Automated Gates and Equipment - Residential Gate Resources

Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Wood Driveway Gate for Your Redmond Home

An automated driveway gate is a purchase that has been shown to add value and beauty to your Redmond, Washington residence. Learn the details now and you’ll be well-prepared at every step.

Redmond Wood Driveway Gate Permits

Depending upon where you live, it may be necessary to get a permit for your Redmond, Washington driveway gate. Redmond City Hall will be able to help you get required gate installation permits to get your gate project moving. Your gate installer will apply for electrical permits to install electricity for your automated driveway gate system.

Electricity to Power Your Gate

A power supply is essential when installing an automated driveway gate to function properly. Determine if you have a source of electrical power adjacent to your gate location. If not, even in cloudy Redmond, Washington, solar energy can provide power to your driveway gate and could even be more cost effective over time. Ask us about solar power for your Redmond driveway gate. 

Security and Access Control

In Redmond, Washington, and many other areas, safety and security are often the primary reason a family purchases automated driveway gate. The gate that deters would-be lawbreakers from entering your property is the same gate that provides easy access to members of your family, friends and delivery truck drivers. Your access control system makes it simple for you to monitor who comes in and out. Popular driveway gate access systems in Redmond, Washington include keyless, digital entry pads (like a 4-digit code), card readers, intercoms, and telephone entry systems. The amount and frequency of people entering and exiting through your home driveway gate determines the most suitable type of access control system to pick for your residence.

Types of Redmond Wood Gates

When it comes to driveway gates, there are two basic types: slide and swing. Space is often the determining factor for the type you decide on. If your Redmond, Washington home has plenty of space on either side of your entrance or a very short driveway, a sliding gate (which slides across the driveway), will almost definitely be the right fit. However, if you are limited in space on either side of the entrance and you have extra driveway space, a swinging gate (that opens parallel to the driveway), is often the best fit. A reputable driveway gate specialist will visit your Redmond home to see the size and layout of your entry and driveway first-hand. Then they can make recommendations that consider both the space and your vision for your location.

Driveway Gate Repair and Maintenance

Our wet Redmond, Washington weather is hard on automated driveway gates. Frequent maintenance for your driveway gate system provides benefits akin to routine car maintenance – it helps you stretch the life of your driveway gate. A vehicle gate that doesn’t function properly could leave your Redmond, Washington home a target for criminal activity or pose a safety risk. Getting the correct gate system manuals and having a suitable walk-through when your gate installation is finished, is essential to being aware of your driveway gates functionality – helping you to know when to call for automated gate maintenance or repair.

Safety Features

Without safety features, an automated driveway gate can pose significant safety risks. Safety devises can prevent physical entrapment and protect vehicles.

These are some standard safety features to consider.

  • Gate edges are devices which are contact sensitive devices that operate when touched, using sensors which are designed to be pressure sensitive . If an obstacle is encountered, the device commands the automated gate to stop and/or reverse.
  • Photo eyes are “non-contact” devices which function by shooting a light beam across the gate opening. Interrupting the beam will prevent the electric gate from closing, or will make the gate stop and reverse its motion.
  • Loop detectors, primarily meant for vehicle safety, are installed underneath the driveway and cause the gate to open or prevent it from closing on a vehicle in the path of the gate.

Do get a hold of us soon to talk with a gate systems expert about one of our custom wood gates for your Redmond house.