Electric Driveway Gates Guide: Everything You Need To Consider

Electric driveway gates are becoming a common trend when it comes to gates for your home and becoming more popular over the years. They work as an additional security measure, improved convenience and make your property look more stunning and give it that ‘exclusive look and feel, whilst increasing the value of your overall property in the long run.

This short guide will outline everything you need to know about electric driveway gates and why you should consider it for your home.

How Do Electric Driveway Gates Work?

Electric gates consist of several different electrical components that are combined to make the machinery work. They generally involve different motors that are in charge of the process of moving the gate. A sensor is used to let homeowners know when it is safe to close, and a mechanism which receives and sends a signal to let indicate when to open and close the gate.

Usually, the case for gates are that they are opened and closed using a transmitter. This is either in the form of a infrared remote or key fob. From a click of a button on the report, a signal is sent to the gate meaning you wont have to worry about getting in and out of your car to open and close the gate.

How Much Do Electric Gate Systems Cost On Average?

The cost of an electric gate system can vary depending on the size of your driveway, the type of functionality and features you would like your gate to have, along with choosing the material and design of the gate itself. All these factors are important to consider when getting a quote and will help give you a better idea of a rough estimate towards final pricing.

The cost of an electric gate system is dependent on several factors:

• The type of material chosen for the gate and what design you have opted for
• The price of the gates and hardware chosen for the gate such as hinges, gate stoppers and gate rollers
• The cost of the electric gate, including electric gate motors, gate lock mechanism, switches, remote control transmitters and receivers, the cost for safety features and access control set up including keypads and gate control systems
• A yearly budget for the overall operation and servicing cost of the gates and electric gate maintenance

Electric Gates Designs Choices Available

Electric gates now come in a wide range of designs, and materials that can be customised to any colour that can be tailored to your needs. We have a wide range of electric gate designs available at Vale Automation. 

Have a browse through our following gallery of electric gate designs available at Vale Automation so you have a better idea of the type of design that we have to offer.

Sliding Gates or Swinging Electric Gates?

It’s becoming more common for homeowners to install driveway gates for their properties. Electric driveway gates can enhance your security features, help protect your privacy and in long term can help increase the overall value of your property.

The two most common types of driveway gates that homeowners will find themselves deciding between are swinging gates and sliding gates.

1. What are Sliding Gates?

Sliding gates are most common when opening or closing (sliding, side to side). When installing sliding driveway gates, you have two options.

1. Gate splitting in the middle, and the two parts sliding in opposite directions
2. Slide in one direction

Pros and Cons Sliding Gates

Pros

• Take up less space when opening  – perfect for smaller drives
• More room on the driveway for vehicles
• Reliable and long life span

Cons

• More maintenance
• Need space on the side of the fate
• Safety measures need to be in place to ensure it’s safe

2. What are Swinging Gates?

Swinging gates will swing open and close. The gate can be split in the middle and the two parts will swing apart from one another, or alternatively, the whole gate can swing together in one direction.

1. You can decide whether you’d like the gate to swing inside or outside

Pros and Cons Swinging Gates

Pros

• Straightforward and easy installation
• Tend to be affordable

Cons

• More space required
• More affected by wind
• Small gaps visible in the middle

Get In Touch With Us Today

If after reading this article, you have decided that an electric driveway gate is something that would be beneficial to your property then contact our team today on 01949 20423. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form to discuss which style of electric gates is right for your property.