We’re always looking for ways to improve our home security, and driveway gate security is such an important part of that. How private is your driveway? Who can see in, and who could be eyeing up your possessions? Gate security puts a stop to vehicle theft, adds more privacy, gives you peace of mind, and adds stylish value to your property with a simple installation. Whether you have residential gates already or are looking to get some, here’s how to improve your residential gate security.
How to find the right driveway gate for your home
Depending on your budget, style and outdoor aesthetic, you can choose a secure driveway gate made from a range of materials: wooden, steel, aluminium or composite. With steel driveway gates, designs can allow for more transparency, so you can see out onto the street. They’re also incredibly versatile in how they can be crafted. If you need a gate to create more privacy, there are also opaque, steel options.
If you’re looking for a different kind of metal, an aluminium gate is a great choice too. For a traditional, rustic look, why not try a wooden gate? There are multiple benefits to a wooden driveway gate, so if you opt for one of these, your property will reap the rewards. Or maybe you’re hoping for an environmentally friendly option? In which case, a composite driveway gate might be the gate for you.
There are many types of driveway gates, and picking the right driveway gate for your needs is vital for security.
How to improve driveway gate security
Keeping your vehicles safe with a secure driveway gate is a great way to improve the security of your home and possessions. But how can you maximise your gate security? We have a few tips and tricks to ensure that your driveway gate is as secure as can be.
1. Why CCTV is a great gate security addition
Another way to further improve your gate security is with CCTV. You can position outdoor security cameras to monitor who visits, and who might be lurking outside your driveway gate.
2. Why you should use gate access control
Alongside your CCTV cameras, we recommend integrating gate access control systems which use either keypads, or GSM or video intercoms. GSM intercoms allow you to speak to visitors before granting access, and video intercoms allow you to see who’s at the gate, too. If you want to know more about the benefits of gate access control, check out our blog here.
3. Why driveway gate signage is important
Your gates can be updated with your house or family name and number with fancy, stylish signage. Another sign idea is to warn potential burglars of the high-quality security systems you have in place, as well as CCTV.
4. How to use lights for gate security
Use spotlights to light up your house number or gate signs. Motion sensor lights are also great for shining a spotlight on unwanted visitors to scare and deter them. There are lots of lighting options on offer, making it easier to pick one that matches your home’s aesthetic. Want to know more about lighting your driveway? Check out our driveway lighting tips blog here.
5. How plants improve driveway gate security
If you have a low wall on one or either side of your gates, consider some tall and wide bushes, hedges or plant features to create more privacy as well as giving your garden more green style. Not only can they add more privacy, strong hedges and bushes will make it harder for intruders to try and get into your garden from side points. Your driveway gate may prevent vehicle theft, but you still need to deter anyone from trying to get onto your property or from breaking into your home through any open points.
6. Fencing and driveway gate security
Adding a fence to support your chosen driveway gate can prevent a trespasser getting onto your property. Not only this, it can help to spruce up the exterior of your home. You’ll secure your possession, whilst making your neighbours envious.
7. Why you should add a parcel box to your driveway gate
Using a lockable parcel box is a great way to reduce the risk of your parcels being left in unsafe places, or being stolen. If you invest in a safe place for your parcels, it prevents you granting access to unknown people, improving overall home security.
8. How to conceal your vehicles to improve security
Although a driveway gate can protect your vehicles from prying eyes, it’s always useful to have a secondary form of security, too. Whether this is parking your vehicle out of view from anyone peering over your gate, or locking it inside a secure garage, these will help to secure your premises.
Why cleaning your driveway gate improves security
When it comes to spring cleaning, we often forget about our driveways, outdoor areas and gates. One easy way to improve your residential gate security is by keeping it freshly cleaned. Keeping on top of gate maintenance will ensure you keep on top of any trapped dirt and debris, which will keep it functioning properly and for longer, as well as helping to prevent deterioration and rusting.
The method of cleaning all depends on the material, but mild soap and water with sponges and cloths will do the trick, especially for timber. Then a lick of paint will help give it some style and more protection against the elements.
How to improve wooden driveway gate security
If you do decide on wooden gates, you need to make sure that you are on top of the maintenance, and know how to treat timber and wood rot to keep them well-preserved. This simply means some regular TLC. When winter and harsh weather comes round, just make sure you clean wood with normal soap and water – no harsh chemicals – and regularly wipe away dirt and debris. Why is this important? If your wooden driveway gate becomes weak or damaged, this removes a layer of your security – that’s why keeping on top of gate maintenance is key.
If you need any help on deciding what residential gate security to go for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at The Expert Gate Company – we have a breadth of experience and knowledge to help answer any of your questions. Find out what would work for your property and driveway, contact us today!