Residential Driveway Gates Design and Installation
Your driveway is more than just a parking space; it’s the boundary between public and private, and the first impression of your home visitors receive. At 1st Choice, we specialise in designing and installing stunning bespoke driveway gates in London that seamlessly blend security with elegance. Our gates are designed to enhance your property while providing you with the comfort and ease of automated gates on your arrival or departure.
Since 2006, 1st Choice Security Systems has been a trusted partner when it comes to enhancing the beauty and security of your London home. Our team creates, installs, and automates gates that are not only visually appealing but also precision-fitted to serve as an effective deterrent to intruders, trespassers, and unwanted visitors.
Read on to discover how 1st Choice gate installers create bespoke driveway gates tailored to the aesthetics of your home and your privacy needs.
4 Benefits of Driveway Gates in London
1st Choice clients tend to know exactly what they’re looking for from electric driveway gates. Here are four key benefits homeowners frequently discuss with us when considering the installation of driveway gates:
- Elegant Entrance. London driveway gates offer a warm welcome to guests visiting your home. Whether you envision the timeless charm of wrought iron gates from the Edwardian era or prefer the sleek minimalism of aluminium gates, 1st Choice specialises in creating bespoke automatic gates that enhance the style and character of your property.
- Enhanced Privacy. Wood, steel, aluminium, or wrought iron electric gates serve as an effective barrier between the public world of the pavement and the privacy of your family home. Gates don’t need to resemble fortifications to achieve this; 1st Choice frequently installs smart, contemporary designs that cleverly shield your home from prying eyes.
- Increased Property Value. London homeowners planning to sell their property often discover that automatic driveway gates are an excellent way to boost its appeal to potential buyers. In a competitive housing market, where unique features are highly sought after, electric gates are a popular choice for buyers of all ages.
- Protection. Driveway gates not only deter opportunistic crimes but also offer an additional layer of security. Doorstep scammers rely on easy access to family members to carry out their criminal schemes. Automatic gates create a protective frontline that keeps these scammers at bay, ensuring the safety and security of your family.
Invest in 1st Choice’s expertly designed and automated driveway gates, providing an elegant, private, and secure entry to your London home, while safeguarding your loved ones from potential threats.
Tailored London Driveway Gates
At 1st Choice, we recognise that there’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ driveway, especially in space-conscious London properties. This is precisely why we specialise in crafting bespoke electric gates that are carefully tailored to the unique dimensions and characteristics of your driveway.
In order to deliver the best solution for your property, we always start with a site visit. This visit allows us to get an understanding of your specific requirements and the unique characteristics of your property and driveway.
As part of our service, we also provide a free security assessment. This allows us to evaluate your existing security systems, identifying any vulnerabilities that may still require attention. It also helps us to determine the best positioning for your driveway gates.
A Range of Driveway Gate Solutions
Regardless of the size or shape of your driveway, the 1st Choice team will find a solution that offers the perfect blend of style and security for your home. Here are some options to consider:
- Swing Gates. A popular choice, swing gates operate most efficiently with a deep driveway. However, if your property has a shallower approach, we recommend bi-fold swing gates. These gates are cleverly designed to split in half and fold back on themselves when opening. This innovative design uses only half the depth of space required by traditional swing gates.
- Sliding Gates. For driveways built on an incline or lacking sufficient depth for swing gates, sliding gates are an excellent choice. They glide smoothly on a track laid across the front of your property, and they can be automated for the speed of opening you desire. Keep in mind that this installation requires adequate lateral space on either side of the driveway to accommodate the sliding track.
- Curved Electric Gates. In cases where the driveway opening is both shallow and narrow, and gateposts are present, traditional lateral slider tracks may not be feasible. We offer an elegant solution by designing a track that accommodates the gateposts. This track runs alongside the driveway, facilitating the smooth opening and closing of the gates.
- Telescopic Sliding Gates. When there is limited space available on either side of the driveway, our team recommends telescopic sliding security gates. These gates are divided into two or three parts that slide back in alignment with each other. This arrangement requires less lateral space compared to standard sliding gates, making it an ideal choice for constrained spaces.
No matter your driveway’s unique characteristics, 1st Choice has the expertise to tailor a solution that perfectly matches your requirements, combining functionality, style, and security seamlessly.
1st Choice Aftercare and Repairs
When your driveway gates are installed, they will be in perfect working order. To ensure they stay that way, regular gate maintenance is essential. At 1st Choice, we can take care of this for you. We’ll advise on the frequency of your maintenance checks and schedule them for your convenience, providing you with peace of mind.
Additionally, our team will always be on hand to attend promptly for any gate repairs that may be needed. Your satisfaction and the continued functionality of your gates is our top priority.
Smart and Secure London Driveway Gates
At 1st Choice Security Systems, we wholeheartedly recommend the installation of electric security gates, regardless of your driveway’s size. These gates establish a protective boundary separate from your front door, and the mere sight of driveway gates often acts as a strong deterrent to opportunistic criminals. Beyond security, bespoke gates are designed to enhance the exterior aesthetics of your property, offering a stylish welcome for your guests.
Your peace of mind is paramount to us, which is why we take every measure to ensure your trust in our installers. All 1st Choice engineers are DBS checked, SafeContractor approved, SSAIB approved, and proud members of DHF. We adhere to the ISO2001-2015 standard. In case of emergencies, our team is available 24 hours a day.
Automatic Gates For London Driveways – FAQs
Is Planning Permission Required For Automatic Gates?
When installing automatic gates in London, there are certain regulations you need to follow to avoid legal complications. Here’s a summary:
- Gate orientation: Your gates must open inwards towards your property, not outwards onto the road.
- Height and location: You don’t usually need planning permission for automatic gates that are entirely on your property and less than 2 meters tall. However, if your gates are next to a highway, they can’t be taller than 1 meter.
- Replacing existing gates: You can replace an existing gate in the same location without planning permission, as long as the new gate is the same height or lower than the old one. But if the new gate is taller, you’ll need planning permission before proceeding.
Even if your plans meet these guidelines, it’s a good idea to check with your local council to see if they have any additional requirements.
Can Automatic Gates Be Opened Manually?
All our electric gates in London have a manual override feature, just in case of a power outage. This means you can still open and close your gates by hand, even if the power goes out.
How Long Do Electric Gate Motors Last?
Regular driveway gate servicing keeps your electric gate motor in top condition and helps it last longer. With reasonable daily use (about 10-15 openings/closings), a well-maintained gate can last up to 15 years.
Do Electric Gates Use a Lot of Electricity?
Electric gates use very little electricity:
- When on standby, they use about 100 watts per day.
- When active, they use about 700 watts.
For a set of driveway gates used 10-15 times per day, the average annual electricity cost would be around £15.
Do Automatic Gates for Driveways Need Safety Edges?
Safety edges (rubber contact strips) are essential for any gate that could pose a trapping, shearing, or crushing hazard. These pressure-sensitive strips detect obstacles on contact and immediately signal the gate to stop and reverse, preventing accidents.
How Much Do Driveway Gates in London Cost?
The price of a bespoke driveway gate in London will vary depending on its size, style, material, and finish. 1st Choice designers will visit your home and discuss your options with you, then provide a free quote for your chosen gate.
In need of CAMESAFE Security Gates for Driveways?
Our CAMESAFE Installers have vast knowledge and experience to be able to offer the required security solutions and automation safety for all our security gates for driveways.
Ready to discuss the installation of London driveway gates with a member of the 1st Choice team? Reach out to us today at 01525 718757.
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