Is A Sliding or Swing Gate Better for Your Property?
Can’t decide between swing and sliding gates for your home? If you’ve got a wide driveway and are also concerned about security, then sliding gates are generally the best option.
If you’ve got no room for the gate to slide along your fence line, your best option is a swing gate.
However, there may be other factors to consider when making your gate choice. Before deciding on a swing or sliding gate for your home, here’s some information to help guide you.
Available Space and Access
How much space your property has will determine which gate is most practical to access.
Consider its location, whether the ground slopes, length of driveway and pedestrian traffic. Sliding gates require little room to use. However, swing gates have restrictions for steep slopes and homes with minimal space.
If the driveway inclines too steeply, swing gates that swing away from the property are best. The ground must be level enough for sliding gates to operate freely.
However, a sliding gate would be a more suitable option if:
- There’s a lack of space. Swing gates need a lot more clearance and may make it difficult to manoeuvre a car in smaller driveways
- The driveway or gate area is uneven
- Your home is prone to strong winds
- The property’s boundary wall isn’t curved
- You want to maximise property space
Budget
Swing gates are often cheaper than sliding gates because they use hinges, rather than tracks and rollers, to work.
Other factors affecting the overall cost include:
- Choice of materials: Higher end security materials such as steel and wrought iron will be expensive. Aluminum is more cost-effective
- Type of access: Whether the gate will be manual or automatic via an electronic card, pin code or remote-control access
- Installation: DIY may be more cost-effective if you have specialised trade skills to do the job
Property Style
After you’ve determined how it’ll open, consider which style of gate compliments your home’s architectural features.
Choose materials and colours that add to kerb appeal. However, consider the rest of the neighbourhood too. Your council may have restrictions regarding the aesthetics of the neighbourhood. Check these before you apply for a permit.
Property style can make design options easier. Hampton and Colonial homes pair with picket-styles, whereas modern architecture suits the clean and minimal lines of slat styles and grand manor homes fit with decorative tubular.
Purpose
Is the gate designed for high-security purposes or to increase safety, privacy and visual appeal?
Security gates are designed for sturdier needs and are often constructed of high-strength galvanised steel. Sharp embellished tops can also be added for detail and to prevent people jumping over.
If privacy is priority, slat gates have wide panels to deter prying eyes. Some slat systems also allow the size between panels to be customised, depending on privacy needs, bu it must still comply with local regulations.
Installation and Maintenance
If you are experienced with tools and have specialised building skills, the gate can be manufactured and supplied for you to install yourself. However, you will need an electrician if the gate is to be automated.
Sliding gates are usually easier and more economical to install due to less installation time. They’re also quieter to operate than swing gates.
But swing gates require less maintenance, especially if not automated. Sliding gates need regular track cleaning to operate smoothly. Sweep inside the tracks with a small broom to remove debris as this can cause gates to derail.
Whether for a driveway gate or a regular entry, your choice of swing or sliding gate can be a smart investment for your property.
Jayde Walker (Ferguson)
