If you’re considering building a residential gate access control system for your private residence, you need to make sure you’ve got things in order. The building of an electric gate can be fairly seamless so long as you’ve put the ground work and research in. Upgrading an electric gate is a lot easier than building one from scratch, but even then, you might need to prepare. Here we’ll look at what you can do to make the building and installation of an residential gate access control system easy for you and your family.
Building A Residential Gate? Decide On Gate Type
There are different kinds of gates that can be automated. You need to think about how you want the gate to open. If you don’t pay this enough thought, the spacing around the main gate may not be entirely functional or you’ll be left with a small space in which to maneuver your vehicle once you’ve gained access to the property. The three primary types of gate used on residential dwellings are:
Sliding Gates
Logically, they’re gates that slide either left or right from the closed position. They’re installed on a track and usually slide behind a fence which lies adjacent to the gate itself. Sliding gates usually only go one way, so you’d only have one gate. They’re suitable for homes with smaller space behind the gate area, and like all gate types, a residential gate access control system can be installed onto the sliding gate, such as a cellular access system, to ensure its user friendly.
Swing Gates
The most popular gate type. Swing gates open inward or outward, and deciding between the two is paramount:
- Inward: Good if there is no room to swing outward due to blocking the sidewalk or the road. You can drive pretty close to the gate before you open it.
- Outward: they’re sometimes stronger and harder to force open and saves you space in your property. A good choice if there are usually kids playing not far beyond the gate itself.
Once you’ve decided on an inward or outward facing swing gate, you’ll need to decide on a pair or one gate. With swing gates, a pair is usually more common and looks a bit better. Swing gates work well with cellular access control so that you can ensure your residential electric gate is easily accessible.
Cantilever Gates
Cantilever gates work on a fulcrum or a counterbalance. They’re like sliding gates. They’re usually used when the road or entryway is longer than usual, meaning the gate itself will be pretty large. If you live somewhere stormy, this can be a bad thing because the wind can affect the counterbalance.
There are some variances but these are the three gates that work best with a residential gate access control system.
Build The Gate With Automation In Mind
It’s likely that if you’re building a gate to control access to your property, you’re going to want to automate it. Manual gate entry is a thing of the past and an ultimate time suck. Instead, you can manage your residential gate access control with a cellular access system. It’s super easy to give entry privileges to your family members, or to tradespeople as needed. Controlling your electric gate from your cell phone is simple because in this day and age, people are never far from their phone. It means you can open your gate from wherever you are, without having to use a buzzer system.
When you build the gate, think about cellular access automation. Speak to a registered installer and sync up with them so that the gate construction lends itself to automation in the future.
Make Sure Trees and Foliage Don’t Get In The Way
On the day the gate is set to be built, you don’t want any problems. Imagine the builders or installers turning up and having to leave because there are trees blocking a gate’s opening arc or a problem with the gate so that it can’t be automated. Save yourself the headache and make sure you get the foliage cut back or trees cut down so that they don’t interfere with you building the perfect residential gate access control system.
At the same time, don’t start cutting trees down if you’re not entirely sure where the gate is going to go…you might regret it later. Remember, trees are amazing at preventing access water build ups and floods, while also providing privacy and giving you a better view…so don’t make the decision lightly. If the tree is pretty big, you’ll also need to speak to someone qualified instead of doing it yourself.
Ensure You Know How To Use The System
It sounds patronizing, sometimes people can struggle with the gate entrance system when they’ve never used one before.
With a cellular access system it’s pretty easy. All you need to do post installation is download the app, sync them up and press the right button to open the gate.
You also need to work on access and who has access. With a master key, you can allocate access to friends and family. This access can of course be revoked. All you need to do is check with the installer or contact the provider if you’re struggling with the system. If you were to utilize Nimbio, there’s a comprehensive support package including FAQs, a contactable team, and a detailed features article so that you don’t miss any of the innovative uses Nimbio has.
Taking the time to learn how to properly use any residential gate access control system not only means ease of access for yourself, but limits the chances of you making any potential mistakes that can lead to security breaches or even safety concerns.
Learn More About Residential Gate Access Control Systems
There’s a huge amount of information on our blog regarding electric gates. If you were wondering about a Nimbio install, please reach out and we would be happy to answer any of your questions. If you’re not entirely sure, have a look at how other users have found the system by viewing our testimonials page.
