How Smart Is Your Current Driveway Gate? Benefits of Installing an Automated Gate Operator
You’re used to devices being considered smart because of their ability to respond to voice commands and accomplish tasks for you. But, have you ever thought about how smart your current driveway gate is? If you’re like most people, probably not. The truth is, driveway gates aren’t generally thought of as smart, because they require a human to manually operate them. However, a smart, automated driveway gate can actually improve your home and protect your family in ways that a traditional manual gate cannot.
What Is a Smart Driveway Gate?
Basically, a smart driveway gate is operated using a keypad, push button, or both rather than needing to be manually opened and closed. These types of driveway gates are commonly found in gated communities and private residences. While a manual driveway gate will certainly function well, there are many benefits to installing a smart gate.
Improved Property Security
An automated driveway gate is one of the best deterrents for would-be thieves and other criminals. Since the majority of crimes are opportunistic in nature, if your home has a security gate, it won’t be a criminal’s first choice. When paired with a strong fence, a smart driveway gate will send the bad guys hunting for an easier target and protect your property and family. The addition of a camera and intercom system allows you to see visitors and verify their identity without compromising your personal safety.
Increased Convenience
Although opening and closing a manual driveway gate isn’t physically difficult, it can be very inconvenient. In heavy rain, wind, or other inclement weather, getting out of your vehicle to work the gate means getting wet, cold, and uncomfortable. An automated smart driveway gate, on the other hand, allows you to easily open and close the gate from the comfort of your home or car without any trouble. Plus, if you have children in your car, you won’t have to leave them, even for a moment, without your direct supervision.
Ultimate Personal Privacy
Unwanted guests, door-to-door salesmen, and nosy neighbors can all be a bother, especially if you live in a heavily populated area. Those types of interruptions are all but eliminated with an automated driveway gate. You’ll be able to enjoy your front porch, yard, garden, and patio area without worrying about who might wander up your driveway unannounced. That level of privacy is difficult to come by with a manual gate that can be operated by just about anyone.
Controls Vehicle Entry
A beautiful home and lush landscape is inviting, but not everyone who drives by is a welcome visitor. Sometimes, people will want to get a closer look at your home, and that’s not something that you want to have happen. A fenced in yard with an automated gate will keep unwanted vehicles from entering your property. You have the power to control which vehicles are permitted and when with an automated driveway gate. You’ll never have to worry about a wayward motorist making their way into your private space without your permission.
Child and Pet Safety
Your children and pets are a top priority and their safety is incredibly important to you. One of the major benefits of an automated driveway gate is that it helps keep both kids and pets within the confines of your yard where they’re safer. You can rest assured that your kids and pets won’t wander off into the street and that strangers won’t be able to simply walk into your yard where your kids are playing. Additionally, an automated gate can help keep dangerous strays and wild animals from coming into your yard.
Improved Curb Appeal
The way your home looks from the outside has a major impact on how you feel about it and how it fits into the community. A beautiful iron fence and gate are one of the best ways to improve your home’s curb appeal. Whether you choose a basic design, or something more ornate, a smart driveway gate will compliment your home and landscape. When combined with beautiful masonry, custom outdoor lighting, landscape plants, and other enhancements, a smart driveway gate will make your home stand out positively.
Higher Resale Value
Besides making your home look nicer from the outside, an automated driveway gate can also increase your home’s resale value. When it comes time to sell your home, a potential buyer will scrutinize every aspect of the property, beginning at the gate and a smart gate is a big plus. Buyers who are concerned about safety, privacy, and curb appeal will certainly find more value in a home with a smart gate than one without. Even if you don’t plan on selling, the increased value helps provide your family with an added sense of financial security.
Potential Insurance Savings
Another potential benefit of installing a smart driveway gate on your property is that your home insurance carrier may reward you. Insurers know that a property that’s protected with a secure, automated gate are less likely to be broken into, damaged, or otherwise compromised by intruders. The amount you could save every month in your insurance premiums could add up to a substantial amount, depending upon your carrier. Talk to your insurance agent to find out if installing a smart driveway gate will decrease your premiums.
Expert Installation of Automated Gate Operators
A smart driveway gate not only improves your home’s curb appeal, it also helps provide a higher level of security for you and your family. One of the major benefits is that it keeps visitors from entering your property without your consent. However, if your gate is manually operated, you’ll have to exit your vehicle, open the gate, pull through, exit your vehicle and close the gate. In other words, it’s not a smart gate and that can put you, your family, and your property at risk.
If you’re concerned about security or you simply want to improve your home’s curb appeal and value, contact us at AR Iron to request a quote or to schedule an appointment. We’re experts at designing, fabricating, and installing automated iron gates that are as beautiful as they are functional.
