Choosing the right driveway gate for your home can feel like a complex task, especially when purchasing your first one. With a wide range of different materials and automation available, you may not know where to start.
Automatic driveway gates are one of the driveway gate options you will come across, but what are they and how do they work? This guide will lead you through the composition of automatic driveway gates, how to maintain them and why they would be perfect for your home.
What is an automatic driveway gate?
Automatic driveway gates, compared to manual gates, have automatic features that allow you to open the gate without any need to push, pull or even exit your vehicle. Driveway gate automation is the smart idea when it comes to adding security and value to your home, whilst also speeding up your time entering and exiting your home.
Composition of an automatic driveway gate
Types of automatic driveway gates
There are typically 3 types of automatic driveway gates, which can be made of various materials such as steel, aluminium, wood and wood composite.
These gates are designed to open differently, depending on your needs and the size of the driveway space, and are known as sliding gates, swinging gates and barrier arm gates.
Sliding gates
Automatic sliding gates open horizontally to the side, moving along a track. Sliding gates are often chosen over swinging gates, as they require less room on your driveway.
Swinging Gates
Automatic swinging gates typically open into the driveway, though can open outwards (should space and planning permission allow), on hinges. For larger driveways, many people choose these as they’re cheaper and easier to maintain.
Barrier Arm Gates
Barrier arm gates open vertically (into the air) on a hinge, allowing vehicles to drive underneath them. These are seen less often on residential properties as a driveway gate, but are preferred by some for a more industrial and security-like feel.
5 main components of automatic driveway gates
1. Motor
Automatic driveway gates require a motor to open and close the gate. When the signal is received, it sends a message to the motor to drive the gears or pulley mechanism into opening and closing the gate.
2. Control panel
The control panel in an automatic driveway gate is the brains of the operation. This lives within the mechanism of the gate and receives messages from sensors, remote controls or access control systems as to when to open and close the gate, and sends a message to the motor to do so.
3. Sensors
Sensors can be used for many different reasons within an automatic driveway gate. Some automatic gates will have sensors that will open upon detecting that a vehicle is nearby. However, for most automatic driveway gates, sensors operate as a safety feature; preventing vehicles from crashing into the gate if it detects motion whilst closing, by pausing the gate in motion.
4. Remote control and access control system
For an automatic driveway gate to function, it needs to receive a signal as to when to open and close. Some automatic gates use remote controls and or gate access control systems.
Remote controls will live inside your vehicle and will send a signal, from a distance, for the gate to open and close when needed. Access control systems, on the other hand, are more often used for guests – connecting a keypad by the gate with GSM or video intercoms inside the home. Gate control systems have many benefits, including more security when guests enter your property.
5. Power sources
Electricity
The most common power source for automatic driveway gates is mains-connected electricity. The driveway gate is connected to the wider electricity of the property to work.
Solar power
Some automatic gates, especially in warmer climates and in newer eco-homes, work from solar power. They harness energy from the sun and convert it into electricity, which then powers the gate
Battery backup
We recommend that all automatic driveway gates also come installed with backup battery power sources. This is so, in the case of a power cut or if your gate hasn’t harnessed enough solar energy, the gate will still work. We do not recommend, however, having your gate depend on battery backups – if this is the case with solar power, we’d suggest connecting your gate to mains electricity.
Maintenance for automatic driveway gates
Regular maintenance is imperative for automatic driveway gates, to keep them in optimal condition. This maintenance could look like lubricating gears, servicing the automatic motor and keeping the gate clean.
At The Expert Gate Company, you will have a dedicated maintenance team available to help you do this, as part of your package when purchasing from us.
3 main advantages of automatic driveway gates
Whilst you may need planning permission to install an automatic driveway gate on your property, there are three main perks to having one.
1. Enhanced security
Automatic driveway gates enhance the security of your property tenfold, even more so than manual driveway gates. Not only does the gate deter unwanted traffic and visitors from your home, but the automatic features and access control system allow you to know and decide exactly who enters.
Ways you can improve your automatic driveway gate security include adding CCTV cameras, lighting and signage around your gate – as an extra precaution.
2. Convenience and safety
Not only are automatic driveway gates far more convenient than manual ones, removing the need to manually open and close your gate any time you or someone in your home uses it, but it is also a lot safer. Gate safety is built into automated gates, through sensors, preventing cars and pedestrians crashing into or hitting the gate as it closes.
3. Curb appeal and increased property value
Did you know that automated driveway gates can increase your property value, adding to its curb appeal? All driveway gates can impact your property’s aesthetics and make it look far more appealing, but also more expensive. And by investing in an automated gate, this added security can dramatically increase your property value; should you decide to sell.
Ready to install a driveway gate on your property? Check out our blog for home, garden and driveway inspiration. Or get in touch with The Expert Gate Company for driveway gate advice.