Six Advantages Electric Gates Bring to the Home
Once, electric gates were seen as a feature reserved only for the grandest of homes. However, as installation fees have become more affordable and designs have improved, the appeal of these automated systems has increased.
Although having them added to the front of your home might seem frivolous, there are some very practical advantages to installing electric gates. Here are six benefits you might not be aware of.
- They’re convenient
The most obvious advantage of electric gates is that they can be operated automatically or from inside the car. So, it’s quicker and easier to pull into and out of your driveway. This convenience isn’t just about reducing effort though. It can be far more practical if you live on a busy road or travel during peak hours. When there’s no convenient spot to pull over, it can be very difficult to open and shut gates manually. And for those with mobility issues, it doesn’t just make life easier, it helps to retain independence.
Gates can be automated in different ways. You can use a fob-style remote, so all you need to do is press a button to activate the gates. Or you can use smart controls via your phone. Lasers and motion sensors are another option. These can be set up so your gates automatically open when your car drives towards them.
- Electric gates can increase safety
Most electric gates are designed to only open when you activate them. And they lock automatically. This means there’s no risk of small children lifting the gate latch and slipping out onto the road. It can also help to keep pets safe.
As well as keeping people inside your property it can also help to keep people out. So, there’s less need to worry about strangers.
Plus, electric gates are fitted with sensors to detect not just cars, but bodies and limbs. So, there’s no danger of a swinging gate hitting or trapping a person.
- They boost home security
As well as remote controls and automatic locking, electric gates can be integrated with intercom and keypad entry systems. This stops dubious characters from wandering up your driveway. Many people find that electric gates also act as a good deterrent to opportunist thieves and boost security when you have a work van, camper van or expensive car parked on your driveway.
Not only does this increase security while you’re at home, but it also boosts security while you’re away. So, you can have peace of mind when you’re at work or on holiday. You can now also integrate smart functions with electric gates. This means you can receive notifications when the gates are opened and grant or stop access to your home remotely.
- Electric gates add privacy
As electric gates stop strangers from wandering onto your property, they’re a great way to cut out unwanted intrusions, such as cold callers. So, they’re a good way to boost your home and family’s privacy.
Furthermore, if you opt for tall, panel-style gates, you can screen out nosy neighbours and noise from busy roads. This is particularly useful if you have a front garden as it allows you to enjoy your outdoor space in peace.
- They can save space
Electric gates can also be used to save space. There are two types of electric gates that are good at this: sliding gates and telescopic gates. Both of these options are designed to slide across rather than swing out like a traditional gate. This means you can fit gates on a wide entrance without needing a large, open area to operate them. It can also make it easier to fit gates on a sloping driveway.
You can enhance the compactness of electric gates by routing some of the mechanisms underground. This will also keep your entrance looking neat and attractive.
- Electric gates can add value
An attractive exterior adds to your home’s kerb appeal and makes it more appealing to buyers. So, having electric gates can boost your home’s value. And in a crowded property market, having convenient and aspirational features that other homes don’t have, can help your house to stand out.
As electric gates come in a variety of styles, it’s not difficult to find one that can enhance your home’s exterior. For country cottages, you could choose a five-bar timber gate, and for a larger period property, you might opt for classic wrought iron gates. Composite panel gates meanwhile are the perfect addition to more modern homes.
