Whether you are erecting a new fence with a gateway or simply replacing the old gate, there are several options to consider. The salespeople will offer you different kinds of gates, but by then, it is too late to make the right choice. You need to be informed about each type of security gates and know what their respective advantages are. Price is not the only factor and neither is convenience. Although security is their main function, there are several other features of a gate that you have to take into consideration. Depending on this, there are several different types of security gates for you to decide from.
Barrier gates
The least secure solution would be barrier gates or boom gates as they are also called. They are quite simple in design and are commonly seen at communal or company parking lots. They are predominantly used for traffic control as their simplistic design offers little protection against pedestrians or even motorists. It is basically a pole in the form of a ramp that goes up and down. The upside of this solution is the price which is fairly low and the installation process is quite easy. Barrier gates are usually accompanied by a small house for the operator and that person is the real security element. Barrier gates might not be suitable for houses, but if you own a company, then they might be the right way to go.
Sliding gates
Another type of gates which is suitable both for business and home use are sliding gates. As it is stated in their name, they are made from a single piece of metal that slides to the side, into the fencing to let the vehicle pass. In order for them to be installed, you need to have at least a couple of meters of fencing on the right or left side of your driveway. These gates are much more appealing to the eye as they are a continuation of the fence itself and follow its design. Sliding gates are usually automated so you won’t have to leave the comfort of your car. There are different types of it, such as “V” track, rear pipe track or cantilever, so be sure to do some research on which one suits your needs the best.
Swing gates
This type of gates uses the same principle as your front door: it swings open on hinges. This is a neat solution when your driveway is far away from the street, as an outward swinging gate can harm passersby or even hit cars. Just as sliding gates, these too are mostly automated, which makes them suitable for places like Australia where people haul trailers with boats, for instance. Because they have grown in popularity over the years, there are many companies that install swing gates in Australia on site, so their installation does not disrupt the surroundings. You should take care that the installation of any type of gate you decide on does not tamper with the fencing, thus creating a security risk.
Aesthetics
The aforementioned swing gates can be either single swing gates or double swing gates. One might think that there isn’t much difference, but this detail is important. A gate is an opening in the fence, but it has to blend into the fence and be pleasant to the eye. Many industrial type gates have vivid colors or bulky designs that render them ugly for home use. Homes that have white picket fences could not be possible coupled with a red fence of mashed steel. Aesthetics is a key factor when it comes to choosing the right kind of fence.
Pivot gates
If you lack the fencing or driveway space, you can go underground. Vertical pivot gates rise from the ground in form of thick pivots that will stop any traffic. Another type of these gates are the ones from steel that act like regular ones, but they can be lifted at a 45 or a 90-degree angle. These might seem odd at first glance, but they do serve the same security purpose just as sliding or swing gates. The final type of these gates are plastic fixed pivots that are there more to alert drivers that the next turn in not a street but someone’s driveway.
Whichever of these protection methods you decide to opt for, you will be better off if you didn’t have any form of a gate. Their primary function is security, but if chosen well, they can significantly increase the value of your home as potential buyers scrutinize all the security risks. Also, if you ask for a mortgage, the bank is going to look kindly upon all the steps that you took to increase security. In addition, gates add privacy to the entire estate by shielding it from street view and the inquisitive eye of your neighbour.