Gateway To Another World

The simple action of installing a driveway gate can make a huge difference to your property by clearing demarcating the boundary between the outside world and your home. Customised driveway gates can match the size and style specifications of your choice, meet your security, privacy and safety needs, all while enhancing the visual appeal of your property. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of installing a driveway gate on your residential property, along with the considerations and practicalities.

The benefits of driveway gates

Improve your security

One of the key benefits of driveway gates is that they can improve the security of your home. For the best results, integrate your driveway gate with a fence that surrounds the rest of your property, so you can easily control who comes into your property. Many driveway gates also include security features such as coded keypads, intercoms and/or locks that function automatically. 

Increase the property value

Installing an attractive driveway gate can also increase the value of your property. According to a recent Halifax survey, the second most cost-effective property improvement in terms of the return on investment that homeowners can make is the installation of gates. When you consider the affordability of purchasing a new gate, coupled with the fact they provide increased levels of security, safety and privacy – it is obvious to see why they rank so highly.

Gates for keeping pets and children safe

Investing in driveway gates goes beyond enhancing your kerb appeal; driveway gates make the property secure for young children and pets, who otherwise might wander off the property. This added layer of security brings peace of mind for homeowners, especially for those living on busy roads.

Driveway gates to enhance convenience

Many of today’s driveway gates are automatic, which means they’re very convenient – you won’t have to get out of your car to open and close the gate every time you come home! Either use a keypad to unlock and open the gate, an indoor control, or an opener that you carry in your car, similar to your garage opener. Convenience at the push of a button.

Enhanced kerb appeal

Attractive driveway gates add to a property’s visual appeal and can be made out of a wide range of materials to match the style of your home. Choose from wrought iron, beautiful wooden gates, rustic styles or specialty security gates, to create a positive impression from the moment someone arrives at your property.

Increase the privacy of your home

A final benefit of driveway gates is that they can provide privacy for your home. Depending on the style of your driveway gate, you can close off visual access to your property, giving you peace of mind that your property is private and secure.

Things to consider when investing in driveway gates

When you’re ready to install a driveway gate on your property, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. These factors include:

• The size of your driveway – this will directly influence the size of the gate as proportions will be considered
• The type of gate material – whether you opt for classic wrought iron, sturdy steel or the warmth of timber, the material not only contributes to aesthetics, but also impacts durability and maintenance.
• The style of the gate – your gate should seamlessly blend with your property’s architecture and overall design theme. From traditional, ornate gates or a sleek, modern design, the style sets the tone for your property’s visual appeal.
• Whether or not you want an automated system – the decision to automate your gate adds a layer of convenience and security. An automated system allows for hassle-free entry and exit, offering both comfort and a heightened sense of control over your property.

If you keep these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect driveway gate for your home, for both practical needs, as well as enhanced aesthetics and functionality.

Practicalities of driveway gates

Whether you’re replacing an existing gate or installing a new driveway gate, it’s essential to consider safety – not just for you and your family but also members of the public.

Highways Act 1980 and driveway gates

The Highways Act 1980 is very clear. A gate, door, or bar on private property that opens onto a street or highway must be installed in a way that it does not open outwards unless the local authority and the highway authority give their consent to do so.

Of course, if your gate opens out onto a private pavement and not a highway, then the legal requirement above does not apply. However, you should still think carefully about safety and consider how your gate opening could impact neighbours and pedestrians. If you are unsure whether your gate will open onto a highway or not, it’s always to speak to the relevant authority before installing a gate that opens outwards.

Planning permission for driveway gates

Planning permission from an authority or city planning commission is required if you want to install a driveway or garden gate and fencing if the following apply to you:

– If it exceeds 1 metre in height and is located adjacent to a busy roadway or if it is over 2 metres in height anywhere else. If the new gate is higher than the old one, approval will be required.

– Your home is either a listed building or is within the curtilage of a listed building.

– Your right to repair or install gates and boundaries has been taken away from you.

If you are unsure about any of these potential restrictions and don’t know if you need a building permit for your planning condition, it is best to contact a fencing authority to avoid illegal construction.

To conclude, there are many benefits associated with installing a gate. If you are ready to get a timber driveway gate installed or would like to discuss different timber styles and options then contact PRO Fencing for expert advice and a quote – drop us an email or alternatively, give us a call on 01252 726391.

WL West & Sons Ltd is a timber merchant and sawmill business with 150 years of experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.

Our wood products, building materials and certified wood are manufactured and sold with the endorsement of forest certification and the Forest Stewardship Council FSC

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