Best Electric Gates for Small Driveways
You may think that automated gates are reserved for houses with wide, sprawling driveways and a good amount of space to spare. While these types of driveways look great with an automated gate, so can a small driveway. If anything, a smaller driveway could benefit the same amount as or more from automation than its larger counterparts, and let me tell you why.
A new electric gate can add an increased level of security to your property as well as a boost to your kerb appeal. But as with any upgrades to a property, there are some things that will work well and some that will not. The same is true for gates, which is why we have written this blog to help you decide what type of gate would be best for your home or business.
Electric Gates for Small Driveways: The Best Options
Your two main options for any driveway is a sliding or a swing gate. A sliding gateway, as the name would suggest, slides along a track or set of runners, whereas a swing gate opens like a door, either with one large hinged gate or two that meet in the middle.
So which is better for you?
Sliding Gates vs Swing Gates
Sliding Gates
The main benefit of an automated sliding gate is that it doesn’t need a swing arc, like its swing gate counterpart. This makes it an excellent choice for those with either particularly short driveways as there is no risk of the gate opening into a building or vehicle and causing any damage. Because of the gate’s sliding mechanism, it also leaves almost the entirety of your driveway usable, as you do not have to account for any kind of opening radius when using it.
The only drawback is the need for a flat structure, the same width as your gate, next to the opening so the gate door has something to slide along. If your gateway opening doesn’t sit directly next to a straight section of wall, then a sliding gate will not be able to fully open, meaning it won’t work in your space.
Swing Gates
On the contrary, a swing gate can be used regardless of what sits either side of it, providing it has enough space on the driveway itself to swing open. This does generally mean you need a larger driveway to facilitate it, making it a great choice for those of you with a longer driveway.
A lot of people also prefer the aesthetics of a swing gate as they often look more traditional and can be more in keeping with older or less modern style properties. If you are looking to replace your existing swing gate, it can often be much easier to get another swing gate, as in a lot of cases it can just be a straight switch between old and new doors.
Why Small Driveways Need a Different Type of Electric Gate
As you can imagine, when picking a gate for a small driveway, there is a unique set of space constraints that make a regular or swing gate potentially unsuitable for the area. Any gate you choose will need to be designed and installed in a way that takes up the minimum amount of space while still retaining the security of your driveway and property.
However, a lot of people are not sure where to start when it comes to maximising their usable driveway space. First things first, when choosing the type of gate that is right for you, you need to consider…
Your available opening space
The first thing to think about is the space you have available. As mentioned above, sliding gates need space to the side of its installation location, whereas a swing gate needs a certain level of depth in the driveway. If one of these is not possible with your property, then your best option will most likely be the other.
Vehicle and pedestrian access requirements
Put simply, if you require dedicated pedestrian access then you will most likely need a separate pedestrian door next to your larger gate, which may impact what kind of gate you can go for. If you need vehicle access but have a particularly shallow driveway, then a sliding gate will most likely be your best choice.
How your property or any nearby structures affect your driveway
If you have any structures or plants close to your gate entrance, you need to consider their clearance from a potential gate when selecting either swinging or sliding. If you have an obstruction to either side of your gate then a swing gate may be a better option, however if you have an obstruction a short distance into your driveway then a sliding gate may be the better option.
Are Traditional Swing Driveway Gates Suitable for Small Driveways in Particular?
The answer is maybe, but not usually. The issue with swing gates in small spaces is that there is often not enough clearance for the gate to swing open fully without hitting something. You need to not only have the width to fit them, but also the depth to close, even with vehicles parked in the driveway. A good way to assess this is to measure your driveway, then measure the width of the space you need the gate to cover and finally measure the amount of space that is taken up by a parked vehicle. Add the width of your gate space to the depth taken up by your vehicles. If that number is bigger than the depth of your driveway, you should have enough space for a swing gate.
Another consideration to make is the gradient of your driveway. If your driveway is on a level or downward slope towards your property, then you should be fine to install a swing gate. However, if your driveway goes up from the gate level, then a swing gateway will not be suitable as it will collide with the ground while opening inwards.
In Conclusion…
For many properties with limited space, sliding gates tend to be the most practical choice since they make the most of your driveway while giving you the same security and convenience as swing gates. Of course, every property is unique, so it’s important to think about things like your driveway’s depth and the clearance on the side before coming to a final decision.
Overall, your choice depends on the existing layout of your driveway and what your access needs are. If you are unsure what sort of gate you need to fit your space, you can contact us using the link below and a member of our team will be more than happy to guide you through the process of picking the perfect gate for you: