Would your home benefit from increased levels of privacy and security? If the answer to this is yes then one of the most cost effective ways of increasing security at the boundary of your property is to install a set of metal gates to the pedestrian and vehicle access points. This is due to the fact that this simple physical security barrier will create a clear divide between your property and the surrounding space and as such will for a great first line of defence against trespassers, vandal and criminals.
However, with such a broad array of gates on the market to choose from the selection process can be a minefield if you are unfamiliar with terminology, are not competent at DIY or simply don’t know where to start. As such this article will examine what the main areas to consider should be when selecting metal gates for the home.
Driveway Entrances
As this opening is the largest break in the perimeter of most homes this is as good a place to start as any. So what to do from here? Well provided the existing opening has a suitable support structure in place (such as a brick wall or pillars) the job of selecting, measuring and installing a new set of driveway gates will be a very simple process which we have outlined below
Size – To ensure the correct size gates are chosen it is important to take an accurate measurement across the width of the existing entrance. To do this simply measure the distance from one side of the brickwork opening to the other (for the most accurate measurement use mm). This will establish the ordering width. Next measure the height of the brick work as this will influence what gate design should be chosen.
Design – Whilst it is important that any new gates being fitted are functional and secure you will also want to consider the aesthetic appeal. By this we mean you should select a design that is sympathetic with the surrounding space. An easy way to get a good feel for an appropriate design is to see what neighbours have installed or simply look at the overall style of your home as a whole and take inspiration from existing features such as arched windows, decorative guttering or other similar features.
Functionality – For ease of access with a vehicle the most appropriate solution is to select a set of electric gates however as these systems are expensive and require specialist trades to set them up safely they are not suitable for the majority of homeowners budgets.
Installation – Requiring only a few basic tools including a drill, spirit level, hammer and screwdriver the installation of a set of metal driveway gates is fast and easy. Simply position the first gate to the required point making sure it is plumb and level (remember to leave a gap at the bottom for ground clearance), mark the hinge points on the wall and drill and screw into place. Repeat the process with the second gate only this time making sure it is level with the first gate and the job is done.
To view a wide range of metal driveway gates click here.
Garden & Side Entrances
Metal gates designed to fit into these positions around the home and garden will often get more wear and tear and as such you should always select the highest level of quality you can afford otherwise you may find they are flimsy and ineffective at providing any kind of real security benefits. In addition to this garden gate and side gates may also need to act as a barrier for keeping pets and small children from straying away from the property. In these instances make sure an appropriate design is chosen without any spear tops or sharp pointed edges to keep the risk of accidents to a minimum.
Choosing the Size – The process of selecting the size is the same as the afore mentioned driveway gates. Where an existing structure is in place simply measure the size of the gap and the height of the wall it is being fixed to find the ordering size. Where no support structure is in place you may need to purchase metal posts to provide a fixing point for the hinges and latch so make sure the size of them is factored into the equation (for more help or advice speak to a local gate company or builder if you are not confident).
Design – Depending on the position of the gate there will be many designs to choose from. For most garden entrances the height of the gate will be around 3ft so the choice is pretty limitless. For side entrances or rear access points that need a higher level of security the design selected should be difficult to climb, be capable of being locked with a key or padlock and be robust enough to stop any criminal from simply bending it out of their way.
Functionality – If the pedestrian entrance is larger than 4ft you may want to consider a set of smaller double gates as the swinging ark will be great reduced. This is especially useful if space is tight or where rainwater pipes or similar obstructions may block the gates path of travel leading to access issues for wheelie bins, mowers and other large household items.
To conclude, although there are several factors to consider when looking to buy a set of metal gates for either the garden or driveway provided you follow the information above then the process should be pretty straightforward. Especially when you consider the benefits provided in terms of added security and privacy against the cost of purchasing the gate.
For more information or to view a range of UK manufactured gates at some of the most competitive prices online make sure you take a look at the Metal Gates Direct website.
