Your garden and backyard will more likely invite strangers than your house. These spots are open to intruders and thieves. Once they enter your backyard, they can quietly creep into your home and steal your valuables. They can even harm you!
So let us find out how you can secure a gate and keep yourself safe.
8 Effective Ways to Secure Your Home’s Gate and Stay Safe
Securing your gate is essential, but before deciding how to secure them, you need to consider what TYPE OF GATE you’ll secure. For any gate, the first rule of security is a lock.
There are various methods of locking a gate. Here are some of them:
Add Motion Sensors & Lighting Systems
Motion sensors and lights are both good for home and gate protection. Using these you no need to fumble around in the dark for the right key. Motion sensor lights also offer superior protection. It can detect human, animal, and car movement up to 17ft away at a 360° detection angle.
Also, using floodlights and spotlights is more common in outdoor lights. It provides an extra layer of security. So investing in motion sensor lighting systems will be an effective way to increase the security of your home or outdoor gate.
Use Security Cameras & Alarms
Security cameras and alarms are the perfect way to secure anything including outdoor gates. With these smart systems, you can monitor both your gate and property in real time.
Security cameras can provide you with a live feed of your gate and property. So you can check them in anytime you want. Most models of security cameras have night vision and motion detection features so can spot any suspicious activity no matter the time of day.
With a smart alarm system, you can protect your gate and property. Sound alarms will alert you if anyone attempts to force entry. So using both or one in place, you can rest assured that your gate is protected from intruders.
Consider Access Control Systems
Access Control Systems provide reliable access control and secure entry points. With this security system, you can restrict access to only those with an authorized key or code.
It helps to prevent unauthorized visitors from entering the gate. Also, you can easily monitor who has accessed the gate.
Access Control Systems are easy to install, making them a great option for any size property. So investing in an Access Control System will ensure your property is safe and secure.
Use a padlock With a bolt
Padlocks are the most widely used security method for outdoor gates because they are easy to use, reliable, and do not require much maintenance. What makes it even better is that these latches will cost you as low as only $10.
A gate latch can be attached to wooden, steel-made, and vinyl fence gates. You will get the best protection all the time. So securing your garden/outdoor gate with a padlock and latch will be a good decision.
Use Keyed Latches to Secure a Gate
If you use a keyed latch, you don’t have to buy an additional lock to make your fence/gate secure. Most latches come with a built-in lock. That’s why we call them keyed gate locks or latches.
You can purchase weather-resistant and long-lasting keyed gate locks for $70-$100. So if you want to more secure your outdoor gate, use a keyed latch.
Use Gate Hardware with a Built-in Lock
Every gate or door has a handle. So instead of buying extra locks and latches to secure your gate, why not buy a handle that already has a built-in lock?
You don’t have to spend your spare time, money, and energy installing a security fence gate latch and lock. Instead, you can use gate hardware with built-in locks because it’s easy to install and convenient.
Use a Chain and Padlock to a Secure Gate
If you want to secure the gate of a commercial or construction site, you can use a chain and padlock. These sites usually have chain link fences or gates made of galvanized metal. So you can loop a heavy-duty chain between the fences and lock it with a padlock.
The diameter of your padlock’s clasp should be smaller than your chain’s inside height, width, and thickness. Invest in a good quality chain and padlock so that thieves can’t cut it and break in. There are various metal gate lock ideas but chain and padlock is the most convenient one.
Use a Smart Keyless Gate Lock
You can unlock electronic or keyless security locks with a key card, remote control, or even your phone. There are keypad locks for gates where you have to punch in a passcode to unlock.
Keyless outdoor gate locks still have a long way to go before it becomes reliable for gates. But they are quite reliable for front doors. Although a few brands are available that claim to manufacture the best outdoor keyless gate locks for wooden fences but those are not fully weather resistant.
For instance, If you attach keyless gate locks to your vinyl fence gate, it will sit outdoors even during heavy rain. Your smart or code lock for the gate will be damaged. So you will have to replace it.
However, keyless gate locks can be costly and require a professional locksmith to install them. Frequently buying them and paying a professional will not favor your wallet.
Watch this video and learn about how to install locks and how to make your fence secure.
How to Secure a Gate Without a Lock?
If you don’t have anything expensive sitting out in your garden or backyard, you might want to opt for hassle-free security measures that are cheaper and do not require a lock.
The most common security method will be attaching a latch to your gate. You can attach the plain or loop latches for convenience. However, a latch with a hasp will provide better security even without a lock.
People also buy rings or lever latches to secure a gate. The latches attach to both sides of the gate but open only from the inside. To open the gate, you need to pull the ring or the lever to release the latch.
There are ‘gate stops ‘available in the market. Gate stops prevent the door from swinging from the hinges just like the name suggests and secures it. It stops the gate from the inside so thieves and intruders will not be able to push the door open.
You can use a security bar with a gate stopper if your door opens on the inside. The bar will stop the door from opening.
How to Secure a Rolling or Sliding Gate?
To secure sliding gates, you can use keyed latches or door handles with in-built locks.
You can use long-throw gate locks alongside your regular gate latch to increase security. It’ll secure the gate every time it is closed, i.e., the long-throw gate lock will latch automatically every time somebody shuts it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. There are various gate lock types available. So choose one that matches your gate.
You can secure a gate from wind by keeping it latched at all times. You can even use a gate stop to prevent it from swinging.
Buy latches of iron, steel, or aluminum for more extended durability and weather resistance. Do not buy brass-made latches because they tarnish very quickly.
No, they don’t. Lockboxes can keep keyless gate locks safe only when there is a drizzle. But when there is heavy rain, the water gets to the lock and damages it.
You can buy door locks from any hardware shop near you or you can buy them online from Amazon or The Home Depot.
At the end of the guide, secure home is crucial for a peaceful life. You must ensure all your gates and doors are appropriately secured.
[Updated by Palash Talukder]
