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Driveway gates can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, depending on how well you maintain your gate, the material type, how frequently you use it, and whether you choose an automatic or manual gate. Automatic gates generally require more maintenance than manual gates due to their added sliding gate mechanisms, which can go out from frequent use.

The obvious disadvantage of an automatic gate is that it runs on electricity. If the power goes out, it won’t open or close unless there’s a manual override. Many homeowners will need a backup generator so they don’t get stuck on either side of the gate, particularly when looking to park a vehicle. Automatic gates are also much more complicated than manual gates, with tech-heavy components that make them more expensive to repair.

While entryways are seldom added to a house to increase the sale price, they are commonly constructed to increase the livability and enjoyment of a home. So, while they aren’t necessary, they do make for a more comfortable and luxurious-feeling home. Entryways are most valuable in areas of extreme heat, cold, or rain, as the space between the living area and the outdoors helps keep the outdoors outside. Plus, snow, wet boots, and mud are all corralled into one space that’s easy to clean.

Double gates come with the same gaps as single gates, with hinges taking up a quarter of an inch of space. The difference is that double fence gates also have a center gap, which needs a little more clearance. Space the center gap at half an inch instead of the usual three-eighths of an inch for a single gate.