Electric Driveway Gates for Modern and Secure Home Access
Adding electric driveway gates to your home is a smart step towards improving safety, style, and convenience. We’ve seen how popular automated gates have become for families across the UK who want more comfort in their everyday routine and better control over who enters their property. Whether you live in a town, a rural area, or have a long private drive, electric gates can make a big difference.
At Cheshire Composite Gates, we understand the value of privacy and practicality. Let’s explore how these gates bring more than just aesthetics to your home.
What Are Electric Driveway Gates?
Electric driveway gates are powered entrance gates that open and close at the push of a button. These gates can slide or swing depending on your space and layout, and are controlled remotely using a fob, keypad, phone app, or other devices.
They can be made of a wide range of materials, including wood, aluminium, steel, or composite materials. At Cheshire Composite Gates, we focus on low-maintenance, stylish gate materials that stand the test of time and weather. These gates can be fully automated to suit your setup, giving you easy control while keeping everything secure.
Why Choose Electric Gates for Your Driveway?
There are plenty of good reasons to go for electric gates if you’re thinking of upgrading your property. The key benefits aren’t hard to see.
Safety First
One of the biggest reasons people choose electric gates is safety. Automatic gates work as a barrier for unwanted visitors or unauthorised vehicles. With manual gates, someone still has to physically open or close them, which can leave space for intrusions or be unsafe for children or pets. With electric gates, everything stays closed when it should be.
If you have young kids or pets, these gates help prevent them from getting onto busy roads or leaving the property without supervision.
Day-to-Day Convenience
Getting out of the car to open and shut the gates every day can become frustrating, especially in the rain or cold. With an electric gate system, you can manage everything with just one button press on your remote or phone. Family members can also access the home easily without leaving their cars.
If you often get deliveries or visitors, a gate with an intercom or camera setup lets you speak to or see who’s there before letting them in.
Adds Style to Your Home
Besides being practical, electric gates come in plenty of styles and finishes. Whether your home feels modern or traditional, a good gate can match the property’s character.
We offer composite electric gates that give you a bright, elegant look with the toughness of steel inside and a stylish timber-style outside. These gates are made to last without rusting, warping or needing much upkeep.
Types of Electric Driveway Gates
We fit all kinds of electric gates, depending on your layout and what works best for your drive. Here are the main types.
Swing Gates
Swing gates open like double doors and swing inwards or outwards, depending on your space. They look great in traditional homes and are quieter when operated. They do need more room to open, so they work best on wider drives.
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates move sideways along a track. They’re ideal if you don’t have much room for gates to swing open or if your drive is on a slope. These gates are very secure and function well even in busy driveways with frequent in-and-out traffic.
Telescopic or Bi-Folding
For tighter areas or homes near a road, telescopic or bi-folding gates take up even less space when opening. These clever options still offer full-width access without needing the whole swing or slide area.
We offer fully automatic weather-resistant systems that fit whatever gate style you choose. You can view our electric gate automation options here.
How Electric Gate Automation Works
The mechanism behind electric driveway gates looks tidy on the outside, but inside, clever tools work to move the gates safely and smoothly.
Motors and arms are placed in discreet areas around the gates and powered by your home’s electrical supply. Most systems have a battery backup just in case of a power cut. You control the gate using fobs, passcodes, or even mobile phone apps. Some systems include intercoms or video entry panels to improve security.
At Cheshire Composite Gates, we focus on neat installation and systems that are simple for anyone in the household to use. For homeowners interested in custom options, we help create gates that balance function and form ideally.
Image Gallery
Here’s a quick visual of a typical modern-style electric composite gate:
Our team fits smart, tough-looking composite gates like this across Cheshire and the North West. They’re designed to stand firm in all seasons.
Are Electric Driveway Gates Safe?
Yes, when installed correctly and with modern features, they are very safe. Today’s electric gates feature sensors and stop functions to prevent accidents. If anything gets in the way when the gate starts to move, the system will stop to avoid damage or injury.
To make it even safer, we recommend installing safety beams across the drive or adding force-limiter controls. These reduce the closing pressure, making accidents much less likely.
Electric gates should be checked annually by a qualified technician. At Cheshire Composite Gates, we help customers schedule those safety checks to keep systems in top shape.
Do They Work in Bad Weather?
Absolutely. Our composite electric gates are built to withstand UK weather. Rain, high winds or cold won’t stop them from working, and they’ll continue running smoothly if professionally installed. We use materials such as galvanised steel wrapped in composite materials which don’t rust, swell or crack. Composite cladding stays smart-looking for years with only the occasional wipe-down.
We’ve also fitted systems with built-in heaters for frosty months, keeping motors running even during winter freezes.
Can Electric Gates Add Value to My Property?
Automatic gates do help improve house value in most parts of the UK. They can make a home feel safer and more private, which buyers tend to look for. Even estate agents often mention gates when marketing homes, as they help create a more positive first impression.
More than that, they prove useful every day, which makes them a good investment over the long run. Families with children, elderly residents or anyone who values extra security tend to find them worth the cost.
You can explore more gate designs and request a quote from Cheshire Composite Gates.
FAQs
How long does it take to install electric gates?
It usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the gate size, the shape of your drive, and the location of your power supply.
Can I keep my existing manual gate and make it electric?
In some cases, yes. If the structure is strong and the hinges are correctly aligned, an automation kit can be added. But we may suggest a complete replacement if it’s not strong enough.
What happens during a power cut?
Most gate systems have a manual override or battery backup that keeps the gates operating temporarily.
Can I control my gate using my mobile phone?
Yes, many modern systems support app-based opening and closing, so you can let people in when you’re away from home.
Do I need planning permission for electric gates?
If the gate is over 2 metres tall, you may need planning permission. We can help check this for your specific area.
How much maintenance do the gates need?
Very little. Composite and steel materials don’t need painting or sanding. Yearly mechanical checks are all that’s usually required.
Are electric gates noisy?
Not at all. Our systems are quiet, especially with swing gates. You’ll barely hear them open or shut.
Can I add an intercom or video entry system?
Yes. We offer audio and video entry systems as part of our automation packages.
Electric Driveway Gates Installed Across Cheshire and Merseyside
Electric driveway gates add more than privacy. They’re reliable, keep your home secure and look great too. Whether you’re upgrading from manual gates or starting fresh, investing in electric gates is a smart move for busy lives and safer homes.
At Cheshire Composite Gates, we fit strong and stylish electric gates across Cheshire, Merseyside and beyond. Our gates are made with quality materials that last, and we guide you through every step from design to setup.
Check out more designs on our website: Cheshire Composite Gates, and contact our team today to get started.
