Entrance gates - this is the first thing that guests see a country cottage. Appearance directly affects the overall impression of the improvement and well-being of the site. There are several basic types of structures that make it possible to equip an entrance, taking into account the landscape, architectural design and financial capabilities, as well as the personal taste of the owners.
What to look for when installing
In addition to the appearance and cost, when choosing an entry gate, it is necessary to take into account other important factors. First of all, you should evaluate the terrain and the estimated location of the gate: there should be enough space to open the wings and drive the car. The size of the plot matters, since the design may simply not fit into a given area. It is also necessary to consider the width of the carriageway, its location and the angle of entry.
Dimensions
Product dimensions are one of the most important characteristics. The standard height of the entrance gate is 1.5-1.8 meters, but there may be exceptions. In some cases, the owners want to install small fences no more than a meter high, which primarily perform a decorative function, and in other situations, a solid structure 2 meters or more high is required to protect the site from unauthorized entry.
The type of transport that is supposed to enter the territory affects the width of the product. For ordinary cars, this parameter is no more than three meters, and for trucks or minibuses, the width should be at least four. The width of the street should also be considered. The narrower the carriageway, the more space is required to maneuver. The flaps must not touch entering cars, otherwise the body will be damaged. In the case when you want to organize a wide entrance with a limited available area, the best option would be sliding entrance gates to the site, and swinging are more suitable for narrow niches.
Materials
The choice of the right material is no less important, since the safety and reliability of the structure, as well as the appearance of the entrance gate, depend on it. The design of the construction should be in harmony with the general style of the fence, cottage and the site itself. Structurally, the gate consists of a frame on which a panel of the selected material is mounted.
Smooth black sheet metal is ideal for minimalist design. As a rule, in such products there are no decorative details, and the device itself is highly reliable. The sheet thickness is at least 2 mm to provide the required level of strength. The cost of such a gate is quite high.
Plastic sheeting. Such material is more affordable, but not inferior in strength to smooth metal. The thickness is 0.35–0.7 mm, stiffeners provide the necessary strength, and the polymer coating does not allow the metal to collapse under the influence of atmospheric phenomena.
Corrugated sheet galvanized. Thickness, as a rule, is from 0.4 to 0.7 mm. Such a product must be coated with paint to avoid corrosion.
Welded metal structures look attractive, allow maximum light and air, do not hide the beautiful landscape design from the audience. The disadvantages of this material include a rather high cost.
Forged metal is the most expensive material for the manufacture of gates. This design looks solid and stylish, provides security, but not every family is available due to the high price.
The fence made of sandwich panels looks simple and stylish, and its main advantage is high sound insulation. It is advantageous to install such fences if the site is located near a busy highway.
Wood is a classic material for gate production. It is easily accessible, relatively cheap, has a pleasant appearance, but is very short-lived and requires constant care.
Welded wire mesh is a modern material, which is characterized by high strength, durability and relatively low price.
Swing
This type of entrance gate is simple in design, so the price is low, and the build quality and reliability will please even the most picky buyer. Due to the minimum number of parts, designs do not face frequent breakdowns due to mechanical stress or adverse environmental conditions. Arrangement of automatic swing gates is possible, in this case the owners are provided with maximum comfort. However, this type of leaf opening requires the connection of electricity.
The design of the swing gates is extremely simple: they are made of two pillars and wings, which are hung on hinges. Sashes can be of equal size or vary in width, such gates can be closed with a deadbolt or a lock. In this case, the canvas should be quite rigid so as not to deform, and the frame should be strong so as to support the weight of the canvas and not bend. Installation of swing gates is easy to do with your own hands, however, it is necessary to act skillfully so that distortions and gaps do not occur during operation.
Retractable
This type of construction will function smoothly if high-quality components are used, and the door is installed by professionals. Reliable fittings provide easy gliding, so you can open the sash with the movement of one hand. In the process of opening the gate moves parallel to the fence and occupy a minimum of free space. Sensors for automatic opening are installed in durable housings that are protected from mechanical stress and weather conditions, so they work under any conditions.
The design of the sliding sash consists of a web made of metal and a roller guide along which the web is shifted to the side. Before installing this type of gate, make sure that the fence length is sufficient for full opening. It is also desirable to equip a solid road surface to allow free movement of the roller over the surface.
Folding
In a small area, a folding structure is used. Such gates consist of several elements that fold telescopically. Such a device is characterized not only by high strength, but also by high price.
The design and appearance of the entrance gate can be very different. Depending on the budget, the landscape of the site and the style of design, the owners of a country cottage can choose the most suitable option that will make everyday life more comfortable and enjoyable.