Living in Sacramento, you know crime rates have been on the rise. Social media is filled with stories of car break-ins, robberies, and even stolen car parts. From missing wheels to entire hoods, these incidents highlight the importance of home security. It starts with your garage door but your driveway can also make a difference.

Start by ensuring your garage door is in top condition. A properly functioning door is your first line of defense. But don’t stop there. Consider adding an automatic security gate for an extra layer of protection. Security gates aren’t just for the wealthy anymore with an extravagant gate at the end of their mansion’s driveway. They offer an affordable way to significantly deter criminals and safeguard your vehicle. Even if your car is safely secured in the garage, a gate creates a visible barrier, making your property less appealing to potential thieves. 

Investing in both a reliable garage door and a driveway security gate offers peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is well-protected.

If you are considering adding a security gate for your home, here’s everything you need to know.

There Are 3 Types of Residential Gates Commonly Used

Now that you understand the value of adding a security gate to your Sacramento home, let’s explore the different opening mechanisms:

• Sliding Gates: Ideal for space-saving efficiency. These gates slide parallel to your existing fence, requiring minimal additional clearance. Perfect for maximizing space utilization.
• Four-Fold Gates: Perfect for larger driveways or multi-car garages. These gates fold completely flat against the fence when open, providing a clear view of the entire opening. This minimizes the risk of accidental damage to your car while entering or exiting.
• Swinging Gates: Looking for a budget-friendly option? Swinging gates offer a cost-effective solution for added security. They operate on a single hinge, swinging open and closed for easy access.

Each gate type offers unique advantages to suit your specific needs and space constraints. Now don’t forget that just like any other part of your home custom made options are available. Various installers will work with you to figure out a custom-made gate that matches your exact needs. They’ll still fall within these types of gates but there can be visual or access control changes. 

Like Doors, Gates Can Be Automatic

Just like the convenience of an automatic garage door opener, security gates can be automated as well. It’s easy to appreciate the ease of operating your gate with a simple remote control or a secure keypad entry. No more getting out of your car to manually open and close the driveway gate, especially in bad weather.

Automatic security gates offer the ultimate in convenience and security, allowing you to control access to your property from the comfort of your car or from inside your home. It’s a simple upgrade that adds significant value to your security measures.

Don’t Forget the Intercom

Just because you have a driveway gate doesn’t mean you have to be closed off from the rest of the world. After all, you want it to supplement the security of your garage door, not completely isolate you. That’s why getting a reliable intercom system is crucial. This way, your guests can always contact you so you know they’ve arrived. Delivery people might not have access to mobile phones. Reception can sometimes be an issue.

There are a number of gate intercom options available. Video camera intercoms are nice because you always know who has arrived. This can prevent security threats. Two way radio intercoms have the advantage of distance — up to a mile if you have a long driveway. Cell phone intercoms have absolutely no range limits when it comes to long distance. Digital intercoms allow for proprietary encryption for secure conversations.

What’s the Right Location for Your Driveway Gate?

Similar to installing an automatic garage door opener, automatic security gates are fairly standard these days. They offer the convenience of remote or keypad operation, eliminating the need to manually open and close the gate.

But where should you place your security gate? This is often best decided with the help of an expert. A garage door technician specializing in security gates can assess your property and provide personalized recommendations.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Street Access vs. Driveway Placement: Should the gate be located directly on the street or set further back on your driveway? Where does your property start and end? Strategic placement can balance security needs with allowing access for deliveries.
• Space Considerations: The chosen location should ensure the gate operates smoothly without scraping your vehicle or causing any property damage.
• Visibility: For optimal security, the gate should ideally be positioned where you can easily see approaching vehicles.

A gate installation tech can visit your home, discuss your needs, and recommend the ideal location for your new security gate. 

The Value of Safety

A gate can enhance the security already present in your garage door and other alarm systems. This way you can confidently park outside of your garage without fear of car theft. This can be ideal if you have more cars than can fit inside your garage, or if you’ve converted your garage into a recreation area such as a TV room, bar, gym or office.

Talk to Your Insurance Company: You Might Be Eligible for Savings

We’ve talked about the added security a driveway gate brings to both your home and your vehicle. And there is solid research to back this up, not to mention common sense. Not only does a gate help protect your privacy. It also helps guard your property and vehicles from crime.

It’s kind of like when you keep your car inside a garage. Your insurance company may offer a discount because it is better protected, especially if the garage is fortified with a solid security system.

Because of that, you may be eligible for substantial savings on your insurance premiums, both house as well as vehicle. Talk to both insurance companies and let them know what security measures you’ve put in place. Ask them if there is any way you could save.

Because when your property is protected, the cost to insure your home and vehicles becomes substantially less. Protect your property; save on insurance. Sounds like a win-win to us.