People want to keep their homes safe, so everyone is getting a driveway gate. In the US, a burglary happens about every fifteen seconds. Also, some driveway gates add a touch of sophistication, which is especially of interest if you intend to sell or rent out the home. There are so many different advantages of installing a driveway gate in your home.
However, gates are getting bigger, stronger, and better designed, and inevitably, they are costlier. How do you choose a suitable driveway gate for your home? Let’s explore five important considerations when deciding on which driveway gate to get.
1. Purpose of the Gate
The first thing you want to consider when buying a driveway gate is the primary purpose of the gate. In other words, what do you principally need the gate for? Different types of driveway gates fit different purposes, and you want one that meets your needs.
- For security, go for a driveway gate with minimal gaps between the bars. Solid gates with minimal gaps provide the most security because they make it difficult for outsiders to see in, or climb over. They’re ideal if you’re focused on privacy and protection from intruders.
- If you value aesthetic appeal, go for iron-wrought automatic gates. An iron-wrought driveway gate adds a touch of elegance and class to your home that few other gates can achieve.
- Wooden gates are also great for aesthetic appeal: they bring a certain natural feel to the home.
All in all, it’s a matter of preference, but you can’t go wrong with any of the two.
If you are concerned about convenience, then there is only one real option: an automatic driveway gate. Automatic gates provide quick, easy access and reduce the hassle, especially in bad weather.
2. Gate Material
Some driveway gates are made of steel, some of aluminum, some of wood, and others of vinyl. Each of these materials is more suited for different purposes, you must understand the strengths of each to find a gate that suits your needs.
- Steel and iron are known for strength and durability, so steel and iron gates are great for security. You can definitely craft a steel gate and give it a touch of refinement, but security is what they are primarily known for.
- Also, keep in mind that occasional maintenance is like rust-proofing and repainting, especially in humid or coastal areas.
- Aluminum is not as strong as steel, but (in many ways perhaps) even better for a driveway gate. It is more lightweight, rust-resistant, and requires lower maintenance.
- The big advantage of aluminum driveway gates is that they are easy to pair with automation systems: their lighter weight means they do not pile too much strain on motors.
- Wood driveway gates are simple, nice and warm, and they fit beautifully in natural settings. Cedar, redwood, or teak are especially good options for a driveway gate: they are all super resistant to rot.
- However, remember that a wooden driveway gate means staining, sealing, and routine maintenance in order to keep it from weather damage.
Vinyl or Composite: If you live in any region with extreme weather, a vinyl gate is probably the option you should consider first. Vinyl driveway gates are reputed for being low maintenance and weather resistant: viny doesn’t warp, doesn’t crack, and doesn’t fade as easily as wood.
Also, they provide good security (although less sturdy than metal).
3. Gate Style
You can never ignore style, even when deciding on which driveway gate to get for your home. You are going to have to choose between swing driveway gates and sliding driveway gates. Both of these are great options, but each has their own strengths and special characteristics:
Swing Gates
- A swing gate opens inward or outward in a single or double-panel design. If you are considering one for your driveway, here are some points to take note of:
- A swing driveway gate will require enough room to swing open. In the case of a single swing, you need extra space at least on one side, and for a double swing, you need space on both sides.
- Your driveway has to be flat for you to consider a swing driveway gate: inclines interfere with its swinging action. You don’t want the base of the gate digging into the dirt and eroding your driveway.
The good news is, they are usually more affordable than sliding gates. So, if you are on a budget, you might want to give a swing driveway gate some extra consideration.
Check out these Amazing Swing Gates
If you are looking for the best swing gates at an affordable price, do not hesitate to check out Zumi driveway gates. These swing gates make a grand entrance and keep your kids and pets safe, blending elegance with security. Zumi’s driveway gates come in a variety of finishes, from Broadway-style, Brooklyn-style, Greenwich-style, Opera-style to Syndey-style designs.
Sliding Gates
A sliding gate is ideal if you have limited space along your driveway. It opens sideways along the fence line, so you don’t need extra space on the sides. If you are going for a sliding driveway gate, though, here are some points to consider:
You will need to install a sturdy track or a cantilever system for it to operate smoothly and efficiently. This is mostly where the extra cost comes in.
4. Automatic or Manual
Here’s another question you will have to ask yourself when deciding on which driveway gate to get: do I want a traditional manual driveway gate or an automatic driveway gate? For reference, more and more people are choosing the latter over the former.
The market for automatic gate openers has been growing gradually over the last decade and is expected to explore in this decade, and that is for a good reason. People value convenience, and that is what these gates offer. Here’s why you should consider one of these.
- Automatic gates are super convenient: They use an electric motor, can be controlled by remotes, keypads, sensors, or even smartphone apps. You can open your gate from the comfort of your sofa or car seat.
- They also add an extra layer of security. You have total control of who enters and who goes out, and you can even see how many times the gate has been opened.
Now, these are only two of the main advantages of automatic gates: there is a lot more to explore about them including how they work, the features they offer, and some good ones in the market. They are certainly worth exploring in greater detail before making your final decision.
Or, You Can Pair your Gate with a Gate Opener from Zumi
Getting a brand-new automatic gate is not the only way to benefit from an automated driveway gate system. You can also easily pair your existing driveway gate with an automatic gate opener, and you can rely on Zumi for this.
Zumi has a variety of top-quality but affordable solar and electric gate openers, all compatible with a variety of driveway gates, from heavy to lightweight. With this Zumi system running your home, you can rest easily, safely, conveniently, and securely.
7. Budget
The cost of a driveway gate is directly linked to the material it is made of. Automatic gates and high-end materials like steel or wrought iron will generally be the most expensive. Vinyl or aluminum are usually more affordable. However, these are generalizations: some specific factors that could cause prices to vary. In addition to material, the following factors could affect the cost of the opener:
- Installation fees, particularly for automatic systems, where a professional is often needed. Maintenance costs in the long term.
- Wood might need sealing, metal might need rust-proofing, and automatic gate motors might need replacement or repair over time.
Making Your Final Decision
Ultimately, building your own driveway gate is a wonderful idea if you are a very technically gifted and creative person with a lot of free time on your hands. If not, you’d probably be better off opting for a ready-made gate where you can be sure of convenience, durability, and safety.
Fortunately, there are several gate opener suppliers out there wiling to offer you a good deal for a high-quality driveway gate. One of these is Zumi.
More About Zumi Driveway Gates
Let's discuss some more reasons why you should get your driveway gate from Zumi. Crafted from hot-dip galvanized steel with a corrosion-resistant coating, these iron gates are built to handle anything Mother Nature throws their way.
- These outdoor steel swing gates are a perfect match for Zumi's swing gate openers or any other model, making automation a breeze.
- Installation is a snap with pre-drilled holes, all the hardware you need, and easy-to-follow instructions. Boost your home's charm and value with these eye-catching driveway fence gates that provide both beauty and functionality!
That’s Not All
The best thing about Zumi’s driveway gates is that you can easily pair them with a Zumi gate opener to provide comprehensive convenience and security at your home. Zumi has a variety of top-quality but affordable solar and electric gate openers, all compatible with the driveway gates. With this Zumi system running your home, you can rest easily, safely, conveniently, and securely.
