Property crimes are a major issue for homeowners across the country. In fact, there’s a burglary once every 22.6 seconds.
This means you’ll need to find ways to protect your property and those you love from unexpected intruders whenever possible. Though alarm systems can help, it’s always best if you can keep those intruders off of your property in the first place.
The easiest way to do that is with a security gate for home use. These gates are functional and beautiful. You just need to find the right fit for your needs.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best security gate for your home.
Figure Out Why You Want the Gate
Before you can start looking at different types of metal security gates for homes, you need to know why you’re wanting to install the gate in the first place.
Are you looking to add value to your property? Are you hoping to increase privacy? Or do you want to make your property safer and reduce your risk of break-ins?
Different gate styles will help you accomplish different things. Identify the reason for installing the gate and discuss your options with your installation provider.
Set a Firm Budget
Once you know why you’re installing the security gate for home use, think about how much you’re willing to spend on the gate and the installation.
If you have savings in place that you plan on using for the project, make a note of how much you’re willing to spend. If you plan on financing a portion of the project, find out how much you’ll qualify for with your home improvement lender.
Remember, you’ll want to stick to your budget as closely as you can. The last thing you want to do is go into serious debt just trying to improve security on your property.
Think About How Much Space You Have
Security gates can take up a lot of space on your property. Consider how much of your landscaping you’re willing to lose or relocate to accommodate the new security gate.
If you have tons of room and want to save a bit of money on the project, investing in a swinging gate will be the best choice. These gates swing in toward your property as you open them and swing shut again once you’re through the gate.
If you don’t have tons of space, a sliding gate may be a better option. These gates slide against the existing fencing on your property, thereby taking up much less space than a swinging gate. That said, they can cost more than the alternative.
Look at the Risks in Your Area
Security gates are ideal for making your property safer. However, some gates protect against certain types of risk better than others.
Think about the types of risks common in your area. Are break-ins common or do people tend to just use your driveway as a place to turn around?
If you’re trying to bolster security against break-ins and vandalism, a solid-piece gate that intruders can’t climb will be the best fit. However, if you’re trying to keep unwanted visitors off the property without making your yard feel closed off, decorative iron security gates for homes will work best.
Pick the Right Material
No matter what type of security gate you install, you’ll need to stay on top of routine maintenance if you want it to work properly and look great. Ultimately, the type of gate you install determines how much maintenance you’ll need to take care of each year.
Wooden sliding gates are beautiful and add value to your property. However, you’ll have to seal the wood against the elements or keep it painted each year.
Wrought iron gates are incredibly durable but their heavy weight means you’ll need to get the hinges inspected several times a year. Otherwise, you may have problems opening and closing the gate.
Figure Out the Accessories That You Want
When you’re adding gates for home security, it’s easy to focus on the gate itself. Though this is the primary feature you need to worry about, it’s not the only element you’ll need to choose.
The best security gates come with different accessories and features. These include remote access control systems, solar panels to power the motor, and even camera mounts to enhance security on your property.
Think about the additional features you want installed with your gate and make sure the expert you hire can accommodate those features.
Always Check With Your HOA
Though it might seem like you’re able to make any improvements you want on the property you own, this isn’t always the case. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you’ll need to make sure the HOA is okay with the security gate installation.
They may have rules or regulations you’ll have to follow to guarantee that the gate fits with their aesthetic. If you install something that goes against the HOA’s rules, you’ll have to remove it at your own expense. Worse, you could face costly fines and fees.
Before you start work on the gate, make sure you have permission from your HOA and discuss the types of materials and styles you’re interested in. Once you have their approval, you’ll be able to start the project without worry.
A Security Gate for Home Use Is Worth the Investment
If you’re trying to improve the safety of your house while enhancing the appearance of your yard, installing a security gate for home use is one of the best things you can do. The gate will keep unwanted visitors from coming onto your property and gives you an added layer of protection against the general public.
Just make sure to keep these things in mind and you’ll be able to pick the right style of gate for your property in no time.
Once you have the gate installed, you’ll want to turn your attention to other parts of your property. Check out our latest posts for more inspiration to help you bolster security and safety without overtaxing your budget.
