Are driveway gates a good idea for home security?

If you are looking for ways to improve the security of your home a wooden driveway gate is a great option.

There are many benefits of having a quality driveway gate and these include:

Improve security – Driveway gates provide a visual deterrent. They can can help to deter organised and opportunistic thieves, vandals and trespassers. A gate will make it more challenging to enter a property. They provide a physical barrier that thieves must get past to access your property. This means they will need to climb over the gate or break through it. Much harder than simply walking through an open entrance or climbing a low fence. An overwhelming majority of thefts and burglaries are committed by opportunists, rather than carefully planned out in advance.

Improve privacy – A  driveway gate also provides privacy for your property. Installing a driveway gate can ensure that prying eyes are kept out and make it more difficult thieves to scope your property and plan a break-in.

Increase in property value – According to Property Price Advice, a secure driveway gate can add between 5 and 10% to your home’s value.

Reduce insurance premiums – As driveway gates add an extra layer of security to your home, insurance companies will often offer discounts on premiums for homes with gates. They can also reduce your car insurance premiums. Insurers want to know where you keep your car both during the day and during the night, as it will help them understand how safe your car is when you aren’t driving. Parking behind a set of secure gates will reduce your risk factor.

Improved curb appeal – How good does your property look to people standing on the street. A quality wooden gate installed on your driveway can dramatically improve the overall look of your property, and therefore raise your kerb appeal.

Automated gates vs Manual gates: Which one is better suited for your property?

Manual Gates

Manual gates are only controlled by hand with locks that must be manually latched and unlatched. A good quality secure lock is needed as nothing will prevent the gates from opening if the lock has been picked or broken.

With the absence of electronic features, a manual gate will be more affordable and easier to maintain than automatic gates.

Automated Gates

Automatic gate systems are more mainstream than years ago and are installed in homes of all sizes and price levels.

Automatic gates are more convenient than manual gates. The driver does not have to get in and out of the car to open the gates any time they leave or return to their home. 

They will be more expensive to install and will need to be regularly serviced but offer more security than manual gates.

Charltons are proud to be a supporter of National Home Security Month 2022