08 Aug Should Steel Driveway Gates Open In or Out?
Steel driveway gates are a brilliant way to add character, elegance and beauty to the outside of your home. Using a steel gate for your driveway is a reliable way to ensure a high degree of security for your home and garden for years to come.
Space Considerations
When deciding what steel driveway gate is best for your property, it’s important to determine exactly how much space you’re working with. If you’re strapped for space, a sliding gate may be the best choice, whereas if you have adequate space, an elegant swing gate would be great. Whatever the size of your driveway entrance, you need to ensure the gate is slightly wider than the opening to allow for proper fitting and installation.
Should my Steel Gateway Open Inwards or Outwards?
If you’re deciding upon whether to have a driveway gate that opens inwards or outwards, you should be aware that either way, you’ll need ample space to accommodate the swinging opening of the gate. Inwards opening gates will require a clear space at the end of your driveway, whilst outwards opening gates will require space outside of the property, along the pavement or road that your property backs onto.
Baker Steel Trading can provide you with bespoke steel gateways whether you decide to have them open outwards or inwards.
Steel Gates Opening Inwards
Traditionally, swing gates have always opened inwards, as this is the direction in which people enter. It’s also much safer for a gate to open inwards in most cases. However, if your driveway slopes upwards, an inward swinging gate may not be functional, although this can be overcome using angled hinges.
Steel Gates Opening Outwards
Whilst outward swinging gates are uncommon, they can be effective in certain situations. However, it’s important to note that if the entrance to your driveway faces a road or pathway, an outward swinging gate may lead to a dangerous obstruction or even a collision. It’s vital to take these safety concerns into account, so unless you have adequate space for an outward swinging gate, installing one would be dangerous.
The Importance of Clearing Obstructions
When using a metal swing gate, the responsibility for clearing obstructions obviously falls on the owner. Fortunately, however, you can install an automatic swing gate kit that will cause the gate to stop and retract should it encounter an obstruction whilst opening. It’s still essential to keep the opening clear, however, since your gate could end up causing damage to parked cars or garden ornaments.
Why Steel Gates Are the Best Choice
With non-metal gates, weather fluctuations such as an increased wind in a certain direction can put a halt to your gate opening or closing, which in high winds even could even make your automatic opener cease functioning entirely. Metal gates, however, are almost always made with plenty of space for air to flow through, allowing your gate to be sufficient in all weather conditions.
On top of this, steel gates also make for the long-term choice for any gate, as steel gates are strong and robust, able to withstand the elements for decades to come, with little maintenance or care needed at all.
Sliding Gates: The Alternative Option
If a traditional swinging gate isn’t suitable for your property because of obstructions or limited space, you’ll be glad to know that modern sliding steel gates can be an excellent choice. A sliding gate will mean you don’t need to clear any space in the gate’s path as it will slide along a rail to retract. Whilst a sliding gate may be a more expensive option, it can easily make up for this through its security and attractiveness.
Steel Driveway Gates From A Local Steel Fabricator
If you’re looking for a steel driveway gate of any kind, get in contact with Baker Steel Trading. We fabricate bespoke steel gates in various designs with a great choice of finishes.
Whether you’re looking for traditional swinging steel gates or more modern sliding driveway gates, Baker Steel Trading can provide you with stylish steel gates to suit your property.