18 Dec Electric Gate Installers
Do You Need Electric Gate Installers for a Sloped, Shallow, or “Awkward” Driveway?
If you have been told you can’t have automated driveway gates because your driveway is too steep, too shallow, or that it curves at a strange angle, don’t give up just yet. An awkward entrance doesn’t mean you have to compromise on security. What you need are electric gate installers who specialise in bespoke solutions – designing the system around your specific landscape, rather than trying to force a standard “off-the-shelf” kit to fit a unique space.
At 1st Choice Security Systems, we think every home should be able to have a secure entrance. As long-established providers of electric gate services across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and North London, we relish the complex projects others turn down. We design and install custom-made gates that handle slopes, tight squeezes, and unique shapes with ease, ensuring a perfect fit, robust security, and reliable operation every time.
How We Match the Driveway Gate to Your Driveway’s Unique Layout
It’s actually quite rare that we turn up to a property and find a perfectly flat, square, “standard” driveway. Real homes have character, and that often means dealing with steep gradients, limited turning circles, or short driveways that barely fit a car.
As experienced electric gate installers, we don’t look for a driveway that fits our gates; we build a gate that fits your driveway. By assessing the depth, elevation, and width of your entrance, we can recommend a configuration that makes the most of your space without compromising on security.
Here is how we tackle the most common driveway challenges:
- Swing Gates for Depth – These are the classic choice, offering a traditional entrance. However, they need the physics to be on your side. We recommend swing gates only when your driveway has sufficient depth to accommodate the full arc of the gate opening inward without hitting a parked vehicle.
- Sliding Gates for Slopes & Shallow Spaces – If your driveway is on a steep incline (where a swing gate would ground out) or is too shallow to allow for an inward swing, a sliding gate is the ideal solution. These systems slide laterally on a track across the driveway opening, meaning they take up zero parking space within the drive itself.
- Bi-Folding Gates for Tight Squeezes – Sometimes referred to as “speed gates,” these are an innovative solution for small driveways where there is neither the depth to swing nor the side-room to slide. The gate leaves fold back on themselves like a concertina, halving the space required for the gate to tuck away.
- Curved Electric Gates for Corner Entrances – If your entrance sits on a bend or requires the gate to turn a corner as it opens, a standard straight track won’t work. We install bespoke curved gates that glide effortlessly along a custom-engineered radius track, hugging your existing wall or fence line to maximize every inch of your entrance width.
Designing Your Gate – Security Without Compromising on Style
Once we have solved the engineering challenge of how the gate moves, we focus on how it looks. Your electric gates are the first thing people see, so they need to reflect the personality of your home.
1st Choice electric gates are as individual as the properties we protect. Whether you prefer the warm, natural aesthetic of hardwood, the modern, low-maintenance appeal of aluminium, or the classic security of metal driveway gates, our designers work with you to create a unique look. We can even finish the gates in custom colours to perfectly match your home’s exterior, ensuring your new security system feels like it has always been there.
Practical Questions About Bespoke Gate Installation
Installing bespoke electric gates is a big decision, especially when your property has non-standard features. You’re likely have questions about the disruption, the mechanics, and the safety of the system. Here are the answers to the most common practical questions we receive from clients.
1. Can electric gates be installed on a steep slope?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the main reasons clients choose a bespoke installer over a standard kit. For driveways that slope upwards towards the house, we can install lift hinges that allow swing gates to rise as they open, preventing them from grounding out.
Alternatively, a sliding gate or a cantilever system is often the perfect solution for steep inclines, as it moves across the gradient rather than against it. We survey the land first to determine the geometry that works best.
2. Will installing gates make my narrow driveway even tighter?
Not if they are designed correctly. Preserving your drive-through width is a priority for us. If your entrance is narrow, we can install the gate posts on the rear face of your pillars or walls (rather than in between them) to keep the full opening clear. If space is truly at a premium, folding electric gates are an excellent “space-saver” option, as they fold back neatly and minimise the intrusion into the driveway area.
3. How much digging is required? Will my driveway be a mess?
We do need to run power cables from your house to the gate location, which usually involves a small trench. However, if you have a high-quality driveway surface (like block paving or resin) that you don’t want disturbed, we can often look for alternative cable routes along fence lines or soft landscaping. As part of our survey, we will discuss the cable route with you to ensure the finish is tidy and professional.
4. Are bespoke electric gates safe for children and pets?
Safety is our priority. All 1st Choice security systems are installed with multiple safety features to prevent crushing or impact. This includes safety edges (rubber strips that stop the gate if they touch an obstacle) and photocells (beams of light that, when broken, prevent the gate from closing). Because we design the gate specifically for your home, we can also ensure the gap between bars is narrow enough to stop pets from squeezing through.
About 1st Choice Security Systems
We don’t just install gates – we secure homes. When you choose 1st Choice, your bespoke installation comes with a free security audit. Because we view your property as a whole system, we use this time to identify any potential vulnerabilities in your perimeter. We can then recommend integrated solutions, such as connecting your new electric gates to a video door entry system or linking them with high-definition CCTV, giving you total control over who enters your property.
Installers You Can Trust at Your Home
We understand that inviting tradespeople onto your property requires trust. We are proud to be a DHF member working to ISO9001-2015 standards, which guarantees that your gate isn’t just beautiful, but compliant with the strictest UK safety regulations. Every one of our engineers is DBS checked and SafeContractor approved, ensuring professional, safe conduct while working on your driveway.
Plus, our relationship doesn’t end when the installation is finished. We offer 24-hour emergency support, so you have total peace of mind knowing that expert help is always just a phone call away.
Ready to transform your driveway? If you have a challenging entrance and need experienced electric gate installers who can deliver a solution that works, we are here to help.
Get in touch with 1st Choice Security Systems today on 0800 118 2414 to book your free site survey and security audit.
