The Basics on Gates and Fences in Houston
One of the last projects for a new home or an upgrade to your existing home will be gates and fences in Houston. There are many regulations and standards that need to be followed in communities to ensure everything is installed up to code; for example, if you have a swimming pool, you must have it fenced and gated to prevent children from falling in. The height of the fence and requirements for access to the pool through a gate must be observed. That’s why you should always check with your pool contractor, fire marshal, and insurance company that your upgrade meets their safety standards.
Fences
Planning in advance for fences and gates will help installation go a lot smoother; by doing so, you’ll be able to avoid underground wires, pipes, sprinkler systems, and other utilities on your lot. Gates and fences require a substantial number of holes as deep as 2 to 6 feet. The more planning you do, the less likely there will be any accidental damage from your contractor when they begin digging.
Nowadays, fences come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and materials. We’ll help you find the perfect design and fence-type for you; we’ll be able to narrow your search further by finding options within your budget. One of the most familiar and popular fences in neighborhoods is standard wood. They offer great privacy, are inexpensive, and look great. However, these fences won’t last a lifetime, but you can expect them to last between 5 and 10 years. Wood also changes shape with the weather, which causes it to warp, sag, bind, and loosen. If you want to choose this material, then you should also plan for maintenance when needed. That’s why we recommend getting pressure-treated posts to minimize this effect.
Not surprisingly, vinyl fencing is rapidly overtaking the wooden fence. It offers the same privacy with a greatly enhanced appearance that isn’t affected by time. Products are developing rapidly, so doing your research is important to determine which products are commonly sold out. One thing you should always consider is a good warranty. The sun can destroy a vinyl fence if not manufactured properly.
Chain link fencing with privacy inserts are very aesthetically pleasing products in today’s market. We recommend this for you if you own a dog, as it can withstand their active nature (scratching, jumping, gnawing) without looking damaged. This is the most popular commercial type of fence without the privacy insert and may be of interest to you if you have some acreage that you want to be fenced.
If privacy is not the purpose but rather to keep unwanted animals, children, and neighbors off your property, then a picket-style fence is ideal. Wood, vinyl, iron, and aluminum are great choices when you’re deciding on materials for this fence design; it’s important to remember, though, that iron will rust if not maintained. If you’re considering aluminum, it’s a more expensive option but a worthwhile investment since it won’t rust. We don’t recommend this material if you have children or pets since it might not withstand light damage from play and activities.
You’ll have input on every part of your new fence, including the design for the top. Our inventory consists of many options, including barbed wire, spiked protruding pickets, and smooth top rails. You’ll also get to decide the height of the fence. The standard height for a fence is usually 5 or 6 feet, but this can be customized depending on your needs or preferences. Finally, the last choice to make is regarding the size and spacing of your pickets. This is when you’ll need to check your city or community’s building restrictions to avoid any issues.
The City of Houston requires a maximum spacing of 4 in between pickets if you have a pool. Rules like these are vital so you don’t suffer any disappointment. I had a friend who’d installed a beautiful fence only to find out that the 6-1/2-in picket spacing did not meet city code; they were very upset, and rightly so. The fence dealer failed to point this out to him when he selected the fence, but the dealer was likely unaware their property was under the Houston City code. Make sure you know before you choose your fence design.
Privacy and aesthetics can be achieved in many ways; consider using a combination of fencing and plants to create a barrier. You may be able to use less expensive, shorter fencing, combined with some shrubs that may give the illusion of a fenceless property.
Gates
It’s time to get excited about finding the perfect gate for you. After all, what good is a fence without a gate? Although it’s true that on occasion, a gate does not need a fence, a scenario like that is the exception rather than the norm. Regardless, you can count on us for all your gating needs.
First, let’s consider a swinging gate; the first piece of advice we can give you is to not install it on uphill terrain. Ensure the ground is level so that the distance under the gate remains consistent (usually 2 to 4 in). Keep this in mind when installing a gate over a driveway. Swinging gates should open inward, away from traffic on the outside of the property. Many times, the driveway begins at an immediate upward slope. If you plan on adding gates later, make sure you have a level area for the gate’s path.
If you’re doing a full upgrade outdoors, it’s always a good idea to set the gate posts before the driveway concrete is poured. The gate posts should be installed at the same time the driveway concrete is poured to achieve a very seamless, professional look. Make sure that your gate and driveway contractors communicate the importance of working together carefully to avoid any unevenness and problematic positioning. If you can, be sure to put at least two 3-in conduits under the driveway at the gate post area even if you never intend to automate the gate. Consider this a trademark pro-tip based on experience.
If you’ll be using columns, resist the temptation to have the gates hung from them. Even if they hang from steel brackets, it's better to allow the column to have its own integrity without the intrusion of a gate support. Use a steel gate post on the outside of the column, preferably aligned with the inside of the column. This will simplify the installation of the gate and allow a future gate operator to leave the column untouched; it will also prevent the gate from swinging into the column if opened too far. If you must have the gate centered on the column, the use of the external gate post won’t affect the overall appearance. In my opinion, it enhances both the gate and the column.
Do not choose a sliding gate on a grade that is not level. It’s best to try and align the installation when preparing to fit it to your driveway when the lot is graded for the slab. A channel or pocket may need to be created for the gate to slide over when it’s in a fully opened position. Do not forget to consider drainage and keep your gate out of standing water.
There are a few restrictions to consider when deciding between a swinging or sliding gate. First, if you do not have room to slide the gate open without over-extending past your property, or running the gate into an uphill grade, tree, utility device, or mailbox, then you will be forced to use a swinging gate. Second, if you have small children or pets that may play around the gate, do not use a sliding gate. It is just too easy for someone to get hurt and can be a rolling guillotine. Do not allow an opening over 2-1/4-in anywhere on a sliding gate below 48 in above ground level. This is crucial for automatic gates but is a good safety rule for any sliding gate. Finally, and most importantly, don’t give a child an opportunity to stick his head through the gate.
While safer, the swinging gate must have room to swing open without striking a parked car. A swinging gate will usually need a lock to secure it even if a gate operator is used. The leverage that can be exerted at the end of the gate or between two gates that join in the middle will cause the gate to flex and allow someone to squeeze through.
Keep in mind that the longer the swinging gate leaf, the greater the stress on the gate post. It is much better to have two 9-ft leaves that meet in the middle than one 18-ft gate leaf that requires extraordinary hinges and a post to support it. As a general rule, do not try to swing a gate leaf larger than 14 ft. 12 ft is better.
The takeaway is that the swinging gate is safer while the sliding gate is more secure.
While an automatic gate installation may seem straightforward, we don’t advise installing it yourself. It’s a job best left in the hands of trained professionals, which is where we come in. At Gates in Motion, Inc., we specialize in automated gates. No matter what your commercial or residential security needs, we’re prepared to leave you with an attractive, user-friendly controlled access system.
Choose Us for a Simple Automatic Gate Installation
When you request a professional gate installation from our team, you’ll receive quality service from start to finish, no matter how extensive the project. You’ll start by selecting a gate operator. To do so, we’ll walk you through the conditions that you’ll need to consider, including the following:
- The Weight of the Gate
- The Size of the Gate
- The Peak Number of Cycles per Hour
- Local Weather Conditions
- The Required Amount of Power
- The Methods of Opening/Closing the Gate
- Where the Operator Is Located
- Your Aesthetic Preferences
- And More
After helping you choose an appropriate operator, our talented contractors will weld, pour concrete, dig holes, run wiring, make electrical connections, and program the system properly to ensure the device performs as intended. We may consider installing a single transmitter with multiple buttons to open your garage door and gate if that design best suits your needs. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy a reliable, safe means of entry onto your property.
Offering Installation for Gates and Gate Operators
From gate installations to operator repairs and more, our versatile technicians deliver a host of services to ensure our customers’ property stays comfortable and safe and provides them with the peace of mind they deserve. Whether we’re installing automatic gates or fencing for your home or pool area, you can count on our team to provide you with an exceptional home security solution that’s code compliant. No matter what task is on the agenda, you can always expect high-quality work from our versatile technicians.
One service call is all it takes to see our constant commitment to our clients’ needs firsthand. Discuss your residential or commercial gating needs with one of our amicable technicians, and you’ll receive a free quote for your automatic gate installation or service. We proudly service many local counties, including Harris, Montgomery, Liberty, San Jacinto, Walker, Wharton, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston. When you put our team to work for you, our dedicated experts will work tirelessly to meet your every need.
Contact our gate installation company to enjoy an attractive, functional access system on your property.