A gate alarm is required for pool safety, but many overlook the value of an alarm for the gate to the fencing surrounding their property. An alarm is a critical element of fencing, particularly if children or pets are involved. Gate alarms also add value to properties.

There are multiple types of gate alarms available that can be installed independently and don’t require a full-fledged security system. Models are available that sound an alarm outside, inside, and have a one-touch bypass button for adults to allow authorized individuals to enter. Many can be operated via a mobile device and allow for a security code to be entered.

Children

Youngsters are naturally curious about the world around them and few things are more tempting than things they can’t reach outside the safety of their fenced in area. If a child can reach the lock on the gate, there’s every expectation that they’ll find a way to trip it. Youngsters can easily run into the street and even be kidnapped. An alarm is an essential tool for warning parents and caregivers if the gate has been opened.

Pets

Many people don’t give dogs sufficient credit for their ability to manipulate gates and locks. A canine that escapes their fence can be hit by passing traffic. There’s no guarantee a good Samaritan will find them and take them to a shelter and “stray” dogs are often picked up and used as bait in dog fighting operations. Gate alarms are also beneficial for protecting the public from guard dogs.

Unwanted Guests

For those that don’t want to deal with door-to-door salespeople, church representatives, or gatecrashers, a fence alarm is a great way to avoid them. The alarm will give individuals enough warning to head unwanted guests off and discourage interaction before they reach the home.

Intruders

Those that mean harm or intend to burgle a home won’t bother with scaling a fence if there’s a gate. Entering through a gate projects the perception that that interloper has a right to be there. An alarm alerts individuals when the gate has been breached, providing an opportunity to notify police.

A sagging gate is almost inevitable at some point, simply due to its construction and the way it attaches to a fence. Even a gate that’s been installed by highly skilled professionals can sag over time. Gates are square or rectangular in shape, a framework that’s essentially unstable when fastened to a fence. They’re attached by one side and the weight of the gate makes it droopy and saggy.

A brace run diagonally from one side of the gate to the other is the easiest way to prevent it from sagging. It helps balance the tension on the gate. Other forces also come into play when a gate sags. The mere opening and closing of the barrier accelerates the process over time by loosening hardware that attaches it to the fence.

Excess Weight

A gate presents an almost irresistible temptation to children. Riding the gate while it travels back and forth is a fun game, but it places excess weight on the gate, along with the wear and tear of it opening and closing. That’s just one of the reasons why the gate lock should be placed in a position where children can’t reach it.

Another factor in gate sagging is the size of the post to which it’s attached. The post has to correlate to the size and weight of the fence. A post that’s too small allows the gate to sag because there’s too much weight for the post to adequately hold. A gate post must also be set sufficiently deep to support it and the weight of the gate.

Hindges

The choice of hinges on the gate will also determine the potential for sagging. Just as the gate post is crucial, so are the hinges and screws that are used. The entire weight of the gate rests upon and pivots on the hinge. The hinge must be able to hold the gate, its weight, and withstand multiple openings and closings. Screws must be sunk deep enough in the metal or wood to hold without pulling out of the barrier is to withstand the wear and tear of time.

Most homeowners know the value of including a gate in their fence installation, but many people overlook the benefits of a lock. They assume that the mere presence of a gate will deter untoward actions. Whether you choose a manually operated or convenient electronic option, every fence gate should have a lock.

1. Safety

Your fence gate provides completion of a solid enclosure where children and pets can play in safety. Without a lock, anyone can enter the property at will by simply pushing open the gate. Children can do the same. Be sure to install locks above the reach of children and pets. Canines have been known to learn how to operate manual locks.

2. Theft Protection

You may have expensive vehicles, outdoor furnishings, lawn equipment and other assets that you’ve worked hard to acquire. Without a gate lock, anyone from your neighbor to a thief can come in and make off with your valuables.

3. Liability

If you’ve never discovered that someone has entered your property to enjoy the amenities, consider yourself lucky. There are an increasing number of people that pay no attention to boundaries. They think nothing of slipping onto your property to use your pool, spa, hot tub, or trampoline. In the course of their marauding, they can injure themselves on toys or tools left in the yard. Depending upon the exact circumstances, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the costs of any damage or injuries an intruder sustains. You could be liable for the expenses.

4. Insurance Requirements

You probably have items in your yard with the potential to cause an injury or that would be expensive to replace. Good examples are pools and spas and the chemicals to maintain them, treehouses, ziplines, swing sets, trampolines and even ordinary outdoor grills. Installing a strong gate lock can be a requirement of your homeowner’s policy.

5. Deterrent

A fence will discourage most people from unauthorized entry, but others will assume you’re hiding something valuable. A securely locked fence gate is a powerful deterrent to would-be intruders. Few individuals will want to take the time to scale your fence if they can’t gain entry through the gate.

A fence is an excellent way to ensure the safety of children and pets, keep stray animals and wildlife out, and discourage would-be intruders. One of the keys to safety and security is the proper gate, but the installation of a gate also comes with the need for gate safety. Gates can be installed that use a traditional key, swipe card, remote control or touchpad.

A gate needs to be locked if it’s to perform its function of keeping people and wildlife out while maintaining safe boundaries for children and pets. However, care must be taken to ensure young children can’t reach the locking mechanism or have access to the key. That consideration is even more important if the fence surrounds a swimming pool.

It’s essential that individuals always make sure the gate is securely closed, locked, and that older children understand the importance of maintaining gate safety. Even the most high-tech fence and gate won’t keep people or pets in and intruders out if it’s not closed and locked. One solution is automatically locking gates.

Gates should be installed at the same height as the fencing to ensure they perform the function for which they were designed. A gate that’s too short or tall will also mar the aesthetics of the fence and home.

Always install a lock on the inside of the gate that can’t be accessed from outside. It will need to be high enough that children can’t reach it or climb up for access. Another consideration are pets. Depending upon the type of lock involved, large dogs can accidentally open some types of gates if they jump up – and don’t ever assume that the family pet can’t learn how to open a gate.

A gate and lock are essential elements for any fence to ensure safety. Self-closing and latching gates are great for fencing around the entire yard. They’re critical if the fence surrounds a swimming pool. Gate safety should never be taken for granted.