How to Pour a Concrete Driveway

Pouring a Concrete Driveway:

Depending on where you live a concrete driveway may be the best option for your house. They are durable and they tend to be the most cost effective type of driveway. Most people will hire somebody to pour their driveway for them but if you want to save some money and don't mind doing some work there is no reason that you can't do it yourself. The video below will show you what is involved.

How to Install an Automatic Driveway Gate Opener

Installing a Driveway Gate Opener:

A driveway gate will not only greatly enhance the security of your home but it will also make your yard look better. If you are going to put in a driveway gate you are going to want to make sure that you have an automatic gate opener for it as well. They are not particularly expensive and most can be installed quite easily. Having one will save you having to get out of your car every time you want to use your driveway. The video below will show you what is involved in installing a driveway gate opener.

Automatic Gate Openers

Automatic Gate Openers:

One of the best ways to improve the security of your home is with a driveway gate. If you are going to install a gate you are almost certainly going to want to have an automatic opener. There are lots of great options available when it comes to automatic gate openers so finding a good one should not be a problem.

Installing Automatic Gate Openers:

Electric Gate Openers: How to Choose the Right One

Electric Gate Openers:

Choosing the right gate opener is a fairly simple matter, the first thing to look at is the power supply. The best option is to have a gate that runs off of the AC power supply to your house. Unfortunately in a lot of cases this means running power to the end of your driveway which greatly adds to the expense. A much less expensive option is to use battery power with a solar cell to recharge, these are very affordable and can be installed quite easily.

The only other real considerations when choosing electric gate openers is to make sure that you get one that is powerful enough for the weight of your gate and that it opens in the appropriate manner, you would not want a swing gate opener if you have a sliding gate for example.

Electric Gate Opener for Driveways

Choosing an Electric Gate Opener:

An electric gate opener will make your life a lot easier if you have a driveway gate, it will save you having to get out of the car to open them. It is however important to make sure that you choose the right gate opener.

The big things to look at when it comes to choosing an electric gate opener are how it opens, how much power it has and how it is powered. How it opens will largely be determined by the type of gates that you have, if you have swinging gates for example you will need an opener that swings.

Power is the other big consideration for driveway gate openers. They are all rated for gates up to a certain weight, make sure that you get one that has the right amount of power. You should be able to find the weight of your gates in the documentation that came with them. Most electric gates run off of the main power supply for your house, this can be problematic however as in most cases the area around the entrance to your driveway is not wired so this will be an additional cost. A solar powered gate can be a good alternative, these run off of batteries with a solar panel to recharge them.

->>>Click Here to Read Reviews and Learn More About Electric Gate Openers

More About Electric Gate Openers:

Driveway Gate Openers

Driveway Gate Openers:

If you are going to go to the trouble of installing a driveway gate you are probably also going to want to make sure that you install an automatic gate opener. This will save you the trouble of having to get out of your car every time that you use your driveway. There are a lot of really great driveway gate openers available at very reasonable prices so there is no reason not to get one.

To Learn More About Driveway Gate Openers and the Options you have Click Here

Installing Driveway Gate Openers:

Driveway Gates a Great way to Improve Home Security

Driveway Gates:

One of the best ways to improve the security and the appearance of your property is with a set of driveway gates. They are available at a very reasonable cost and most people are able to install a gate by themselves, although there are plenty of companies that will do it for you. If you are going to invest in gates for your driveway it is usually best to also add an automatic opener to make them easy to use.

Installing Driveway Gates:

->>>Click Here to Learn More About Driveway Gates and to See your Options

The Cost of a New Driveway

The cost of a new driveway is going to depend on a number of factors, the biggest by far is what the driveway is made out of. We have therefore compiled a list of what it should cost per square foot for a driveway made out of the most common materials.

There are a couple of caveats about the list before we get to it however the first is that this assumes that you will hire somebody to install the driveway for you, the cost will obviously be less if you do it yourself.

The other is that your location will play a huge part in the price, labor and materials just cost more in some places than in others. You should therefore not take our estimates as gospel, make sure that you get a few quotes before you commit to building a driveway.

The Cost of a Driveway Per Square Foot by Type

Gravel: $1-3 per sq ft

Asphalt: $3-5 per sq ft

Concrete: $5-10* per sq ft

Concrete Pavers: $12-15 per sq ft

Brick Pavers: $25+ per sq ft

*Assumes a basic concrete driveway, stamped or patterned concrete will cost more, possibly as high as $20 per square foot.

Price is not the Only Consideration When Choosing a Driveway

While it is obviously important to look at cost when it comes to installing a new driveway, it is also important to look at other factors as well. The first of these is how much is how long your driveway will last and how much maintenance it will require.

In this respect you can pretty much reverse the list with concrete pavers lasting the longest and being the easiest to maintain. A gravel driveway on the other hand will need constant maintenance and need to be rebuilt every two or three years. As a rule concrete lasts longer and is easier to repair than asphalt. Brick is the outlier here being the most expensive but actually not lasting as long as concrete pavers and requiring more maintenance. Unless you really want a brick driveway it is hard to justify building one.

The other thing to keep in mind is that not all driveways are appropriate for all locations. For example concrete stands up to extremes in weather better than asphalt. If you live in a place where it gets very hot or very cold asphalt is not a good option.

Gravel driveways can be a problem in areas that get a lot of precipitation, rain tends to undermine gravel driveways and create potholes. Snow is also a problem which you will quickly discover the first time you try to clear the snow on a gravel driveway.

Choosing the best driveway for your needs requires that you look beyond just the installation cost. This is particularly true if you are planning to stay in your house for many years. You may save money in the beginning by going with a gravel or concrete driveway but after a few summers of repairing it and ultimately having to replace it you may well wish that you had selected a driveway made of concrete pavers.

Driveway Sealers: How to Seal an Asphalt Driveway

It is important to make sure that your asphalt driveway is properly sealed if it is going to remain in good condition. A driveway that is not sealed will allow water to get into the cracks and settle at the base of the driveway, when this happens you can almost guarantee that you will start to see potholes on your driveway. In addition if you live in an area where the temperature falls below freezing you can expect the water in the cracks to turn to ice and do considerable damage.

The good news is that it is not all that difficult to seal an asphalt driveway so there is no reason not to do it. Ideally it should be done every couple of years.

Sealing an Asphalt Driveway

The first thing that you have to do is to make sure that your driveway is ready to be sealed. This is particularly important if you have a new driveway. The asphalt needs at least a month to cure properly so don't rush into this.

One of the reasons that you likely want to seal your driveway is that there are cracks, these will need to be repaired before you apply the sealer. This can be easily done with a patching compound, just follow the instructions that come with it.

If you have an older driveway the preparation is mainly about making sure that it is clean. If there are any oil stains you will want to remove them, there are detergents to do this. You will then want to sweep the driveway and then use a hose to remove any dirt that you missed with the broom. The best option is to use a pressure washer but if you don't have one this is not a big deal. Make sure the driveway is dry before you start applying the sealer.

Applying Driveway Sealer

This is fairly straightforward and is largely just a matter of following the instructions. The big thing is to make sure that the sealer is well mixed.

Other than this it is simply a matter of pouring it on the driveway and spreading it with a brush. It is best to work in small areas rather than trying to do the whole driveway at one time. The only thing that you have to be careful of is that you don't put the sealer on too thick, again follow the instructions on the tub.

Other than this all you have to worry about is making sure that nobody goes on the driveway for the 24 hours that the sealer requires to dry.

How to Repair a Gravel Driveway

One of the big advantages of having a gravel driveway is that they require less maintenance than asphalt or concrete. This does not however mean that you can ignore them altogether. Over time you are likely to see some pot holes or bumps which if you don't take care of them will get worse. The good news is that one of the other advantages to a gravel driveway is that repairs are also a lot easier than on other types of driveway.

Filling in Potholes

The first step to filling a pot hole on your driveway is to make sure that you get any loose material out. This should be easy to do with a shovel. If the sides of the pothole are not solid you are going to want to dig out the pothole to the point where they are, this will ensure that the new gravel that you put in will remain firmly in place.

Once the hole is ready start by putting in coarse gravel, you will want leave about three inches between the the gravel and the surface of the driveway. At this point you will need to compact the gravel, if you have a compactor great, go ahead and use it, a 4x4 will work fine if you don't.

You are now ready to fill the hole with gravel that matches your driveway. You are going to want to overfill it by a couple of inches so that you can rake it out. This will allow the new gravel to blend in with the existing gravel on your driveway.

Avoiding Potholes

While repairing potholes on your driveway is fairly straightforward it is still best if you can avoid them developing in the first place. The main reason that they occur is standing water on your driveway which is almost always the result of improper drainage.

To make sure that your driveway has proper drainage you need to make sure that it slopes slightly down to each side from the center. The rule of thumb is that there should be one inch of slope for every four feet of width.

It is generally recommended that you put a new layer of gravel on your driveway every spring to make sure that you have the proper slope. This will probably require the use of a tractor or a front end loader, they can be rented if you don't have one.

Tips for Building a Concrete Driveway

One of the best options if you are in need of a driveway is one that is made out of concrete. While the price of having one is installed can be pretty steep most people find that it is well worth it. You can also save a great deal of money by doing it yourself, the following tips should help.

• Find out about the local building codes before you even start planning your driveway. A lot of cities and neighborhood associations have surprisingly detailed rules about what you can and can't do with your driveway. You may well find out that you can't even have a concrete driveway in your area. The last thing that you want is to get too far into the process only to find out that you have to change everything.

• Decide if you are going to do any or all of the work yourself. This is important to decide early as well since you are going to need to make sure that you schedule any necessary contractors well in advance. You may decide that you need a professional to excavate the driveway and that you can do the rest of the work yourself, or you may decide to do all of the work yourself, or none of it. This is largely going to be determined by your skills and what kind of equipment you have available.

• If you are going to use a contractor make sure that you do your research so that you can get a good one. Check references and ask about other jobs that they have done. Don't even think about using a contractor that is not licensed, bonded and insured.

• Draw up your plans. A surprising number of people try to build a driveway without plans, they make it up as they go, this rarely works out. Make sure that you get something down on paper, if you are going to be working with a contractor they can assist you in doing this.

• Buy any necessary supplies. This is only necessary if you are going to be doing the work yourself. Shop around to make sure that you get the best price and make sure that you get everything you need, the last thing that you want is to run out of cement before the job is done. If you need any equipment like an excavator or a cement mixer they can usually be rented.

• Check the weather before you start. When you are pouring a concrete driveway you are going to need at least a couple of days without rain so make sure that you check the weather forecast before you start pouring.

Beyond these tips you will of course need to know how to build and pour a concrete driveway. This is not all that hard to learn but the work itself can be pretty physical so make sure that you are prepared for that. Beyond that with a good book on how to pour concrete driveways you should not have any huge issues that you can't overcome.

Automatic Gate Opener Things to Look For

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rupert_Smith]Rupert Smith

An automatic gate opener is such a relief for those who don't like the idea of getting in and out the car just to open and close the gate. Yes, driveway gates can really add security and a touch of class to your home, but it is really a hassle to open it and close it after a while. Openers are also important in agricultural facilities where Zebus and Brahman cattle are handled because these types of cattle are very difficult to block at fences and gates. However, it can be quite confusing to choose which one you should buy with the many brands available in the market. Aside from that, there are a lot of factors to consider before you purchase an automatic gate opener, from the materials used to make the gate to the mounting system to the right brand.



When you invest in an electronic gate opener, you want to make sure that its is worth the money you are spending. While it may initially seem like a gate constructed of plastic will be more affordable, and it also seems to provide the same benefits of other openers made of different materials, this isn't always the case. Gate openers made of plastic tend to break easily because plastics tend to become brittle, thereby causing the breakage. And If you are in an area with a wet climate, openers made of untreated metal may not be ideal since this material can rust.



To determine whether or not the   rel=nofollow [http://www.gate-opener-reviews.com/automatic-gate-opener.html]automatic gate opener you are purchasing is plastic or metal, you can get two different brands and weight them. Of course, metal is heavier than plastic and despite the extra pounds, metals can hold up and support more weight compared to plastics. It is also a good idea to evaluate how fast your gate opens. Stainless steel gate openers can move gates faster than those made of plastic. Zareba is one good brand to consider if you are interested in purchasing a metal gate opener.



It is also important to consider the type of operator package used in opening the gate. Swing operator gate opener packages open and close the gate through a hinge while slide systems use wheel and pulley system to carry out its function. A linear arm opener operator package swings the gate inward or outward depending on how the vehicle is approaching the gate. An underground operator package slides the gate out of your way and allows you to keep the operator system hidden. It is a good idea to check how each gate operator system works to pick the one that best meets your needs. You may also consider the aesthetic appeal of the gate opener. If you are more interested in aesthetically pleasing opener, the Mighty Mule Gate Opener is one great option to consider.



Other operator packages for sale also come with load ratings to help determine the motor size you need to open or shut down the gate at your preferred speed. Some even require direct current to operate while some can run with a solar panel, which means that power supply options should also be considered.

The last thing to consider when purchasing an automatic gate operater is the mounting system. Some styles may work with any type of mounting system. Slide-system packages may require you to install tracks on the gates while digging and landscaping are required by underground systems.

After a succesful life in trading, importing and exports, Rupert now spends his time writing freelance articles for many well-known publications, as well as various educational institutions. For more of Rupert's articles regarding xxx, go to http://www.gate-opener-reviews.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Automatic-Gate-Opener-Things-to-Look-For&id=3575498] Automatic Gate Opener Things to Look For

Why Custom Made Aluminum Driveway Gates?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Liz_Servito]Liz Servito

Aluminum driveway gates are becoming more and more popular because of how strong and durable they are. The wide choices for design and style is also another reason why this type of gate is preferred by many people over wooden or iron gates.

Here are the reasons why a lot of homeowners choose to put up custom made gates made of aluminum.

1. Cost.

Aluminum gates are less costly than steel gates. If you like an elaborate and very decorative gate, the cost of wrought steel may be a hindrance, but with aluminum, the same design can be within your allotted budget.

2. Weight.

Aluminum custom made gates are very light, making them a lot easier to open compared to those made of iron. This may be a less important point when it comes to automatic gates, however there may come a time when you need to open your gates without the help of electric power. Also, aluminum only lets minimal tear and water on the rollers and hinges sliding gates. Because materials are not heavy, the automated opening system will surely stay in good condition for a longer time.

3. Durability.

Since aluminum is not damaged by rust or corrosion, your gate can serve you well for many years. Consider various options in construction to get the best choice for your aluminum gate. A gate built out of hollow aluminum tubing can offer great aesthetic value to your home without spending a lot. However, this provides less security and protection because the hollow tubing is too light. So choose solid-cast aluminum that is � to � inch thick. A gate made of solid aluminum rods inside is likewise a great choice. These aluminum gates are a bit heavier but way lighter and cost cheaper than iron gates while providing almost the same level of security.

4. Appearance and Options.

When talking about sheer beauty, an aluminum gate is just as elegant as a metal gate without the added cost. You also have a wide choice in terms of colours, styles, and sizes.

5. Maintenance.

Maintenance is out of the question with aluminum since it does not corrode. Unlike with wrought metal, you are not required to scrub or sand to get rid of rust, treat using rust inhibitor, prim using rust-proof primer, and finish using rust-proof paint. With aluminum custom made gates, you can save time, money, and effort in maintenance; plus they are usually coated with enamel that is capable of enduring different types of elements without flaking, chipping, or cracking.

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Concrete Driveway Repair Help

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stefano_Grossi]Stefano Grossi

Concrete driveways are susceptible to cracks and potholes due to constant use. In order to ensure that the driveways do not get damaged beyond repair, it is imperative to fix any wear and tear immediately. This will not only fix the problem at hand but will also elongate the life of your driveway and improve its look. If the cracks and potholes are not given proper attention, they might let the water from rains seep deep into the driveways and the trapped moisture can worsen the cracks. Standing water, which does not have a proper outlet or way of draining and drying, is by far the biggest cause for cracks in the concrete driveways. Harsh sun rays and changes in temperatures too play a part in it corrosion.

Be it a small or large crack, the first and foremost thing to do for repairing your driveway is cleaning out the surface. Clearing the surface nicely eliminates any risks of further damages and makes the repair procedure smooth and quick. Irrespective of the type of damage, start with chipping off any loose concrete pieces near the fissures, with a small chisel or screwdriver. Make sure that by doing this, the cracks don't become unnecessarily wide but only the extra loose and hanging residue is removed. Now, taking a firm bristled brush, clear out any debris from around the cracked surface. Also make sure to clean the cracks itself, this can be done using an air compressor of vacuum cleaners.

Repairing and Fixing

Once the surface is completely clean, it is now time to get to the actual work of repairing and fixing the damages.

Small or Hairline Cracks: For small or hairline cracks either a polymer based product or a mixture of cement and water does the job well. Dampen the damaged area of the concrete driveway using a garden hose for several hours. This is done in order to prevent the dry concrete from sapping up water from the mixture when poured into the cracks. Excluding this step from the procedure can potentially not allow any time for the cement to set. Once the area is damp, remove any standing water from the surface. Now using a trowel, push the mixture into the cracks as much as possible and then smoothen off the surface. Cover the repaired area with plastic for at least 5 days but also water the area everyday for it to set properly.

Large Cracks or Potholes: For large cracks and potholes on the concrete driveways, using a hammer drill or chisel, undercut the edges off the damaged area. This is an important step in the repair procedure in order for the work to be durable. Now take any bonding agent or cement adhesive and coat the undercut with a brush. For the filling, either buy a gravel mix or make one of your own by mixing together one part cement, two part sand and three part gravel. Push this mixture down the crack using a trowel. Allow the same time and procedure as small cracks to cure the repair.

At Sudlow, we specialize in installation and repair of concrete driveways. For Atlanta [http://www.sudlowconcrete.com/]driveway replacement and driveway repair, contact Sudlow. We are licensed and insured and have been providing top-notch service to residents of the Atlanta metro area for over 16 years.

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Tips For Constructing A Concrete Driveway

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Perkersen]David Perkersen

Building a concrete driveway is one of those rare options that can satisfy most people's practical and aesthetic needs. Concrete driveways last long and are also appealing to the eyes. They take a longer time to be built, but when constructed, the end product is worth your time and labor. If you are planning to build a concrete driveway, here are some tips for you:

- Before you set forth with your plan, know about the building codes of the area. Several communities, especially in the suburbs, may have certain rules and regulations regarding the driveway you build. For example, if you are living in a village, there may be regulations that all houses have similar looking driveway, regardless of the material you use. Or, it can also be the choice of the material that's subjected to restrictions. To avoid wasting your time and money, inquire beforehand. Submit all the necessary requirements and documents so that the house committee in your area can grant approval for the project.

- Put your plans on paper. Sketch the dimensions of your proposed concrete driveway. Make sure the measurements are correct. You can seek professional help, if required. If you are unable to sketch your diagram, ask someone who can to do it for you.

- To avoid troubles with neighbors who might get annoyed by your construction noises, inform them beforehand of your upcoming project. Let them know your construction schedule so that they can plan accordingly. If they ask for any modifications, try to incorporate that in your schedule, if possible to maintain a healthy relation. For instance they might want you to delay your work from morning to afternoon on Sunday. Try to make modifications in your plan. Even you would not have wanted your Sunday morning sleep to be spoiled by neighbor's construction works.

- After all the formalities are done with, visit the local hardware store to get all the supplies you need. But, before that you need to make the list of the things you will be needing. Before going for shopping, compare the prices of the products and read reviews to get an idea of which products will be the best for you. If money is a factor for you, consider buying second hand equipments. Or better still- rent or borrow from friends or relatives who have the required things.

- Once the pre-construction stage is over, it's time for the backbreaking staff. First thing to focus on is excavation and base preparation that will give your driveway a solid foundation. This step should be done with special care as a small mistake can cause major problems.

- Once you are done with the foundation, it's time for the skeletal part of the driveway itself. Consult your blueprint accurately to make sure you are doing everything accurately and according to measurements.

- After you are done with the frame, it's time to pour the concrete and wait for it to harden.

If you want to skip the entire DIY task for building concrete driveways, simple hire professionals for doing the task for you. There are many reliable agencies from where you can hire professionals to do the task for you. Visit http://www.pietropannellacontracting.com to know more.

David Perkersen is a renowned author. He has written many articles on different constructions and home improvement projects. In this article he gives tips for constructing [http://www.pietropannellacontracting.com/providebestservices]concrete driveways.

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Wrought Iron Driveway Gates - Restrict Access to Your Property

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Curtis_Gonatas]Curtis Gonatas

In Houston, where everyone has a car or two, wrought iron driveway gates are a must to stop the madness. Have you ever had an unknown car pull into your driveway at 2am? Headlights blazing through your curtain and music thumping your pictures off the wall? You hop up to see what the commotion is all about, only to see the random car back out and head down the street the way it came from. This is a common occurrence all over the country.

This is extremely aggravating and there isn't a whole lot you can do. You can post a no trespassing sign but how many people actually respect and honor these signs?

If I had it my way, I would install remote control driveway spikes. That way any violator of my personal space would be getting a parting gift of 4 flat tires. Hey, the sign said no trespassing didn't it?

A more reasonable tactic is to go with wrought iron driveway gates. Driveway gates add style and character to a person's property while at the same time adding value to the home and security. And in big cities, security is extremely important. I have friends with million dollar homes next door to rowdy local dive bars. They had their driveway gates up before even beginning construction on the house itself!

There are many styles and options from which to choose and it really depends on the landscape of your property and personal preference. If your driveway is at a sharp incline then you will most likely have to go with the sliding style gate for the simple fact that there is no way for a swinging gate to open. But if you have a flatter entrance to your property there is another option.

Swinging wrought iron driveway gates are the way to go if possible. They are more dependable and easy to service. In the event of a gate operator failure, a swinging gate is far easier to operate manually.

Wrought iron gates typically have a sensor to prevent them closing on a person or animal. Some operators come with settings to partially open gates. This saves on energy costs if you are only letting a person in rather than a whole vehicle.

A keypad option is available that allows you to give the code to your friends and family so they can let themselves in if you aren't there.

The most important aspect of wrought iron driveway gates is the security factor. It's been said that "locks keep honest people honest". If a lock does that, then a driveway gate makes thieves rethink their strategy. Are they going to figure out a way to circumvent your wrought iron gates or go to the next house with no gate to worry about? Crime is on the rise all over, and in hard economic times theft is way up there at the top of that list. When times get tough, people get desperate and crime rates increase. What is your safety worth?

Wrought iron gates are popular for a reason. They add an original beauty that is customizable to one's taste while at the same time keeping your family and property safe. There are so many different architectural styles of homes in American due to the wide variety of cultures and ethnicities that make up this diverse nation. Being able to add a safety feature that can also compliment your home design is an added bonus.

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Mighty Mule FM350 Automatic Gate Opener Review

If you are going to build your own driveway gate and you want to have an automatic opener, which really you should one of the most popular options for doing so is the Mighty Mule FM350 gate opener. Depending on the type of gate that you are building it may or may not be the best option for your needs.

The first thing that has to be said if you are considering the FM350 or any other Mighty Mulegate opener is that you do tend to get what you pay for. The main reason that they are so popular is that they are quite a bit cheaper than most of their competitors. A top quality gate opener like one from Viking or LiftMaster will run you well over a thousand dollars, the Mighty Mule comes in at less than three hundred. Of course for that price there are going to be some limitations.

Read More Reviews

The biggest limitation when it comes to the Mighty Mule FM350 is that can only handle lightweight gates. If you are putting in a big, heavy wrought iron driveway gate, this is definitely not the one for you. It is alright if you are building a wood gate or if you are putting a light metal one but for anything more solid you will definitely need a more powerful gate opener.

The other big issue with the Mighty Mule gate opener is that it is not the most reliable product on the market. There have been a lot of people who have reported reliability issues with theirs, apparently lightening storms are particularly problematic for the FM350. In addition it has been mentioned that the motor frequently burns out, this is almost certainly related to people using it on a gate that is too heavy.

One other frequent criticism that we hear about the Mighty Mule FM350 is that it makes a lot of noise when it is in operation. The top quality gate openers work almost silently, this one makes an almighty racket. Whether or not this is a problem for you is something that only you can decide.

Based on everything that you have read above you would get the impression that we really hate the Mighty Mule FM350, that is not actually the case. If it is used on the right type of gate and you go in with the understanding that you are buying a product at the low end of the market it can be a good option. Even if it wears out after a a few years it is still cheaper to replace it than it would have been to buy a top quality gate opener right from the start. For people building a basic, lightweight driveway gate on a budget it is definitely the way to go.

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How to Choose a Driveway Gate

A driveway gate comes in really handy for keeping people out of your driveway. They are not all that expensive and can greatly improve the security of your home. It is however important to make sure that you choose the right one for your needs if you are going to have one installed.

The most important thing when you are choosing a driveway gate is to get one that is the right size. Obviously this means that it has to cover the width of your driveway. If you have a straight driveway this is fairly straightforward, you just need to measure the width of the driveway. If on the other hand you have a curving driveway you will need a larger gate as both sides have to be installed straight across from each other over the curving driveway. If you have a curved driveway that also has a slope to it you may want to have a professional come and work out the size that you need.

It is also important to make sure that you have a wide enough opening in your gate for your car to get through. This is particularly important if you have a driveway that is wide enough for two cars, you will want to have a gate that is wide enough to allow two cars through. Also keep in mind that you will need to have enough width to allow larger vehicles like delivery trucks and emergency vehicles to get into your driveway when necessary. Some gates have a beam that runs over the driveway to support them, if you choose one of these you will also have to measure the height of the vehicles going in and out of your driveway.

The next consideration is how your driveway gate opens. There are basically two options here, they can swing open or they can slide open. In general swinging gates are cheaper and also more popular, they do however require room to be able to swing open. This is generally not a problem however as a driveway usually has the necessary space. A sliding gate is an option to consider if you don't have room for a swinging gate, it does however take up additional space on your lawn. Whatever option you choose make sure that you get one that opens automatically, after a few times getting out of your car to open a manual gate in the rain you will regret trying to save money by not getting an automatic one.

The last consideration and probably the most important for many people is the appearance of the gate. Your driveway gate is going to be the first thing that most people see when they drive up to your house so you are going to want to make sure that you get one that looks good.

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How to Install a Driveway Gate

The first thing to decide on when installing a driveway gate is whether you are going to build the gate your self or use a kit. If have never done it before it is probably best to use a kit and for the rest of this article we are going to assume that is what you are going to do. If however you decide to build your own gates there is lots of information on the internet about how to do it.

The next consideration is where you are going to put the gate. The natural thought for most people is to put the gate at the very end of the driveway, this is usually not the best option however. You have to keep in mind that you are going to have to wait for the gate to open, it is best to not have to do this on the road. Ideally you should leave enough space for your car to sit at the end of your driveway while the gates open, keeping mind of course that you need enough room behind the gate to park your car. It is also important to make sure that the gates will be able to opens safely so look around for any obstructions that might be in the way.

The first step in the actual installation of a driveway gate is to level the ground on either side of the driveway at the location where you are planning to put the gate. The gates won't open properly if there is a change in elevation. It should not be too difficult to level the ground as we are talking about a fairly small area so you should be able to do it with a shovel.

The most difficult part of the installation is digging the post holes. The first step in doing this is to figure out exactly where to put them. This you should be able to find in the instructions that come with your driveway gate. It is important to make sure that you get the posts the right distance from each other and from the driveway as well as to the right depth so make sure that you read the instructions and measure carefully.

You can dig the post holes using a post hole digger, this is by far the easiest way to do it as you will not need to go too deep. When you are digging the post holes however it is a good idea to go down about six inches deeper than is necessary and put in some concrete for a base, this will help to keep things nice and steady.

Once you have the post hole dug you are going to need to put in the posts. It is critically important that the posts be straight and level, both horizontally and vertically, you can check this with a plumb bob. When you put in the second post it is also critically important that it is at the same height as the first one, a laser level will make this easy but you can also use a string level if that is all you have.

Once you have made sure that the posts are straight and level take some time to double check that they are the right distance apart. I can't stress enough how important getting the posts in the right place is to proper installation of a driveway gate. If you get it wrong you are going to need to get out a hammer drill and break up the concrete just to move the posts, a major hassle that you will want to avoid. Once you are sure that everything is right you can fill in the post holes with concrete to secure the posts.

Once the posts are firmly in place most of the work is done. At this point it is just a matter of attaching the gate to the posts which is fairly straightforward. The exact steps will vary from one gate to another so make sure that you read the instructions that come with yours.

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