An automatic gate is a fine addition to any property. Offering a range of advantages, from increasing property value to enhancing your home security, there are plenty of reasons to invest in a new automatic gate system.
However, choosing the right system can sometimes be challenging! There are many things to consider when buying a new automatic gate, with one of the most important being the type of gate being installed.
There are two very popular choices in this regard – swing gates and sliding gates. The opening mechanisms are different on each one, so both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Therefore, you need to consider these 3 things to help you decide which option is best for you:
Cost
Given the overall cost of having a new automatic gate installed, it’s natural to consider the price of each type of gate to help decide what one you choose. For those on a tighter budget, a swing gate is usually the cheaper option of the two, making it the better option for anyone looking to keep costs low.
Even though both gate types can be the same shape and size, sliding gates require a more complex opening mechanism and extra parts installed. For example, a swing gate consists of the motor and a couple of hinges mounted to a post or wall, while a sliding gate needs a motor, slide track, and rollers.
Space
Many people getting a new gate installed are working with limited space in their driveway, in which case a sliding gate may be a more suitable option. This is because sliding gates need less space to operate.
For instance, swing gates require a lot of space between the gate and the car to ensure the gate doesn’t hit any vehicle as it opens, so there must be enough room for the gate to completely open, along with space for the vehicle to wait while this happens.
This means you need to think about the width of the driveway and the available space in front and behind where it’s being installed. If space is tight, go for a sliding option, while wide driveways can benefit from double swing gates because these don’t need as much clearing to open as a single swing gate.
Maintenance
If you don’t want to worry about gate maintenance, then a swing gate is probably the best option. It has very low maintenance compared to a sliding gate, which needs tracks to be constantly cleared, with even the smallest debris causing jamming issues along the track.
Long term maintenance is generally easier on a swing gate too. There are fewer parts in the opening mechanism as it is more basic than those used on sliding gates, meaning less chance of parts breaking down and needed repaired or replaced.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
