By PAGE Editor

Installing the right driveway gate for your property may seem like a daunting task. After all, you will need to make a few decisions first at the time of purchase. However, the right driveway gate is a wonderful way to enhance the aesthetics and safety of your home and its surrounding perimeter. Below, you will find the top four considerations that you need to take into account!

1. Establishing The Purpose Of The Gate

Before leaping ahead to the aesthetics and design of the gate, it's crucial to consider why you need or want one installed in the first place. Is it just for looks, or are you wanting additional security for your property? Regardless of what your actual reasons are for looking, it's important to keep them in mind when actually selecting the perfect gate for your home.

2. Manual Versus Automatic

Many modern driveway gates can function automatically, and though convenient at first, they cost a great deal of money to maintain in the long run. You can end up with hefty maintenance costs you didn't foresee, which is why you need to carefully think about whether you prefer a swinging or a sliding gate. Though they require less maintenance and upfront costs, swing gates are often bulky and unsightly. On the other hand, sliding gates are sleek and modern additions to a home that often require a bit more budget in the way of maintenance.

3. Swinging Versus Sliding Gates

Depending on how wide your driveway is, swinging gates are available as single or double-panel options. Though awkward and bulky by all accounts, double swinging doors are commonly used on most driveway entrances. These gates are more affordable than their sliding counterparts, but they're not appropriate for every type of property. For sloping or uneven surfaces, these gates are simply not a viable option regardless of design.

Sliding gates are more accommodating as they work on a rolling track to open and close. This makes them the perfect and seamless option for properties with limited space as well as those with uneven landscaping. Additionally, large estates can benefit from these gates as traditional swinging gates simply aren't an option due to their extensive weight. Available for both commercial and domestic uses, sliding gates are significantly more expensive than swinging ones and as such, they're not seen as often.

4. Wood Versus Metal Construction

Driveway gates will usually employ the use of wood or metal materials. Wood is ideal for matching the surrounding landscaping as well as offering affordability for homeowners on a tight budget. Having said that, the nature of wood requires a great deal of maintenance and upkeep. Without regular maintenance, the wood can crack, discolor or warp in a fairly short amount of time.

Metal gates aren't just imposing, but sturdy and practical as well. They withstand wear and tear from the elements year after year with very minimal maintenance necessary. If you choose less ornate designs, they can also become significantly more affordable and comparable to their wooden counterparts. Of course, having a bit more money to splurge on your gate will allow you to design something more custom and unique to enhance the curb appeal of your property. Many opt for composite gates in Scotland which can offer similar benefits to their metal and wooden counterparts. Apart from being highly secure and hard to tamper with, these gates provide the ideal solution both in terms of affordability in the long run as well as aesthetics when seeing a home.

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