Driveway gates can add security, privacy, elegance and beauty to the exterior of your home, as well as heaps of character and value. Depending on the materials used and how the gate is constructed, you can rely on a driveway gate for many years to come with minimal maintenance required. That said, the process of finding the fight gates for your property can be quite a daunting task, especially with all of the different shapes, sizes, colours, materials, and configurations.
Then there's the question you only really think about when you're ready to install the gate:
"Should it open outward or inward?"
Gate opening outwards
Most houses face roads and pathways. For this reason, a driveway gate opening outwards could potentially become an obstruction for a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist. Or worse, it could cause a collision. It's essential to take these serious safety concerns into account. Unless a house has sufficient safe space to accommodate the gate without it being an obstruction, it should not open outwards.
Gate opening inwards
Traditionally, gates swing inwards, which is the direction in which visitors enter your property. It's the safest approach; however, there are many factors worth considering, depending on the ground's height. For example, if your driveway is sloped, with the ground rising, the gate will strike the surface; however, you can overcome this issue with sliding gates, so long as you have enough room to do so. Alternatively, it may be worth considering sourcing hinges that open the gate at an angle.
The windy season calls for trouble
Swing gates can be a bit of a menace when handling weather fluctuations, potentially acting as a sail when the wind blows. If the wind is forcing the gate in the opposite direction, it can become almost impossible to open. That's why we'd always recommend you invest in metal driveway gates, which are elegantly crafted to allow air to pass through, making it easier to open and close in all weather conditions.
The importance of clearing obstructions
With metal swing gates, the responsibility is on the homeowner to clear obstructions. Fortunately, with the addition of an automatic gate kit, you can boost safety as the gate will automatically stop and retract if it encounters an obstacle. That said, to prevent damage to your property, always make sure you keep your opening clear of parked cars, ornaments or plants. Keep in your mind that the area covered by the gate opening must remain an empty space at all times.
The key takeaway
To summarise, unless there is sufficient space on the property to accommodate your driveway gate opening fully, swing gates should be installed to open inwards — it's the safest and most sensible solution. To maximise space, it could be worth considering a metal gate that slides open rather than swings. If you're looking for a new driveway gate and need some advice on measuring, installation, styles or finishes, we're always here to help. You can send us a message or call us on 0844 804 5577.