Do You Have Enough Room For An Automatic Gate? Here Is How You Can Find Out
Posted on: 21 March 2020
Getting an automatic gate is an aspirational dream for many Australians. For a long time it seemed like an unattainable goal because of how exclusive and expensive they were, but in more recent years they have become far more affordable due to technological increases. No longer is an automatic gate a big, clunky machine that chugs power. Nowadays your automatic gate is sleek, is efficient and still has the timeless designs people have fallen in love with. The only thing you really need to ensure before you start talking to an automatic gate contractor is how much space you have.
Swinging Automatic Gate
The most well-known type of automatic gate is the swinging version. These open like most doors do and require a space behind them that allows the door to move inwards unobstructed. That means that nothing can be in the way — not a small border for your driveway, no plants and certainly no larger constructions like a wall or post box. You can work out the rough area of space you need by comparing half the width of your driveway (the size of one the automatic gates) against the immediate sides of your driveway to see what is in the way. If you know there is something there, then you can spend the money to renovate or you can get a sliding gate.
Sliding Automatic Gate
A sliding automatic gate works like a screen door: it moves along the side of your property when activated, rather than swinging into it. This is perfect for people who have a winding driveway or other features that would be in the way. Sliding automatic gates are cheaper and easier to run as well, which makes them ideal for people on a budget. They can still be just as decorative and elaborate in design as swinging gates, and they often work just as quickly. For people with restrictive space, this is a great way to still get an automatic gate.
Space For A Power Supply
There are two ways to power an automatic gate, and they require very different needs:
- Direct line: if your home is not too far away from your driveway, you can connect the power to your main line with an underground extension. You should definitely factor the cost of this into your final quote as this can be greater than the whole automatic gate if it is a long way.
- Dedicated Generator: if your entrance is too far from the house, then a dedicated generator is the only solution that makes fiscal sense. Luckily, you can get solar options so that you don't have to constantly fill it up with petrol. A solar powered generator does take up a bit of room (for the solar panels), so you should consider whether there is space to put it and if that space has good enough access to the sun.
For more information, contact automatic gate installation professionals in your area.
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