Driveway gates serve a dual purpose for San Diego homeowners. They are the first line of defense to keep unwanted visitors off the property. They also boost the curb appeal of the home, adding to its value. The following tips will ensure that your driveway gate is safe and functioning as it should.
Choose the Right Gate
There are a variety of driveway gate options to choose from with each providing different functionality and safety features. The common driveway gate options include the following.
Swing Gates
Swing gates operate like the doors in your home swinging in or out. They’re best suited for homes with plenty of driveway space and level ground. You need to take into account the direction that the gate will swing to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the sidewalk outside your home. You also have to measure properly so the gate won’t open past the curb.
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates operate on a horizontal track. They are best suited for driveways that have limited space in front or behind the gate. They also work well on steep inclines. Sliding gates are generally considered a safer option because there is no risk of swinging into people or vehicles.
Both gate options can be automatic and operated by remote or keypad access. You have to be careful during the installation of a keypad to ensure it is in a practical position and won’t cause issues such as having you get out of the car every time you want to enter the code. That can create problems with your car lurching if it is not in park.
When picking your gate, you need to know what it will be made of. Iron, aluminum, steel and wood are popular options. If you have a home closer to the coast, you should consider a material that is rust-resistant. If there are pets or children on the property, it is critical to consider the gate design. You want to avoid narrow pickets where a pet or child could become stuck.
Hire Professional Installers
Safely installing a driveway gate is not a good choice for a DIY task. This is a job that is best handled by licensed and experienced gate installers like you’ll find at ADS Automatic Door Specialists. We are professional driveway gate installers who will ensure that your gate is properly aligned on the track, the automated systems are wired up to code and all the sensors have been properly placed for maximum efficiency.
Maintenance and Inspection
The typical driveway gate is used several times a day. That type of regular usage can eventually wear down the mechanics in a driveway gate’s motor and springs and cause it to malfunction. Monthly or seasonal maintenance inspections and tune-ups can reduce the risk of a malfunction or safety issue. Your certified driveway gate service technician from ADS Automatic Door Specialists can perform the following tasks as part of your maintenance visit:
- Lubricate hinges and rollers
- Clean debris from the track
- Test sensors and control panels
- Check for rust, cracks, or weather damage
- Check the structural integrity of motorized gates
- Inspect track alignment
Security Features and Upgrades
Automated gates offer added convenience and security, but they need to be equipped with the right safety technology. If you’re having a gate installed, you should look for models with obstacle detection sensors. Those can detect if a vehicle, pet or child has stepped across the track while the gate is in motion. They should trigger the gate to stop moving and retract. It is the same principle of obstacle detection you might find on an elevator.
Another important security feature to consider for your driveway gate is an anti-tailgating system to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the premises. This is an important feature for some commercial businesses that need to screen each delivery truck or vehicle. When operational for your home, this system should only allow one vehicle to pass through the gate at a time.
You can also boost your gate’s security with smart tech features such as video intercoms that let you see and speak with visitors before you grant them access. Additional security cameras can be used for monitoring deliveries or deterring potential intruders. Motion-sensor lights along the gate improve visibility at night and discourage loitering.
Most of these high-tech features allow you to control them through smartphone apps. That allows you to monitor and operate the gate from anywhere with a strong Wi-Fi signal. That is a smart feature for a property that expects frequent visitors such as Airbnb homes in San Diego.
Safety Precautions for Families
Children may not always understand the dangers posed by moving gates. To protect the young ones at your home, you should consider installing photo-eye sensors to detect movement or presence in the gate’s path. It will also help to find a driveway gate with slow-start and slow-stop motors to avoid sudden jerks.
When you’re thinking about the design, you want to avoid driveway gates with climbable bars or footholds that might tempt children. It is also vital for parents to educate their children to never play near the gate or try to climb on it. With regard to your pets, you want to find a gate with a low bottom clearance to prevent pets from squeezing underneath.
Emergency Preparedness
San Diego residents are no stranger to the occasional power outages, especially during wildfire season or heavy storms. Some gates will automatically lock if the power is cut off. Your gate should be equipped with a battery backup system that will keep it functional even when the power is out.
There should also be a manual release mechanism that allows for an override of the system in the event that the power and backup battery go out. Once installed by ADS Automatic Door Specialists, we can demonstrate to your entire family how these features work so everyone will know how to use them in the case of an emergency.
Compliance With Local Regulations
The city of San Diego requires homeowners to follow specific zoning and safety codes when installing driveway gates. Depending on the neighborhood and building use, these regulations can include height restrictions (usually 6 feet for residential properties), setback requirements from the street, and visibility standards for corner properties.
These regulations are all designed with the safety of homeowners, pedestrians and motorists in mind. When you hire ADS Automatic Door Specialists, we will ensure that your driveway gate is in full compliance with the applicable zoning laws. That can prevent you from being fined by city inspectors and having to reinstall the driveway gate.
Keep Your Property Safe With the Right Driveway Gate
The driveway gate you pick for your San Diego home can be safe and stylish. It will play a vital part in your home’s overall security system. ADS Automatic Door Specialists has been providing quality driveway gate installations for properties in San Diego, Carlsbad and surrounding areas since 1979.
Once we’ve installed your new gate, we can set up a regular maintenance plan to ensure it will operate as intended. We also provide repair services for any gate that has been damaged by a vehicle or has a broken mechanical system. Call ADS Automatic Door Specialists today to set up a home visit to discuss your driveway gate needs.
