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Home and Business Security Fences: Buying, Maintaining and Improving

Welcome to my blog on fences. My name is Penny, and a few years ago, my business was broken into. Luckily, no one was there so no one was hurt, but it made my personal sense of security feel threatened, and there was a lot of property damage. As a result of that experience, I have spent a lot of time researching safety methods. I have learned about everything from locks to fences, but I plan to focus on the latter in this space. I hope these posts and ideas help you, your family and your business to be more protected.

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Home and Business Security Fences: Buying, Maintaining and Improving

Decisions To Make When Installing A Driveway Gate

by Rosa Soler

The inside of your home may have a beautiful design, but don't forget about the exterior. When installing a driveway gate, make sure to select something attractive and functional. Here are several decisions you'll need to make.

Pick A Style

Which style is best for you? That depends on your home's architecture, the fencing and the surrounding landscape. It's also related to how much privacy you're after. Tubular metal fences are one decorative option which offers a range of designs. Straightforward flat-top models feature a railing along the top, while ornate spearhead shape designs feature decorative ironwork. Scrolls, circles and other motifs sit within the metal railings, enhancing the aesthetics of the gateway. You can go as simple or as grand as you wish. 

Slat gates are built like a picket fence, but with horizontal rather than vertical railings. Wider slats that are closer together only allow narrow slits between them, creating a private gate. To allow more visibility, choose thinner slats that are more widely spaced. Another option is to install a white-picket-fence gate, which also offers some privacy. You don't need to stick with timber with these models either, as metal versions are often possible.

Choose A Material

As well as choosing the style, you'll need to pick a material. Aluminium gates offer a range of tubular, slat and picket styles. Powder coating, which is a baked-on polyester paint, creates a hard, smooth, attractive effect that protects the metal from the elements. Aluminium is lightweight and naturally rust-resistant. 

Steel gates create a stronger barrier that is more difficult to infiltrate, but a downside is that some steel varieties can rust. Coatings of zinc, though, can protect the metal; this is termed galvanised steel. Powder coating also adds a layer of resilience. Another possibility is custom, wrought iron gates made to order in contemporary or traditional styles. Alternatively, for a warm, natural feel, you could opt for timber gates, which are available in diverse forms. Hardwoods are the best type of wood to resist rotting and warping.

Select An Opening Mode

As far as opening mechanisms go, sliding and swinging gates are two popular choices. For sloping terrain, a sliding mechanism is best, as the incline can impede the way the gate moves. Because they don't turn outwards or inwards, sliding doors will maximise space. Swinging gates, on the other hand, are better for flat ground, and if you don't have space for the gate to slide sideways. Both can feature either a keypad or remote control opening mechanism.

Contact a fence contractor who can provide the type of gate that you want and need for your home.

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