Want to give your home a new facade? Want more privacy and added security? Stop putting it off, it is time to do something about it!
Making the decision to update your home’s exterior is a big one, so why not go bold and add a driveway gate to your home. There are many reasons why you might opt to add a driveway gate to your front yard; you have nosey neighbours and want privacy, want to feel more secure in your home or perhaps you just want to give your house a new look. Here is the who, the why and the how to of installing driveway gates!
Hire a professional or DIY – how to install driveway gates
So you have made the decision to add a driveway gate to your house, but where do you start? Do you know how to install driveway gates or will you hire a professional? Both of these options will suit different families and their needs, not everyone has the money reserves needed to hire professional installers. And not everyone has the skills required or confidence in their abilities to pull off DIY gate installations. Before you make your choice, read this, it could potentially save you time and money!
Before you start – you need to…
Hiring a professional is the easiest option, if you have the money available. They know exactly what to do, they specialise in installing driveway gates and fences. As a result they will be efficient. Installing a driveway gate isn’t as easy as walking into a fencing supply store and asking for a driveway gate. You must know the style of gate you want, have the accurate measurements of the driveway camber (slopes), the gate width and driveway fall. If you follow these instructions you will be able to get your measurements.
- Posts – If you do not have your fence posts installed yet it is best to do this first as it gives you a starting point to work from.
- Level line – With a laser level, check the camber of the driveway. It will often appear to be flat but more often than not it will have a slope. If your driveway happens to have more than a 50mm drop, a gate with a raked bottom should be considered so it flows with the camber of your driveway.
- Gate style – Decide whether your gate will be a swing or slide. From there you need to choose whether it will open inwards towards your house or outwards towards the road. On the other hand, a slide gate be more practical for the space you have. You should also choose at this point whether you will have a motorised driveway gate or opt for manual opening?
- Measure –It is crucial you get these measurements right because even a few millimetres out could result in your gate being too large to fit, too small to latch or too low to clear the driveway. Measure the height of it. Once you have taken this measurement, you must then get the gate width measurements. You can do this by measuring inside the gate posts.
What you will need to install your driveway gate
Your fence posts are already installed and waiting for the gate to be mounted; but before you race outside and start drilling, digging and measuring, have a read of this. Make sure you have everything you need and understand all the steps.
- On the outside of your gate, position your hinges as far apart as possible and fit them.
- Once your hinges are in place, screw the hinges to your fence post by lifting your gate into position.
- Test your gate works smoothly by opening and closing to ensure that it doesn’t drag or hit anything when in movement.
- Follow the gate latch instructions that were included with your gate.
- Stand back and admire your handy work! You did it!
TIP: Swimming pool gates should open away from the pool so that when the gate is pushed, it will shut rather than open into the pool grounds when trying to enter.
Benefits of installing a driveway gate
Installing a driveway gate offers many benefits to your home.
- Security – They will deter break and enters, door to door salesmen will just walk past and it says you take your home’s security very seriously. If you have young children or pets, it will also keep them safe.
- Appearance – It adds a distinctive look to your home that a garden simply would not achieve. Your gate can be incorporated into your landscape to be a feature and not just there for security.
- Style options – Times have changed and you now have more options for driveway gates. Single swing, double swing, slide, manual, automatic – this is just the start. You then have endless selections of gate frames with wooden slats or a metal patterned frame, wrought iron or aluminium. Do you want a gate with an arched top and finials or is a flat top gate more your style?
- Noise barrier – Depending on the style of gate you choose and the materials it is constructed from, your driveway gate could be the perfect solution to that dreaded highway noise.
- House value – Believe it or not, a driveway gate can add value to your property. The street appeal and additional security will entice any potential home buyer in the market.
Driveway gates are an underrated home improvement that should be considered more often for homes in not just suburbia, but city living as well. If the uncertainty of how to install driveway gates is deterring you from fitting one to your home, take relief that you can hire a professional and have the convenience of it being done for you and peace of mind that the workmanship is top quality.
By following these instructions and tips on how to install driveway gates, you can add presence to your home that screams street appeal with minimal effort.
Want quality products or information on how to install driveway gates? Give the team at Fence Corp a call today on 07 3715 5055!