Enjoy Security, Privacy, and Peace of Mind in Your Secluded Neighborhood.
People want peace of mind whether they are home or away. That is why they sometimes seek a home hidden away, outside populated areas. However, that can also provide cover for burglars, vandals, and other criminals. One small group of homeowners in isolated Woodway, Washington, overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range, experienced just this problem.
Four homeowners experienced several burglaries of their large, expensive houses and car break-ins. Located in a heavily wooded area, their properties are accessible via an 800-foot private drive off the main road.
Security was not the only issue. So was privacy – one of the very reasons they moved to this community. Members of the public, seeing Puget Sound at the apparent end of this sharply sloping private street, mistakenly thought it was a convenient way to reach the beach.
The isolation offered by their private wooded road also encouraged people to dump garbage along it, without being seen.
The four homeowners decided they needed more security and contacted Automated Gates to design and install a driveway gate system that would prevent unauthorized access to their private drive. The team at Automated Gates suggested installing a full-width double swing gate at the top of the street, just off the junction with the main road.
Completed in May 2024, their private driveway gate is constructed of Corten steel and is solid enough to deter any unwanted visitors. Corten steel is an excellent material for security gates. In addition to its strength, it develops a handsome patina and never needs painting. This driveway’s landscaping naturally funnels wind toward the water. The Automated Gates design team created an attractive pattern of openings in each panel to allow even the strongest winds to pass easily through the gate, preventing wear due to wind buffeting the panels.
For additional security, the Automated Gates fabrication team installed a magnetic lock to keep the two gate panels together when the gate is closed. On the public side of the gate, they covered the lock with a small Corten steel panel to prevent tampering. The finishing touch was dark, thick-paneled wood fencing.
The gate system includes telephonic entry for residents, and, for authorized visitors, a keypad for manual code entry. The automated gate has a SEA USA hydraulic operator with a robust battery backup for operation during power outages. The backup battery has enough power to open and close the gate at least one hundred times. When the power comes back on, the batteries will automatically recharge – ready in case of another outage.
Because this private driveway gate system serves more than one home, Automated Gates obtained a building permit. The homeowners obtained a fire department permit and inspection.
Q. Can installing a driveway gate lower my home insurance premiums?
A. It certainly can, especially when homes have been the subject of previous theft or vandalism-related damage claims. Insurance companies recognize that sturdy gate systems, such as those provided by Automated Gates, are significant deterrents to intrusion and criminal activity. If you have had an unfortunate experience with home property theft or damage, contact Automated Gates for peace of mind and increased security.
Q. Is electricity to power the gate an issue for a multi-home installation?
A. No. Your homeowners association (HOA) typically hires an electrical contractor to install a meter and panel at the gate.
Q. Is it challenging to provide telephone access for a multi-home gate installation?
A. No. The majority of multi-family entry systems are cellular. Sometimes they can bring Internet access to the location, which saves a few dollars on the monthly fee.
Q. Are there ongoing costs for electricity or telephone access that homeowners with a multi-home gate installation divide up and pay?
A. Yes. The meter and panel to monitor electricity usage cost $100-$200 per year. There is a reasonable monthly fee for the entry system’s cellular and cloud-based programming service.
Protect Your Secluded Neighborhood With A Private Driveway Gate
Protect your secluded neighborhood from intruders and onlookers with a custom, private driveway gate. Call Automated Gates today at (206) 767-9080 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation site visit. An automated privacy gate expert will discuss your concerns and solutions in the convenience of your home.
Citations
- SEA USA – Hydraulic Swing Gate Operator
- AEGates – Residential Swing Gates
- AEGates – Residential Privacy-Security Gates.