There are so many choices in type and material of front doors that a homeowner should be informed in order for him or her to choose the best one that will fit the house and the style that will best fit the house. Now this article will intend to discuss about the several classifications of driveway gates and the materials that are often used on its production.

Types of Driveway Gates:

1. Swing Gates: Swing gates are hinged from one side and can open either inward or outward; this type of gate plan is the most standard and is used more often than the others.

· Single Swing Gates: Suitable for and common in the designs of narrow gates, they are constructed of a single gate that is hinged and opens by pivoting.

· Double Swing Gates: Basically, there are two types of gates: Single and double swing gates Single gates: These are usually single gates which open to the right or left Double gates: These are gates which have two leaves and when closed, the two leaves meet in the middle.

2. Sliding Gates: These particular gates roll horizontally along the rails thus making them suitable especially for those with limited space especially in areas surrounding their compounds.

· Cantilever Sliding Gates: Both are types of sliding gates that are mounted on rollers and move parallel to the fence line and do not require a ground track.

· V-Track Sliding Gates: These gates have wheels that slide on a V-shaped rail for enhanced stability and ease in operation as compared to traditional swinging gates.

3. Bi-Folding Gates: It may be hinged and folded into several sections to be pull to the centre when opened; hence bi-folding gates are ideal for driveways that have limited space.

4. Automatic Gates: Persons who do not have manual gates can enjoy the convenience of motorized systems which can be operated remotely and connect to different access control methods.

Materials for Driveway Gates:

1. Timber: Timber gates are a timeless and adaptable solution to controlling entrance ways owing to their aesthetically pleasing natural grain finish.

· Softwood: The affordable woods like pine and cedar are relatively soft and easy to process and are readily available with additional protection from termites.

· Hardwood: To be costlier but more natural, it is possible to opt for some types of wood like oak or iroko with excellent qualities ad durability.

2. Metal: Durable and durable, a metal gate will add flair to any of the New Modern or Contempo homes, which are slowly filling the neighborhoods.

· Wrought Iron: The wrought iron gates have become a common feature on gates, and are admired for the beautiful design that they offer, which has been made with elegance.

· Steel: Fiberglass gates come in a huge range of styles and colors as do wooden gates, but neither are as strong as steel gates making them a lesser choice for people who need high security.

· Aluminium: Despite being referred to as aluminium gates, they are strong, do not corrode and are reasonably prices especially for properties located where seawater is common or any place that has corrosive settings.

3. PVC/Vinyl: Thus, PVC or the vinyl gates are cheap as compared to the other gates and do not need much attention in terms of maintenance since it does not rot, peel, or fade due to poor weather conditions and is also resistant to termite damage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Driveway Gate

· Security: Basic safety means: Evaluate your property and determine what kind of gate would suit the area best in terms of safety and which material is most suitable for your property.

· Privacy: Depending on your needs and expectations for privacy, choose a layout that may afford sufficient levels of visibility or seclusion.

· Maintenance: Compare the maintenance needs according to each material and choose the one that you can easily maintain and affordable.

· Access and Automation: When considering a new lift system or elevator you should decide whether you need a lift that is controlled manually or automatically and also decide whether the lift system should include access control systems.

Apart from acting as a security-instilling fence and a privacy enclosure, a good and appropriately chosen driveway gate is eye-catching. Each type and material has its advantages and disadvantages, so you have to consider general factors like security, privacy, and aesthetics and specific factors like maintenance to choose the most appropriate design that will enhance the beauty of your home. Regardless of whether you make your choice between the classic timber, the durability and strength of metal, the use of PVC or any type of composite material, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth in terms of your driveway gate’s operations and durability for years to come and increase the property value of your home.