A fence can be a great addition to your home. But you also need a gate to get through the fence as the fence continues to serve its purpose. While some people may want a traditional swinging gate for their fence, often the best choice is an automated gate.
At one time, automated gates posed a safety risk for small children, as they would continue to close once started trapping anyone in the way. But in 2001, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission mandated the use of sensors similar to those found on garage doors. These sensors will reverse the gate if it detects that there is some sort of interference in the gate’s path to closing.
Automated gates come in a variety of materials and styles ranging from ornate metalwork to wood slats. They also have the ability to attach to almost any fencing system. Here’s a guide to help you decide which automated gate is best for you.
Automated gates come in two designs:
Swing Gates
Swing gates are the most common choice among homeowners looking to add an automated gate to their fence. They can open either inward or outward depending on what the homeowner wants. They also can be installed as either single-door or double-door. Swing gates are the easier type of automated gates to install and they usually cost less than other systems.
Cantilever and Rolling Gates
If you have a high traffic flow or limited space at the entrance of your gate, you might be better off having one that slides open. In that case, you’ll want to have either a rolling gate or cantilever gate.
Other than the fact that they’re both sliding gates, there are enough differences between these two types of gates to make a choice. Rolling gates slide open on a v-track that is embedded in the driveway. Cantilever gates, on the other hand, slide open on a counterbalance system “free floating” off he driveway. Rolling gates take up less room than cantilever gates but cantilever gates are ideal for northern homes rather than typical rolling gates that may be hindered by frequent snow or ice that may obstruct the track.
With an automated gate you can also choose one of multiple access control options. One of the reasons for an automated gate is the added security it provides. A card reader, telephone entry pad, or radio control can provide access depending on what makes the homeowner more comfortable.
Just like a fence, a gate can serve a specific purpose or multiple purposes.
Securing a Pool Area
A pool can be a risk to young children if it’s not fenced and gated properly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that accidental drowning poses the greatest threat to children aged one to four making the need for pool fencing that much greater.
It’s recommended to have a self-closing, self-latching gate on a fence around the pool of at least four feet. It should also swing outwards from the pool to prevent children from having the ability to push the gate open the outside of the pool area.
Many areas have regulations concerning pool fencing so if you’re planning on installing a fence around your pool, make sure to check local ordinances.
Privacy Fences
A privacy fence can be a great tool to keep away curious passers by and can reduce noise pollution in your yard. Privacy fences can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials so you have the opportunity to get creative with its design. If you’re adding a gate to your privacy fence, that gate should fit in to maintain the privacy barrier. To ensure that it fits in seamlessly, the gate should match the height of the fence. Most privacy fences will be around six feet tall.
Keep Pets In
A fence is a great way to allow your pet to go out on a sunny day and experience fresh air without you having to follow it around. Like with pool fences, it’s a good idea to have a self-closing, self-latching gate to help ensure your pet doesn’t get out if a member of your family forgets to close the gate or doesn’t close it properly.
When having a fence and gate for a pet, consider the size of the pet. If you have a medium or large dog, your fence should range somewhere between four and six feet high. If you have a small dog, make sure to reduce the gaps beneath and around your gate as well as any other spaces in the fence’s design to restrict the dog from getting out.
If you’re installing a fence or currently have a fence with a traditional manual gate, you might want to consider having an automated gate installed. And if you want a quality job done with your fence installation, call Secure Fence and Rail to handle the project for you.