Automatic gates were once seen as the preserve of the wealthy.

That’s no longer the case, with increasing numbers of homeowners now taking advantage of more affordable prices.

So why should you spend more money on automated gates rather than manual gates?

If your mobility is limited, automatic gates seem a practical solution.

But what other benefits do they bring that might make them the preferred choice for a broader range of homeowners?

Security

A primary reason why many people opt for automatic gates is the vital security benefits they can bring.

An unlocked manual gate can easily be opened, while an automatic one will only do so after receiving a command from a transmitter you normally have on your person.

Extra security measures can also be added if you feel they might be helpful.

As well as making your property much harder to enter, they also act as a deterrent.

Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who tend not to risk breaking into properties with enhanced security measures.

Automatic gates make it difficult to enter, and then leave, a property without being observed. Homeowners report feelings of increased security and confidence as a result of installing automatic gates, which can provide particular peace of mind when you are away from your property for any length of time.

Privacy

Gates, particularly larger solid driveway gates, can help to enhance the overall privacy of your property.

In the case of automatic gates, the levels of privacy are even higher.

No one can enter without permission, meaning that should you not wish to be disturbed you can keep people outside.

If you don’t wish to be interrupted, secure gates can be helpful.

It also keeps out unwanted callers, salespeople and other door-to-door representatives who might arrive unannounced.

If children or animals are playing in the garden, it helps keep them safe and the whole space secure – something that is particularly beneficial if you live in a busy area.

Convenience

If you live at a property with a driveway gate that isn’t automated, you will know that familiar sinking feeling when you remember you have to get out and open yours at the end of a long drive.

You may be tired, the weather has turned nasty, and all you want to do is get indoors for a cup of tea. 

With automatic gates, you can remain warm and dry in the car, while the gates open at the push of a button on your transmitter, and then safely close behind you when your car has passed through.

If you usually lock your gates, there’s no fumbling with the keys or security code in the dark to worry about either.

It’s not only opening and closing that gates that’s simplified; there’s no risk of you going out and leaving your gates unlocked.

They will lock securely behind you after you’ve given them the instruction to close.

This added convenience has long been appreciated by people with mobility issues, but it’s not just for people who find it difficult to get in and out of their car, or open and close their gates.

This added convenience is a great feature for just about anyone, making life easier while enhancing the security of your property.

Aesthetic appeal

Everyone wants their property to look attractive, and automatic gates help to do just that.

They have a real aesthetic ‘wow factor’ that add to the overall appeal of your home.

Available in a wide variety of styles, colours and finishes, the gates you choose can enhance your home and garden.

The right choice of gate helps to improve the overall ambiance of your home; a well-chosen example is often the finishing touch to a home and garden.

Despite their high levels of functionality and associated benefits, automated gates don’t just have to be about utility.

It’s the combination of striking aesthetic appeal and high levels of security, convenience and privacy that combine to make automatic gates a real feature.

Property value

Anything which adds to the kerb appeal of your property also adds to its value.

It’s not just about how attractive automated gates look either.

The range of benefits automated gates bring can add real value to your home.

If your home and a similar house on the market are practically identical, but yours has automatic gates, it can add up to five per cent more to the overall value.

This added kerb appeal can mean that it takes less time for your home to sell and is of interest to a wider range of buyers.

Although automated gates are becoming more common, they are far from universal.

Owners love the added security, convenience and privacy they bring.

Even if they haven’t previously considered automatic gates as a desirable feature, seeing them in action can be a deciding factor when it comes to making an offer on a home.

Installed automatic gates are a real bonus for many homebuyers.

In summary, automatic gates are not just about the benefits they bring for you as the homeowner, they also represent an investment.

Automatic gates have a range of benefits for the homeowner and a way to add real value and appeal to your home.

It’s not surprising that an increasing number of people are now discovering those benefits for themselves.