When we think about home security, we usually focus on alarm systems, CCTV, and double-locked front doors. But if an intruder can walk casually through your side gate and into your back garden, they have all the privacy they need to break in at their leisure.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we believe security starts at the boundary. A weak gate is an open invitation. Here are our top professional tips for turning your gate into a genuine deterrent.
1. Eliminate the "Stepping Stones"
The most common mistake we see with stylish modern gates is that they are essentially ladders. Horizontal slat gates are very trendy in Bristol right now, but if the gaps between the slats are too wide, they are incredibly easy to climb.
The Fix:
- Vertical is Safest: Vertical bars or boards offer no footholds.
- Chamfered Slats: If you love the horizontal look, use "chamfered" timber. The edges are cut at an angle, making it nearly impossible to get a toe-hold.
- Trellis Toppers: Adding a fragile trellis to the top of a 6ft gate is a great deterrent. It looks nice, but it will snap loudly under the weight of a climber, acting as a noisy alarm.
2. Upgrade the Lock (Bin the Padbolt)
The standard "padbolt" (a sliding bolt with a padlock) is cumbersome. Homeowners often get lazy and leave it unlocked because fumbling with a padlock in the rain is annoying.
The Fix: Install a Long Throw Gate Lock. These are keyed locks that are drilled through the frame. They allow you to lock and unlock the gate from both sides with a single key turn. Because they are integrated into the gate, they are much harder to force open with a crowbar than a screwed-on bolt.
3. Let There Be Light
Burglars hate the spotlight. A gate tucked away in a dark side alley is a high-risk area.
The Fix: Install a motion-sensor (PIR) light directly above the gate inside the garden. If someone rattles the latch or hops over, they are instantly illuminated. This often startles opportunists enough to send them running.
4. Double Up on Hinges
We often see gates secured with a heavy lock, but hanging on flimsy hinges that are simply screwed into the face of the post. A determined intruder can simply unscrew the hinges and lift the gate out of the frame.
The Fix: Use "Hook and Band" hinges and install the bottom hinge in reverse (with the pin pointing down). This means the gate cannot be lifted off the hooks. Alternatively, use "security bolts" (one-way screws) that cannot be unscrewed once tightened.
5. The Visibility Paradox
Should a security gate be solid or see-through? Solid: Offers total privacy, but once an intruder is over, they are hidden from the street. See-Through: Allows neighbours to see if someone is lurking in your garden.
Our Verdict: For side gates, a solid gate up to 6ft is usually best to prevent prying eyes. However, ensure there are no bins or benches on the outside that can be used to hop over.
Secure Your Perimeter
A secure gate brings peace of mind. If your side entrance is currently held shut by a rusty bolt and a prayer, it’s time for an upgrade.
Featured Image Image * [Close-up of a stainless steel 'Long Throw' key lock installed on a robust timber gate, with the key inserted, showing the solid steel bolt extended] Image Alt Text * High security long throw gate lock installed on a wooden gate Tags Select Tags * Home Security, Gate Locks, Anti-Climb, Garden Safety, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * Gate Security Tips: 5 Ways to Secure Your Home | Joe's Meta Description * Is your side gate a security risk? We share 5 expert tips to burglar-proof your home, from anti-climb designs to long-throw locks and lighting.