Category Archives: Driveway Gates

Adding Protection and Beauty to Your Home Property with An Aluminum Driveway Gate

When choosing any home additions, it is important to display your own style and preferences. This allows your home to truly feel like your own. Choosing an aluminum gate design for your driveway entrance is no different than selecting a style of fencing. There are many different options to consider with custom posts, pillars, sizes, and colors. Your new driveway gate should complement your homes architecture and natural surrounding to make it a joy to exit and enter your home each day.

Posts and Pillars

No matter what style of aluminum driveway gate you choose for your home, the gate will need posts on each end to mount to. Standard posts can be ordered along with your new aluminum gate or you can add custom options such as stone pillars when installing the gate. The standard posts are typically black or matched to the color of the fence. Many homeowners upgrade to stone pillars to make a bold statement to the driveway and home. Depending on the budget, your choice of materials for a pillar can range from masonry, brick, stone, and more.

Accent Items

To create a custom look to your aluminum driveway gate, buyers can order additional accent options. At iFenceUSA there are several options such as ball caps, circles at base of gate, butterfly scrolls, or estate scrolls. Another option to increase security and ease of navigation during the dark is lighting. Lighting fixtures can be mounted on top of the columns or installed in the ground facing the gate to create up lighting. Perhaps you want to step your aluminum estate gate up another notch, add an ornamental feature to your gate such as statue or a large plant. Many specialty businesses such as golf or equestrian like to incorporate their industry into the entrance of their companies.

Arches and Scallops

When purchasing an aluminum driveway gate, a choice on arch design has to be made. At iFenceUSA you can select from four different configurations: Horizon Straight, Regal Wave, Stonecliff Sunrise, or Stonecliff Sunset. The personality of a gate can change dramatically depending on the choice you make. Take into consideration the homes architectural elements so that your home and gate coordinate.

Choosing the Right Color

Aluminum gates in black are classic, timeless, and a traditional option for buyers. However, some homeowners like to choose more natural color options such as green or beige to match landscaping. At IfenceUSA, there are nine colors to choose from to coordinate your aluminum estate gate to your landscape and siding.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial applications. As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered. More information can be found online at https://www.ifenceusa.com/.

Aluminum Gate Installation Made Simple

The aluminum fence has been purchased and installation is beginning but first you must plan where to put your gate within the fence line. We can help!

The first step after you have decided where to place the gate is to start by digging the holes for the aluminum posts for your gate. As you are digging the holes you must make sure they are wider and deeper than the holes that have been previously dug for standard posts for the line, end, and corner. Wider, deeper holes are needed for aluminum gate posts as they will be under heavy usage. A bigger hole will mean that more concrete can be used when securing the post itself. When sizing the width of the hole needed for your gate be sure to make plenty of room on all sides of the post for concrete.

The depth of the hole needs to take into consideration a number of things including the frost line, the post length, the height of the fence, and the width of the gate. Living in an area where a freeze can occur the hole for the gate post should be dug deeper than the frost line. Having the concrete below the frost line will prevent the footers from cracking over time. Concrete must be installed at the bottom of the hole as well as around the four sides of the aluminum gate post.

Once the first hole has been dug it is time to move on to the second hole. The placement of the second hole will be solely dependent on the width of the gate. Aluminum gates are meant to be opened and closed. A gate that is four feet has a gate frame of only forty-six and a half inches, the inside measurement, post to post will be forty-eight inches. This gives room for the installation of hinges and latches.

Next comes the placement of the gate posts and the addition of the concrete. Concrete should be added to the bottom of the hole before the placement of the post. This helps to create a strong bond between the concrete and the aluminum gate post. It is important to keep your tape measurer available so that you can make sure your measurements are accurate throughout the installation of the posts and walkway gate.

Once the post distance is achieved and the posts are leveled it is now time to slowly shovel in more concrete. This process should be done with extreme care to prevent the movement of the gate post. Concrete should fill the hole up until you have reached about four to six inches from the top of the hole. On top of the concrete you will add in a final layer of dirt which is packed tightly around the post to create a sturdy base for your gate. Again, throughout this process it is crucial that you maintain proper measurements and that the posts remain level. The concrete should be allowed to completely set up and dry before the final step of hanging the aluminum gate and the installation of the hardware.

The final step of aluminum gate installation is to determine the direction in which the gate will swing. Outward swinging gates will need hardware to be installed on the outside face of the fence line. Vice versa for gates that will be swinging inward. Hinges will be first installed on the frame of the gate. In order for even weight distribution measure from the top and bottom of the gate for an even distance for installation of the hardware. Once the gate hinges are attached to the gate frame it is time to anchor the gate to the posts. This is a two-person job, one person to pick up the gate and hold it to the post and the other to fasten it down. Lastly install the latch and there you have it, your aluminum gate will be installed!

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation. As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered. More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

The Installation of a Driveway Gate Creates an Impressive Entry

From walkways to driveways, a gate can transform the entire look of the landscape while adding a layer of security. Aluminum estate gates alter the aesthetics of your home. With curb appeal being an important factor in the way your home is viewed by outsiders, enhancements that not only add beauty but also security can make a big difference.

Driveway gates are commonly installed either to large columns on either side of the drive or to heavy duty aluminum posts that are purchased in conjunction with the gate. Driveway gates can be installed together or separate of perimeter fencing. The design is truly customizable to that of what each individual user desires. For some homeowners, their property is lined with wooded acreage that makes a fence unnecessary where as others have wide open yards that they are looking to completely secure. Before ordering it is important to have a general understanding of what you hope to accomplish with the installation of an estate driveway gate.

Small Estate Gates

Not all entry gates are grand in scale. An aluminum entry gate that compliments your home and space is what is most important. Some entryways are small in scale and a large driveway gate may be aesthetically overwhelming. Choose an entry gate that fits your space. The gate should first and foremost be realistic for your situation and needs.

There are a variety of options to choose from at iFenceUSA for even the smallest of driveways. Although for most smaller driveways a single gate is ideal, some homeowners desire the look and function of a double gate. It is important that once the gate is installed it is functional and that vehicles of all sizes can still access the home. Remember that large delivery trucks will still need to make their way up your drive on occasion. The goal is not to make your small driveway smaller with the installation of a gate but to enhance and secure the existing space.

Extra Wide Estate Gates

What happens when you have the opposite issue and your driveway is extra wide? Believe it or not iFenceUSA has an aluminum driveway gate that will fit any size or shape driveway or entrance that exists. Custom gates are our specialty and can come in any of the 18 styles we offer, with an arch, without an arch, with or without ornamental metal options, you name it and we can more often than not make it happen.

The most important factor when ordering a driveway gate, small or large, is to take proper measurements. There are a number of guides online at our website that will help you properly measure for the gate you desire. The first measurement that is needed is between the two stationary posts (or columns) that the new gate will be attached to. It is important not to include the measurement of the posts, only the space between the posts is needed.

The estate gate that you choose to install is totally dependent on the type of property you have, your exact need, and the image you hope to communicate. When it comes to designing a gate or fence for that matter, your options are endless with aluminum. The team at iFenceUSA can help you achieve a secure, eye-catching, operational aluminum entry gate for your driveway or walkway.

Aluminum Fencing: A Facelift For Your Home and Landscape

Nothing is better than adding to your homes curb appeal while increasing privacy and security. There are a number of aluminum fence and gate styles to choose from which are far more appealing than styles of the past. One of the best elements of aluminum fencing is the ability to be able to choose the grade of fencing from residential to industrial. Thus, making aluminum fencing every bit as strong as you desire with unlimited customization options. Aluminum driveway gates and complimentary aluminum fence panels are a perfect addition to any home.

What Style of Aluminum Fencing Is Right for Your Home?

It is not often that you find yourself shopping for an aluminum fence, is it? The number of styles, features, and options to choose from when customizing your fencing choice. The aluminum fencing of today is far superior to old metal fencing of the past. By choosing the right style, accents, and complimentary features an aluminum driveway gate and fence can completely transform any property.

Aluminum Fence Considerations

Choose an Aluminum Fence That Compliments Your Home, Landscape, and Surrounding Property

There is a wide selection of aluminum fencing and driveway gates online, so it is simple to find a style that will enhance the exterior of your home. iFenceUSA.com offers 18 different styles to choose from, in nine different colors, with hundreds of options to choose from to enhance the look, feel, and usability of your new fence. Aluminum pairs well with all different style of siding including aluminum, stone, brick, stucco, wood, and more. If your desire is to add grandeur, consider the addition of decorative post caps or an ornamental picket style in classic black.

Ornamental Aluminum Fence Accessories

Ornamental aluminum fence designs are ageless and well perceived when installed in both residential and commercial settings. Wrought iron was incredibly popular and the appearance is often sought after in the look and feel of a fence now-a-day. Aluminum fencing can achieve a Victorian era wrought iron fence appearance with ease with the installation of fence embellishments. Achieving this look and feel with wood can be limited and steel can be expensive, aluminum is lightweight, affordable, and easy to install.

Identify Your Priorities

Choosing an aluminum fence style doesn’t have to be difficult. You can narrow down the options by identifying exactly what you want your fence to accomplish. Are you looking for a more decorative fence to spruce up the space or are you looking to add privacy? Is the installation of a driveway gate and perimeter fence needed as a form of security to keep people outside of your space while keeping your kids/pets secure within the property? Once you have identified your priorities you will easily narrow down the perfect style aluminum fence panel.

Aluminum fencing and entry driveway gates not only come in a variety of styles, colors, and offer a homeowner a great deal of functionality. The online, aluminum fencing professionals at iFenceUSA.com can help you through the entire process from measuring, planning, ordering, installation, maintaining, and more.

Do Aluminum Driveway Gates Need To Attach To a Fence?

Homeowners should understand that although many times a driveway gate is attached to perimeter fencing it doesn’t have to be in order to be effective. There are a number of ways in which an aluminum driveway gate can be installed. Matching a fence to the entrance of the driveway can be preferable however is not necessary. There are a number of options in driveway gate installation to ensure it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also sturdy and purposeful.

The main purpose for installing an aluminum entry gate is to eliminate access to your home via the driveway. Just as the main purpose for aluminum fencing is to add a barrier of protection. It works both ways, fence and gates not only keep unwanted individuals out of your space, they work to keep the ones you want in.

No two driveways are the same. Driveways come in a variety of shapes, lengths, widths, and even terrain. The placement of your home’s entry gate is up to you. Some homeowners choose to put the gate at the end of the driveway, near the street, while others choose to place the gate up towards the house. The placement of your driveway gate will depend on your preference and landscape.

Not only is a driveway gate aesthetically pleasing adding to the curb appeal of your home, it is helpful in creating a barrier between your home and the outside world. Curb appeal is an important element in real estate. The outside of your home gives buyers a glimpse on what they can expect on the inside. Driveway gates bring a space all together and help to present an entrance that is welcoming while securing the property.

Aluminum driveway gates and fencing are just one way that homeowners use to separate their private space from the surrounding public space. This helps to create a secure boundary that also deters thieves. Seriously, breaking into a home is a lot easier when a thief doesn’t have to penetrate through an aluminum fence or driveway gate.

If you don’t have an aluminum fence to attach a driveway gate to, don’t fret. There are a number of ways in which an entry gate can be attached other than to a matching fence. Driveway gates offer additional security to homes even when a fence is not in place. A large entry gate can appear quite intimidating.

If your landscape is not set up so that your entrance gate can be attached directly to aluminum fence panels another option to consider is the installation of stone or brick columns on either side of the driveway. This is another aesthetically pleasing option when installing a driveway gate. Stone or brick columns add another dimension to the landscape.

When installing a sliding or swing gate choose a style that compliments the existing space while adding a little flare to make an overall statement. The end goal is to find a gate that presents a cohesive look and feel to your home and property.

Why Choose Aluminum Over Other Fencing Materials?

Without a doubt aluminum is the best option in fencing. The pros will outweigh the cons in a battle between aluminum fencing and all other fencing materials, every time. Not only is aluminum the strongest metal fence, it is affordable, easy to install, and is requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking as good as it did when it was delivered.

There are a number of fencing materials to choose from in both commercial and residential settings, but none are as resilient as aluminum. It is a material that has been created to withstand no matter how little or how much it is used. If you are worried about how it will withstand your specific climate, don’t be. Aluminum fences, aluminum gates, and aluminum driveway accesses are guaranteed to withstand the elements. The panels are finished with a special powder-coating that makes their finish fairly indestructible. Powder coated aluminum panels stop moisture, debris, chlorinated water, dirt, and other hazards from harming the metal as well as the surface. Thus, both fencing and gates appear new even after having been installed for years.

Why Aluminum Is Better Than Subpar Fencing Materials?

There are plenty of other fencing materials that people could choose but those some with a myriad of disadvantages over aluminum. Wood is beautiful, there is no denying that. The disadvantages of wood however run the gamut: it is quick to rot, requires time consuming maintenance on a yearly basis, and is not necessarily strong. Chain link is far from attractive or secure. Its main purpose is containment verse aesthetics or security.

Why Aluminum Is the Best Fencing Material for Varied Climates?

It is important that the material you choose for fencing and gates can hold up under any type of weather that it may endure. Whether it be strong wind, heavy rain, hail, snow, chlorinated water, salt water, freezing rain, humidity, dry arid air, or whatever else can be thrown at it, aluminum can withstand. Aluminum comes in four grades: residential, pool/resort, commercial, and industrial. The strongest being industrial. Industrial grade aluminum fence panels are the heaviest and most indestructible of options both commercial and residential users can choose from. Choose the grade that is most acceptable in your application.

Why aluminum Is the Best Material in Fencing Against Unwanted Visitors?

The reason most often given for installing a fence is security. A fence provides the ability to keep animals and kids contained as well as keeping unwanted people and animals out. The benefit with aluminum over other fences is that it makes entry into the area difficult. Aluminum is not easy to scale, pushing it over is not probable, and additional pickets can be added to decrease the space between the pickets for added privacy. Aluminum fence panels can be ordered in a number of widths and heights as well which adds to the security it provides.

The installation of a fence, gate, and driveway entry gate don’t just enhance the aesthtics of your property. They add an element that is similar to your home’s front door; it welcomes entry to those you want and provides security against those you don’t.

Creating a Standout Driveway with The Addition of an Aluminum Gate

First impressions count. The outside appeal of your home has a great influence in how your property is viewed. Having a functional entrance, one that stands out from the rest, is just one way to increase the aesthetics of the landscape. A perfect way to do this is with the addition of an aluminum driveway gate.

Driveways exist for very realistic reasons. A driveway is just one avenue between outsiders and your home. When a driveway gate is installed the access to your property is limited to only those individuals who you deem allowed to enter. We all want to keep our families safe especially when they are under our roof and an aluminum driveway gate is just one of the ways in which this is done. Thankfully the installation of a gate doesn’t have to sacrifice the beauty of your home and landscape.

As with many purchases that can be made today, driveway gates can be bought online. Purchasing larger scaled items like driveway gates online is not only easy but ultra-convenient as they are delivered directly to your home. When an aluminum driveway gate is delivered to your home they will come with easy-to-assemble panels and posts. Included will be instructions on assembly and installation. There are several styles and types of driveway gates to choose from. An aluminum gate can easily be chosen to coordinate with the style of your home and landscaping. There are several ways in which you can make your new aluminum driveway gate stand out.

Aluminum Posts and Decorative Pillars

As you are shopping for an aluminum driveway gate you will start to notice that there are several different options that can be included to the gate to customize it just for your space. Swing gate posts are a popular example of one way to really enhance the grandness of an aluminum driveway entry gate. Stone and brick pillars on either side of the driveway are just one way to add depth and grandness to an ordinary driveway gate.

Custom Aluminum Inlay

Inlays installed onto the aluminum driveway gate panel are another way in which you can enhance your new gate. A custom inlay can be created in a number of different designs, from scrolls, initials, and emblems are all popular inlay options. Many times, commercial driveway gates will be enhanced with a business logo to enrich the visit of the property.

Landscaping

The landscaping of your home including flowers, shrubs, trees, vines, and planters can be used to create interest to the entrance of your home. Aluminum driveway gates are magnificent on their own but with the right landscaping a statement can be really made.

Details and Colors

Similar to aluminum fence panels, aluminum driveway gates can be ordered in a variety of colors. More often than not the gate that is chosen will match the color of the aluminum fencing around the perimeter of the landscape. Aluminum driveway gates are often ordered to match the details of the aluminum fence such as detailed handrailing, spear tops, and decorative finials.

Additional Lighting

No one wants to enter their property in the dark. Adding in some attractive lighting fixtures on the posts or the driveway perimeter creates a welcoming, safe entry and exit to the home. In order to create a cohesive look, lighting can be installed to lead all the way to the main entrance.

With a few minor choices a generic aluminum driveway gate can be turned into something extraordinary.

Measuring Your Yard for Fencing

One of the most critical steps when you are a DIY homeowner is to measure and then measure again. Ordering and installing an aluminum fence is no different. It is critical to properly measure the area and dimensions of your property looking for possible obstacles that could occur when installing your fence. Measuring the perimeter of the yard is also important to ensure that you have proper amount of fencing materials when the time comes to actually install the new fence.

In order to properly measure your yard and landscape to add a perimeter fence to your yard there are several steps professional fence installers use including:

Sketch out your home as well as the yard:

Drawing out the space will offer you a visual to guide you as you are surveying and measuring the space. It will allow you to include the measurements in the exact location of where they will be needed. This also allows you to add obstacles to the sketch as seen.

Mark out property lines:

One of the initial steps in measuring your yard for the installation of a new fence. Staking out your property line allows you to visually see the yard’s boundaries.

Decide the placement of your fence:

During this step you will be able to decide whether you are looking into installing aluminum fence panels that are 4’, 6’, or 8’. It also allows you to layout a space that maximizes your yard space. Remember that some HOAs may actually require the installation of the fence to be off the property line and not directly on it. It is crucial to understand and abide by these regulations otherwise you could end up wasting both time and money with a fence that needs to be moved.

Measure from post to post:

Once the fence is staked out and you have approval on its placement you can start the process of measuring it out. Using a measuring wheel can be beneficial during this process or a 100-foot measuring tape. This will allow you to calculate how much fence is needed when you get ready to get a fence quote.

Mark obstructions and elevation changes:

Once the initial measurements are taken it is important walk along the fence line and make note of any obstructions or changes in elevation. Obstructions can be anything from utility boxes, boulders, trees, or outdoor structures. Changes in elevation can be small and easily adjusted for or you may need to consider stacked or rackable fencing.

Plan for your aluminum gate:

One of the final steps in measuring out your fence is to plan out where you would like your gates to be installed. Would you like to install a single or double gate, would you like a gate in place that is big enough for a vehicle to enter the space?

Caring for Your Aluminum Fence

Unlike traditional wood gates and fences, aluminum fences and gate do not need regular maintenance. However, to preserve the beauty and to ensure the prolonged existence of your aluminum fencing and aluminum gates, an annual schedule for maintenance should be planned.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Aluminum Fence

Spray your aluminum fencing regularly with water using your garden hose. This helps to eradicate fertilizer chemicals, dirt, and grass clippings thus, keeping it looking as good as new. In coastal areas, frequent spraying of your aluminum fence panels with water is advised to reduce the buildup of dirt and salt.

Light Cleaning

Rinse your aluminum fencing with water from top to bottom and then back up. This cleans the surface and prevents streaking as well as the gathering of dirty “run-down”. After rinsing, wipe the fence with a lint-free, soft cloth or better still, air dry.

Thorough Cleaning

For more filthy parts of your fence, first rinse the surface of the aluminum fencing with clean water and then wash with a sponge and mild dish soap mixed with water. Make sure not to allow soap to collect on the surface and, rinse any “run-down” immediately. Once washing is done, rinse the whole section with water. Dish soap must not dry on the surface! Air dry or wipe with lint-free, soft cloth. Carry out these steps repeatedly to get rid of water soluble debris.

Make Use of Cleaning Products

Degreasers and cleaners can also help with stain removal especially for stubborn stains. Simple stains can be cleaned by applying a degreaser which must be rinsed after applying. For stubborn or hard water stains, cleaner such as CLS. It can come in handy to remove stains. It should also be rinsed after use.

However, adequate care should be taken when making use cleaning products for your aluminum fence as some abrasive agents, household cleaners, steel wool or cleaners with solvents contain harsh chemicals which could cause discoloration and damage to your fence.

Maintaining Your Aluminum Fence

Adjust the aluminum fencing panels every spring. This is a normal maintenance activity that must be performed by the homeowner.
Always keep your aluminum gate secured to prevent it from swinging in the wind.
Make sure to tighten the screws on your aluminum posts and panels at least once a year.
Carry out frequent inspections to check for any loose aluminum fence post and once you find any, simply re-tamp & realign.
Avoid mounting or stacking any materials or objects beside your fence.
Make sure not to make use of weed trimmer at the bottom of the aluminum fence panel

How to Make Your Driveway Stand Out with An Aluminum Driveway Gate

A critical aspect of how your home is viewed by the outside world is your driveway. A beautiful, appealing driveway not only makes the home look inviting, it can radically transform its visual perception. Likewise, a beautiful home with a neglected and unkempt driveway can lower its appeal and even drive potential buyers away. But with just a little creativity, you can easily transform your driveway and make it stand out among its peers in the same neighborhood. In many cases, this involves designing a custom driveway installing an aluminum gate.

When looking into custom aluminum driveway gates homeowners have a ton of options to choose from. There are a number of styles, configurations, material grade options, and accent options that iFenceusa.com offers. Below homeowners can find a out a great deal of information on selecting a new aluminum driveway gate for your home.

When it comes to choosing an aluminum gate there are many homeowners that choose a style that matches their fencing while others choose a style that is complementary but not matching. At iFenceUSA.com each option in aluminum fencing has a corresponding gate that matches a style of fencing including:

The San Marino
The Santa Monica
The Sanibel
The Boca Grande
The Ventura
The Excelsior
The New Orleans
The Napa Valley
The Camarillo
The Amarillo
The Bella Vista
The Bella Terra
The Charlemagne
The Mission Point
The Providence
The Camelot
The Castile
The Valencia

There are also several arch option configurations as well. There are four basic styles the Regal Wave, Stonecliff Sunrise, Horizon Straight, and Stonecliff Sunset Arches. No matter the style of gate you choose, any arch configuration can be chosen. Thus, meaning there are in fact 72 options in aluminum driveway gates to choose from at iFenceUSA.com.

The aluminum material that iFenceUSA.com offers comes in a variety of grades as well. The larger the gate the heavier it will be and therefore the grade of material used needs to thicker. Residential resort grade gates are more often used for fencing and gates that are used around a swimming pool area just as residential classic gates are used for perimeter entrance and exits. iFenceUSA.com offers two heavier grade options in gates which are best for driveway gates: premier and ultimate. Both are used for commercial purchase with the ultimate grade being heavier and also used in industrial gates.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need. Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/. For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.