A Sliding Gate or Rolling Gate
Is only suitable if there is room for the gate to slide into. The gate may slide to the left or right depending on the space available. The space required is the width of the gateway + 30cm.
If there isn't enough space on either side a Bi-parting sliding gate may work as this requires only half the width of the gateway + 30cm on each side and meets in the middle. Bi-Parting gates can have one side wider than the other if needed to make them fit.
Another option is a Telescopic gate which is also a two piece sliding gate but both pieces slide in the same direction so you only need half the width of the gateway + 30cm. The main draw back with a telescopic gate is one gate sits behind the other, which doesn't look as nice as a single piece or bi-parting gate.
Situations where a Sliding Gate could be chosen over a Swing Gate are:
- The driveway slopes up from the road and the gate is on the front boundary.
- The driveway length is limited and you wish to park a car close to the gate and still be able to open it.
- You want a fully clad gate for privacy but your property is prone to strong winds.
- The gate way is wider than normal ie. 6 metres.
For information about installing sliding gates click here.
A Swing Gate or Hinged Gate
A double gate takes up less driveway space than a single and causes a lot lass stress on a gate operator, posts and hinges so will last longer.
Swing gates normally open inwards from the road but if a driveway is sloping up from the road then the gate may open outwards. Outward opening gates should be set back into a property enough so they don't open out onto a public thoroughfare.
Situations where a Swing Gate could be chosen over a Sliding Gate are:
- The driveway slopes down from the road
- The driveway has fences or walls either side or no where for a sliding gate to slide to.
- The driveway is very uneven or has a large drain.
- If you could have both a swing or a sliding gate, generally a swing gate is simpler to install and you don't have to worry about keeping the track clear.
For more information about installing swing gates click here
Swing Gates with Rising Hinges
If there is no room for a sliding gate to slide, the driveway is sloping up from the road, you don't want a large gap under the gate and it's not practical to open outwards then a swing gate with a rising hinge may work, provided the rise isn't more than 20cm for a 2m wide gate and the gate isn't too heavy.
