about automatic gates which can be custom-made by experts such as All-Tech Midlands and installed at your home.
But where do you begin on deciding what type of gate you have? What colour do you go for and what’s the best material to have it made of? We know homeowners can’t just make the decision on a whim, proper research and attention to detail is important, otherwise your investment will crash harder than Richard Hammond on an average episode of Top Gear. Let’s get into the ultimate guide to automatic gates, helping you decide on your next home improvement.
Swing Or Sliding Gates?
There are two main types of automatic gates – swing and sliding – with the key difference being how they open and close.
Automatic swing gates have the option of opening inward or outward, usually with single or double doors, which not only improves aesthetic appeal but also enhances your home’s security.
Automatic sliding gates operate by opening and closing horizontally, gliding along a track or cantilever system and often triggered by a remote control, keypad or sensor.
Both these types of automatic gates are popular for homes, as well as commercial settings thanks to them being secure and saving ample space – especially sliding gates.
Benefits of Swinging Automatic Gates
- Swing gates add a classic, elegant look, increasing your property’s aesthetics.
- Often quieter than sliding versions, auto swing gates are ideal for residential areas thanks to their quiet nature.
- Swinging gates feature fewer moving parts and require less maintenance, great for homeowners looking for easy living.
- They don’t need to be installed on tracks and can function on sloped driveways thanks to offset or adjustable hinges.
- Their wide arc allows for spacious, welcoming entrances, suitable for large driveways, homes or estates.
Benefits of Sliding Automatic Gates
- Because sliding gates move horizontally, they are perfect for properties with limited space on their driveways.
- Their robust design makes automatic sliding gates harder to force open, enhancing security for homes and offering peace of mind.
- They don’t require open space to swing and operate effectively in windy conditions.
- Thanks to them being positioned and operating on tracks or cantilevers, sliding automatic gates are ideal for both ground-level and uneven surfaces.
Which Is The Best Material For Automatic Gates?
Both automatic swinging and sliding gates are available in different materials, with the most popular materials being wood, aluminium, steel and iron. A good way to decide on which material to have for your gate is to compare the material to the exterior design of your home and driveway.
You’ll also want to consider ongoing maintenance and budget, as some materials will require regular upkeep to ensure durability and will cost more.
- Steel is high in strength and durability making it ideal for those who are security conscious. However, it requires annual maintenance to prevent rust and is typically on the more expensive side.
- Aluminium is lightweight and resistant to rust, so it’s no wonder it’s such a popular choice among buyers. It may not be as strong as steel, but it can be finished in a variety of ways and colours to suit personal preference and complement home aesthetics.
- Wood provides a natural, elegant and rustic look, blending well with landscaping and traditional farm style estates. It does require regular sealing or staining to protect against damage from adverse weather.
- Iron; the classic and highly durable metal with a timeless, ornate appearance. Like steel, it is great for security but will require periodic rust treatment and maintenance.
- Vinyl is greatly affordable and low maintenance thanks to its resistance to rust, weathering, warping and decay. The downside is it is the weakest material out the bunch and lacking the strength and security of metal options.
Each material comes with its own advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, location and desired aesthetic of the property.
Size of Automatic Gates
Choosing the size of your automatic gates is the easiest part of the whole process. That’s because they will be made to measure by whoever your installers are. They will come to your home and take accurate measurements for your chosen gate and build it to the right size.
Styles Of Automatic Gates
Material and style go hand in hand, so your chosen material will often direct you to which style best fits your property.
Farm style gates will typically be made from wood or metal, designed with practicality in mind, and feature a rustic, natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with rural surroundings. Agricultural properties will benefit from farm style gates thanks to their secure design and visual splendour.
What about a more elegant look with a traditional automatic gate? These usually incorporate intricate iron designs to present a timeless appeal. Wood is also used for the traditional style but will instead be much taller and more grandiose than a farm style gate. Aluminium is another ideal material choice for traditional styles, as it can be worked to mimic other traditional materials and easily finished to a polished, sophisticated look.
If you’re looking for a more minimalist automatic gate, modern alternatives made from aluminium, steel or vinyl emphasise clean lines and functionality, making them a popular choice for contemporary properties.
Which Automatic Gate Is The Most Secure?
While all types of automatic gates are incredibly secure, sliding gates might just take the edge over swinging gates thanks to their design. If you are still worried about security concerns, you can have peace of mind thanks to additional measures including parking posts and bollards.
Either one of these, in most cases, won’t require planning permission and fall under ‘permitted development’. One of the great things about these security options is that they too are automatic.
They are expertly designed to stop unauthorised access by other vehicles, protect your vehicles from theft and provide a boundary for your property. Place them on your drive near the outside of your gate or choose to install them on your drive on the inside; either location provides a great level of extra security.
Choosing An Installer
Just because you’ve decided on your perfect automatic gate, be it a swing or slide design, made from aluminium, wood or steel, it won’t matter if you don’t choose a reputable and experienced installer. While researching automatic gates, research each installer in detail too. First explore their customer reviews to assess their experience; it’s also a good chance to see if they just install automatic gates or if there are opportunities for you to get more bang for your buck with maintenance and repair services. This typically means the installer is more than qualified to do the job correctly.
Can you go see automatic gate options in person at a showroom or is your choice down to a few pictures on your screen? A showroom can help you get a real feel for yourself and help confirm your choice without the worry of regret when it comes to the installation day. Meeting in-person with the installers at the showroom is also beneficial as you’ll receive professional advice on your preferences, with experts tailoring their products to your exact needs.
Conclusion
Improve your home’s visual appeal, security and functionality with an automatic gate, but before you do, make sure to research and get a real feel for the options out there by visiting a showroom in person.
With the diverse choice of swinging and sliding automatic gates out there, you’re sure to find a luxurious and stunning gate perfect for your home. Whether you’re looking to enhance aesthetics, improve security or install an upgrade ready for selling, automatic gates are a fantastic solution.
