Guide to Securing Back and Side Gates

Depending on the type of property that you live in, installing side and back gates could be a great option as part of your overall home security. Securing the rear of your property, or the side, should always take a little bit more thought, especially if you cannot easily see those parts of the perimeter when you are in your home. Network Security understands the importance of putting together a clear plan of action that covers not only your front door and vulnerable parts of the building, but also looks at different areas outside, including the rear of the property and any side alleys or roads that may run alongside your home.

Tips for securing back and side gates

Homeowner security tips should always include more than just the building itself. The rear and side of your property are often vulnerable points of entry where criminals may find it easier to get onto your property to steal items or cause damage.

Strengthen your gates

If you have already installed side and back gates at your property, think about regularly inspecting them to ensure that they are as strong as they need to be. Consider the material used to construct the gate, how thick it is, and whether it is easy to break through or climb over. If it doesn’t feel like it would be enough of a challenge, you should consider replacing it with a stronger gate or adding other elements that will act as a deterrent or give you an advantage over potential intruders. This could mean additional panels that boost the robustness of the gate, backing rails that offer strength when fitted diagonally across the rear of the gate, and framing the gate with hardwood to protect from rot and water ingress. Treat your gates, as this will help improve the appearance while also adding longevity.

Add high-quality locks

Sliding pad-bolts are often used as part of the locking mechanism for back and side gates. These can be easily used with a padlock to add additional security. Consider purchasing the highest quality padlock that you can afford, as the better the padlock, the harder it is to break. If your gates are in constant use, it is easy to miss some steps and forget to lock up at certain times where you might be susceptible to potential robberies. Fit a pad-bolt to the top and bottom of the gate and this will make it harder to unlock. A padlock adds that extra layer of protection.

Include your gates as part of wider home security

Another option is to include your back and side gates as part of the wider home security. For instance, if you have installed CCTV around the entrances of your home, include the gates as part of this process. If you know that you can view around the gates whenever you need to, through your home security systems, it gives peace of mind, and the cameras will act as an extra deterrent to any criminal looking at your home as a potential target via the back and side gates.

Other gate features

Other things that you can do include fitting security spikes or anti-gravity paint, on the top of the gates and surrounding fences, making it much more difficult for criminals to climb over without getting stained and/or hurt. If you do this, you will need to add signage that warns of the dangers of attempting unlawful entry and potential injury via the spikes. Automatic gates are another option, with professional installation ensuring smooth function and high levels of security.

Home security for farmers

Home security for farmers is another example of where you should prioritise the security and strength of any back and side gates, alongside fences. Farmers living on site must ensure that not only their domestic dwelling is secure and safe, but that the entire perimeter of the farmland is secure to look after the safety of any animals, produce, equipment, machinery, and all other agricultural-related items are secure from potential theft and damage.

The best home security systems include a range of devices and conditions in order to work effectively at all times. Optimal home security for properties that have back and side gates, should include additional security items and processes, such as CCTV covering potentially vulnerable areas of the perimeter of your property, deterrents such as spikes on top of the gates and fences, and the strengthening of the gate itself and the rest of the perimeter. Working with home security specialists whether you are securing a domestic property in both urban and rural settings, or a farm where there is a need for greater level of security to look after animals, machinery, and equipment.