When considering a gate and electronic entry system consider a reasonable budget. Beautiful pieces can be purchased throughout all price ranges. When purchasing a gate consider maintenance and service expenses needed to maintain the electronic gate. Wooden gates are less expensive to purchase then aluminum entry gates however every year you as the homeowner will be responsible to seal and weather proof the wood fence and gate. Consider that electronic gates need to be installed by professional fence and gate installers as well when considering a budget that is reasonable for this home improvement project.
Another way to save when it comes to the budget of a gate for your driveway is to consider a manual entry gate. This might not be desired but can help many homeowners have the security that an entrance gate delivers without the expense of an electronic gate. The draw backs here are pretty evident in that in bad weather you will have to exit the car to close the entry gate. Manual gates are often considered more of a hassle than their electronic counter parts.
When you are purchasing an electronic gate and fence system you have two different choices to decide from when it comes to the way the gate opens. The two options available are swing or sliding driveway entry gates. Consider your landscaping and driveway layout when choosing between the two. Consider if the ground is level or how expensive it would be to level the ground where the gate will be used. Also consider any trees or hard to relocate landscaping that the fence will be surrounding.
When choosing an entry gate consider the fencing that you either have installed or will be installing. Make sure the styles work well with one another. Super tall enclosed privacy fencing might look off when paired with a super decorative open style aluminum gate. The fence and gate should be similar if not the same height. This will provide continuity. If you are only installing a gate without any fencing the sky is the limits however consider the style of your home. A super modern home with a country classic gate might look a whole lot out of place.
Fencing and gates come in a variety of materials as well. You can choose from wood, wrought iron, aluminum, vinyl and chain link. For durability and ease of long term maintenance as well as reasonable initial costs most professional fence and gate installers will recommend purchasing aluminum. Aluminum fencing can be as ornamental and decorative or as simple and classic as a homeowner desires. There are also a variety of color options to choose from when considering aluminum. Aluminum is really a terrific material to use in your homes landscaping.