The entrance gate is the first thing that guests of a country cottage see. Appearance directly affects the overall impression of the improvement and grooming of the site. There are several basic types of structures that make it possible to equip the 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 appearance and cost, other important factors must be taken into account when choosing an entrance gate. First of all, the terrain and the proposed location of the gate should be assessed: there should be enough space for the doors to open and the car to enter. The size of the plot matters, since the structure may simply not fit into the given area. It is also necessary to take into account the width of the roadway, its location and the angle of entry.
Sizes
Product size is one of the most important characteristics. Standardthe height of the entrance gate is 1.5-1.8 meters, but there may be exceptions. In some cases, owners want to install small fences no more than a meter high, which perform a predominantly decorative function, while in other situations, a solid structure of 2 meters or more is required to protect the site from unauthorized entry.
The width of the product is affected by the type of transport that is supposed to enter the territory. For ordinary cars, this parameter is no more than three meters, and for trucks or minibuses, the width must be at least four. You should also consider the width of the street. The narrower the roadway, the more space is required for maneuver. The flaps must not touch the incoming vehicles, otherwise the bodywork will be damaged. In the case when it is required to organize a wide entrance with a limited available area, the best option would be a sliding entrance gate to the site, and swing gates are more suitable for narrow niches.
Materials
Choosing the right material is equally important, as it affects the safety and reliability of the structure, as well as the appearance of the entrance gate. The design of the structure should be in harmony with the overall style of the fence, the cottage and the site itself. Structurally, the gate consists of a frame on which a panel of the selected material is mounted.
Sleek black sheet metal is perfect for minimalist designs. As a rule, there are no decorative details in such products, and the device itself is highly reliable. The thickness of the sheet isless than 2 mm to provide the required level of strength. The cost of such gates is quite high.
Professional flooring covered with polymer film. Such material is more affordable, but not inferior in strength to smooth metal. The thickness is 0.35–0.7 mm, stiffening ribs provide the necessary strength, and the polymer coating does not allow the metal to collapse under the influence of atmospheric phenomena.
Corrugated galvanized sheet. The thickness is typically 0.4 to 0.7 mm. Such a product must be coated with paint to avoid corrosion.
Welded metal structures look attractive, let in maximum light and air, and 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 making gates. This design looks solid and stylish, provides security, but is not available to every family due to the high price.
Sandwich panel fence looks simple and stylish, and its main advantage is high sound insulation. It is beneficial to install such fences if the site is located near a busy highway.
Wood is a classic gate material. It is readily available, relatively cheap, has a pleasant appearance, but is very short-lived and requires constant care.
Welded mesh is a modern material thatcharacterized 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, the structures are not threatened with frequent breakdowns due to mechanical impact or adverse environmental conditions. It is possible to arrange an automatic swing-type entrance gate, in this case, the owners are provided with maximum comfort. However, this type of door opening requires an electrical connection.
The design of swing gates is extremely simple: they are made of two pillars and leaves, which are hung on hinges. The gates can be of equal size or differ in width, such gates can be closed with a deadbolt or a lock. At the same time, the canvas must be quite rigid so as not to deform, and the frame must be strong in order to withstand the weight of the canvas and not bend. Installation of swing type entrance gates is easy to do with your own hands, however, you must 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 gate is installed by professionals. Reliable fittings provide easy sliding, so that you can open the sash with the movement of one hand. In the process of opening the gate moves parallel to the fence and takes up a minimumfree space. Sensors for automatic opening are installed in durable cases, protected from mechanical impact and weather phenomena, therefore they work under any conditions.
The design of the sliding sash consists of a leaf made of metal and a roller guide along which the leaf moves to the side. Before installing this type of gate, make sure that the length of the fence is sufficient for full opening. It is also desirable to provide a solid road surface to ensure the free movement of the roller on the surface.
Folding
In a small area, a folding structure is used. Such gates consist of several elements that are folded telescopically. Such a device is characterized not only by high strength, but also by a 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 decoration, the owners of a country cottage can choose the most suitable option that will make everyday life more comfortable and enjoyable.
