As a landowner or farmer, you will want to make sure your property, including your house and outbuildings and all the items that might be kept in them such as valuables, vehicles and farm machinery, are kept safe and secure. If you keep animals, you want to ensure they are properly confined in the right areas of your property and are also adequately protected from potential thieves.
Fencing is, of course, an important consideration, providing a clearly defined boundary to your property as well as a physical barrier to exit or entry. However, with any fence, comes the need for a gate for exit and entry, and in this respect a gate can potentially provide an additional security level to support the work of fencing, or, if you are not careful, a point of weakness within the fence perimeter where exit and entry are not secure and the job of fencing compromised.
It is really important therefore, that when it comes to selecting the right gate for your property you need to carefully consider a number of factors to ensure the gate you select and install is both fit for purpose and will contribute to security rather detract from it.
Gate Usage
Firstly, you need to ascertain what exactly your gate needs to do – is it to keep animals penned and controlled? If so, what types of animal, as each will exert different pressures on a gate and different styles of gate are suited to different types of animal. Will the gate we used and opened and closed day in day out or will it only be used occasionally? If it’s for a heavy usage it makes sense that the type of gate will need to be more durable and sturdy than for minimal usage. If it is for security, for example the main entrance gate to a farm or farmyard, added strength and securing mechanics may well need to be considered in contrast to a gate enclosing an outer, more inaccessible field.
Gate Manufacture
Most gates are made from either wood or steel, and the type of wood used (hardwood v softwood) can have a big effect on price. Softwood tends to be the cheapest all-round option but it is not as durable or hard wearing as either hardwood or metal. If aesthetics are important, wood is often preferred for its organic, natural look but wood also needs regular maintenance, more so that a steel gate. In an ideal world you also want a gate that will complement existing fencing, however you need to keep an open mind, as functionality is often the most important issue. Then there’s the locking to consider. Does your gate just require a simple latch mechanic that livestock such as cows are unable to force open, or does the gate need to be fully locked to secure the field or access to property? What locking mechanic will work best? A padlock on a chain or something more integrated? Again, all these permutations need to be assessed carefully, along with your budget for the gate or gates. Invariably there will need to be some sort of informed compromise on the way to a final decision.
But it’s not just the actual gate you need to consider, you also need to look at the gate posts and other essential fixtures and fittings such as latches and hinges, that are vital to any gate’s function and integrity.
Field Gates For Livestock
Many farmers and land owners that keep livestock opt for strong galvanized metal gates and there are many options to choose from. Sturdy 7-rail gates are designed to hold in large stock such as cattle, whilst 6-rail half mesh versions might be used for smaller animals. These gates tend to work well with any type of fencing. Metal gates do not need as much routine maintenance as wooden gates as they are much more durable. However, it is always prudent to check for any issues as the occur, as repairing metal gates can be very costly.
Wooden gates have been used for centuries and as well as being cost-effective, are also relatively strong and versatile. However, regular routine maintenance is advised. Most wood gates come pre-treated but regular on-going care and maintenance will be required to stop deterioration. These gates can be vulnerable to heavy wind and rain, pests and general wear and tear. However, regular coats of protective sealant can safeguard wooden gates and prolong their lifespan for years to come. Checking for damage regularly simply means that timely and cost-effective repairs can be undertaken as they occur and as necessary, before small problems become a lot worse.
Keeping pests out
As well as keeping unwanted guests at bay, gates can also be used to keep unwanted animal pests away from your property, too. If you live in a rural area, there is a high chance that stray animals such as foxes will roam around your property. Having a properly installed and appropriate gate and fencing in key vulnerable areas can prevent them from gaining access to and causing damage to property or livestock. There are also specific gates for specific tasks such as deer gates.
As you can see, there are a number of different things to consider before you install a gate on your property. Not only can a gate on your property protect your land, house, and belongings from unwanted guests, but it will also act as a secure barrier outlining your boundary and providing a potential deterrent to potential intruders.
