Your driveway gate can make a huge first impression on visitors. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. It depends on the condition of the gate. If you've got a wooden driveway gate with rotten parts and warped sections, guess what kind of impression it'll give? If your metal driveway gate looks all rusty and wonky, what does that say to people about your property? This gate is the first thing people say, so it can carry a lot of curb appeal. Or, it can create a real eyesore.
So What Type Of Driveway Gate Is Best?
When it comes to installing a custom gate, you've got quite a selection of options. Apart from design and décor, you first need to ask yourself two questions.
- How do I want my driveway gate to move? - That means choosing the type of system.
- Which driveway gate material is the best one for me? - That means picking what your new gate will be made of.
These questions have different answers depending on who you are, where you are, and what you want to get out of the gate system. Gate Repair Wylie offers free estimates on new driveway gates and expert troubleshooting services 7-days a week. We're happy to help all home and business owners near the Dallas, TX area with anything driveway gate-related. Now, let's discuss some of the possible answers to the aforementioned questions and see what the potential pros and cons are:
The Different Materials:
Wooden Driveway Gates
Wood has this classic elegance that many homeowners choose to get. It creates an inviting and homey feeling that harkens back to old, classic times. Many Wylie properties opt to get a wooden driveway gate installed because of these reasons. But as you can expect, such material presents some challenges. Wood can rot and/or warp. That means you'll need to paint it regularly to help the material stay in optimal shape. Rotting wooden gate repair requires cutting away the infected parts and applying fillers in their place. Then, those sections need new coats of paint to both protect them and complement the rest of the wooden gate.
Metal Driveway Gates
This works great those that want more security, and potentially a more prestigious curb appeal. Steel gates have bolstered panels that can do a lot to keep your property protected and safe. Iron gates, usually wrought iron, have a type of luxurious look that many opt for because it adds security as well as appeal. Of course, metal driveway gates are naturally heavier. That means they need a more powerful gate opener. Therefore, the automatic gate versions will likely end up costing more. For iron and steel driveway gates, rust presents a concern. It requires some maintenance in order to keep at bay. Aluminum driveway gates don't suffer from this issue and weigh far less too. But then again, they're not as strong and durable.
The Movement Options:
Sliding Driveway Gates
You've probably seen these before. They move laterally, rolling inside a gate track, facilitated by an array of wheels. Sliding gates often consist of strong steel panels and serve to protect parked vehicles. This can work for a residential property or a commercial business. Some potential issues do exist. If the sliding gate got stuck you'll find yourself unable to get your car in or out. Some electric openers have manual release options, to allow you to at least physical push the sliding gate across.
Swing Driveway Gates
People get this sort of system installed due to its more appealing style. Swing gates are often made out of wood or wrought iron, materials that have a certain level of class and curb appeal. Swing gates need a minimal amount of travel clearance space to swing inwards or outwards. They're not ideal for properties near busy streets unless the gate swings inwards. Instead of a track, swing gates have strong hinges (usually made of metal) to help the "gate leaves" also known as doors, swing smoothly. These gate hinges need some lubrication to keep them from squeaking and wearing out.
Other Gate Types
Usually, either a swinging or a sliding gate is what homeowners choose for their driveways. Other commercial businesses may install a barrier gate (the type you see in parking lots exit/entry spots. Certain factories and more high-security establishments often also get a lifting gate. But these usually aren't worth investing in for your driveway, as they either don't offer the same level of security or cost far too much in terms of power and installation. Basically, a driveway gate for your Wylie home can probably best benefit from one of the previously mentioned options.
Driveway Gate Automation
So after you choose the material and type of driveway gate you want, you need to think about automation. What does that mean? Choosing a gate opener that works for your needs and fits your budget. You've got a range of electric driveway gate openers made by brands like Doorking, Eagle, All-O-Matic and other manufacturers. These can have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to open the gate with a remote or even your smartphone. There various types, including an articulated-arm opener, a gate chain pulling system, and even underground gate openers. The models vary quite a bit and most fit one of the two main driveway gate types (swing vs. sliding).
Common Driveway Gate Repair Needs
After all is said and done, and the driveway gate installation went well, your new system should be up and running flawlessly. As the years pass, though, you may find yourself experiencing some issues. Hopefully, this won't occur often, or at all. But if you do encounter problems, it's useful to know how to recognize them.
- The Gate Hinges Squeak – as mentioned earlier, this issue you can often solve with some lubrication. However, if the swing gate moves slower than usual or starts shaking while it opens/closes, get a professional to check it out. Sometimes hinge repairs are needed. Other times these parts need replacement.
- Sliding Gate Reversing – a problem all too familiar. This often occurs due to gate sensor misalignment. Many electric openers use photoelectric eyes and/or loop detectors, otherwise known as reverse loops. These are installed in front and behind the driveway gate. They serve to prevent it from hitting vehicles. If the sensors or loops get damaged or malfunction, your gate may start to reverse for seemingly no reason.
- Gate Is Beeping When Opening/Closing – this one is important. It could be an issue with the electric gate opener, and the noise might be a designed safety function trying to alert you to the problem. It may also suggest that the electric opener's backup battery is running low. Remember to consult the owner's manual, and leave any troubleshooting or repairs to nearby professionals.
Driveway Gates Experts Near Wylie
Have a problem you don't know how to deal with? Gate Repair Wylie services the entire Dallas County region. We provide same day repairs on a daily basis (including weekends). If you're looking to install a new driveway gate, give us a call to schedule a free estimate anytime.