First impressions hold a remarkable sway in the real estate industry, especially when estimating property values. Your home’s curb appeal weighs heavily and may influence a buyer’s perception of your property’s worth. Installing an automatic driveway gate is an effective way to boost your home’s aesthetics and property value.

In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of automatic driveway gates, how they increase property value, their aesthetic appeal, and how to choose the right driveway gate fence that works best for your property.

The Benefits of Installing an Automatic Driveway Gate

Automatic driveway gates boost your home’s security, deterring those who may intrude on your premises. Further, these automatic gate systems also exude a modern and luxurious lifestyle, which makes strong first impressions and sparks interest in potential property buyers.

1. Improving Your Home’s Security

   Having an automated gate system on your home’s perimeter enhances your property’s security:

• Integration with Security Systems: If your home already has a current security system, an automated gate can seamlessly work with existing advanced security systems to create a comprehensive safety network.
• Restriction of Unauthorized Access: Your gate serves as an active barrier, preventing unauthorized individuals from entering your home. Some systems include biometrics and other security features, which are useful for homeowners.
• Deterrent Effect on Potential Intruders: According to the 2023 State of Security Report, 76% of American homes have some security features, which have been shown to deter 60% of burglaries. Automated gates serve as a powerful deterrent, discouraging potential intruders from attempting unauthorized entry.

2. Increasing Property Value with Automated Gates

   An automated driveway gate increases the visual allure of your property and its curb appeal, influencing the overall property value. Strike lasting impressions with potential buyers with an aesthetically pleasing exterior enhanced by modern security features provided by an automatic driveway gate.

• Differentiation from Other Neighborhood Properties: A well-designed automated gate system sets your home apart from other properties in the neighborhood. With a modern look that matches your home’s theme, these high-tech gates make it stand out, turning it into a high-value asset in the real estate market.
• Enhanced First Impressions: Capture the attention of potential buyers in the market for properties in your neighborhood. An automated gate system is one of the first things that passersby notice, which can set your property’s overall positive tone and impression.
• Modern and Luxurious Style: Amplify your home’s appeal with an automatic driveway gate fence. Consider it an investment in modern technology signaling luxury to potential buyers, aligning your home’s theme with contemporary living standards.
• Convenience and Practical Applications: An electric gate opener ensures convenience for the homeowner and improves your home’s security. You don’t have to get out of your vehicle to open and close the gate. The gate’s system can be initiated and controlled using remote controls, biometrics, cameras, keypads, and other applications.

3. Boost Property Aesthetics

   Adding an automatic driveway gate elevates your perimeter’s aesthetics. Aside from adding technological features to your fence, the gate can be designed to match your outdoor landscape and home’s design.

• Landscape Synergy: Automated gates seamlessly blend with your yard’s landscape, merging well with various design elements. You create a captivating visual journey when your perimeter gate synergizes with various landscape elements.
• Enhancing Curb Appeal: A well-designed modern automated gate has the capacity to pique the interest of onlookers. This initial appeal raises the desirability of the property.

• Technological Highlights: In addition to the overall aesthetics, the technological allure of the gate attracts people interested in modern amenities. This impact further enhances your property’s curb appeal for tech-savvy home buyers.

Choosing the Automated Gate for Your Property

Installing an automated gate offers unparalleled luxury to your home. However, not all modern gates are created equal. You should consider your home’s design, available materials and technology, and needs. Here are several types of automatic gates you can choose from:

• Sliding Gates: This is the most common system with two gates that slide to open and close. It requires more lateral space compared to other systems.
• Swing Gates: This is another popular gate design where the gate swings to open and close.
• Bi-Folding Gates: This gate is designed to fold up and slide away, a good option for properties with less space.
• Cantilever Gates: This gate uses a counterweight system to open and close, perfect for properties with uneven surfaces.
• Vertical Lift/Pivot Gate: A fine alternative if your space doesn’t allow sliding or swinging gates. The gate slides up and down like a garage door.

Work with Seasoned Fence Contractors

At Nortex Fence & Patio, our team has built custom gate systems to match the needs of our clients. We install gate systems to suit the unique characteristics of your property, boosting its curb appeal. Call today, and our specialists will be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the right gate system for your property.

Wooden fences can boost your home’s curb appeal and increase your property’s value. However, this type of perimeter enclosure can accumulate lichen and moss over time. They’re unsightly and can also cause the wood of your fence to deteriorate, which ends up costing you a lot of money in repairs.

Professionals from Nortex Fence & Patio provide expert solutions to protect your wooden fence and restore its pristine appearance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove lichen from a wooden fence and keep moss away from your enclosure.

Tools and Materials Needed

As you learn how to remove moss from a wooden fence, you need to gather a few essential tools and cleaning materials:

• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Hose
• Garden sprayer
• Water
• Bleach or vinegar solution
• Scrub brush
• Pressure washer

It’s important to note that you don’t need a scrub brush and a garden sprayer if you use a pressure washer. While learning how to remove lichen from a wooden fence, you can do it manually or use a pressure washer if you have one.

How to Remove Moss From a Wooden Fence With a Pressure Washer

Here are the steps to remove moss and lichen from your wooden perimeter fence using a pressure washer. Please follow the instructions and tips below to prevent any damage to the wood. It’s also important to remember that misusing a pressure washer can do more harm than good.

1. Prune plants and shrubs that have grown too close to your fence. If you have fragile plants and flowers along the fence line, cover them with tarps for protection.
2. Clear any obstacles that may hinder you while using a pressure washer.
3. Use a low setting for the pressure washer. A 100 to 135 setting should be enough to clean most types of wood.
4. Hook up your garden hose to your pressure washer and turn it on.
5. When aiming your pressure washer, keep the nozzle 19 to 20 inches away from the wooden surface. You can move it closer to the fence for the really dirty parts but don’t keep it in the same spot for a long time.
6. Sweep the fence’s surface with the washer’s water jet one section at a time. Remove all the dirt, grime, lichen, and moss from one part before moving to the next section.
7. Allow the fence to air dry after power washing all of its surfaces.

Stain Removal

Sometimes, if the mold, moss, and lichen have been on a wooden surface for too long, they can leave stains on your fence. These blemishes can’t be removed completely using a power washer.

Follow these steps to get rid of hard-to-remove stains on your wooden fence:

• Mix two parts of water and one part of bleach in a bucket.
• Take a scrubbing brush, dip it in the cleaning solution, and scrub at the spots and stains.
• Let the solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then power wash the areas until clean.
• Let the wood air dry.

How to Remove Lichen From a Wooden Fence Manually

If you don’t have access to a power washer, you can remove moss and lichen manually using the tools and cleaning materials mentioned. Remember to wear protective gear before you begin.

1. Spray the fence with water using your garden hose. Notice that some dirt and debris can get washed away at this stage. Avoid getting any of the dirt on your clothing or eyes.
2. Mix one part of vinegar or bleach for the cleaning solution with two parts of water. You can also use commercial cleaning solutions that you can buy from a local supplier. Just make sure to use the recommended amounts as stated on the product label.
3. Apply the cleaning solution to the wooden surfaces with hard-to-remove moss and lichen. You can also use a garden sprayer for convenience. Make sure to work your way from the top of the fence going downwards until you have covered every surface area with the solution. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cleanser to work into the wood.
4. After that, scrub the fence using a brush. Don’t scrub too hard, or you may damage the wood.
5. Rinse the fence thoroughly, removing all traces of the cleaning solution. This step removes all the debris from the fence, making it look nice and clean again.
6. Repeat the same process for hard-to-clean areas, especially where the moss has left stains on the wood.
7. Allow the wood to dry completely. For best results, let it dry overnight.
8. Apply a stain or sealer to your wooden fence when it has dried completely.

Work With the Fence Specialists

As you learn how to remove moss from a wooden fence, you may find that certain planks and other wood parts may need to be replaced. At Nortex Fence & Patio, we commit to providing lasting solutions that can boost your property’s curb appeal. Contact us today for the best solutions to match your needs and budget.

How Much Value Does a Pergola Add To Your Home?

A well-designed pergola can boost your home’s curb appeal while extending your living space. It also encourages homeowners to spend more time outdoors due to its cozy and welcoming appeal. Enjoy the light shade outside and spend quality time with your loved ones. Apart from that, pergolas can provide a 55% to 80% return on your investment, increasing your property’s market value.

The amenities included, the size and the materials used to construct this structure all play a significant part in its valuation. As you determine how much value a pergola adds to a home, you should consider several crucial factors. In this guide, you’ll learn the benefits of having a pergola and the features you must look for. At Nortex Fence & Patio, we help you build a well-designed pergola to maximize your investment.

How Much Value Does a Pergola Add to a Home?

Pergolas are outdoor structures you can add to your garden or yard, providing shade and boosting your property’s aesthetics. These structures consist of rafters, crossbeams, and posts supporting the pergola’s other parts.

Some pergolas are designed as stand-alone units, while others are designed as an attachment to homes. They can be constructed using various materials such as vinyl, metal, or wood. Considering the cost, materials, and design, some homeowners ask how much value a pergola adds to a home.

One should consider several factors to properly gauge the return on one’s investment after adding one of these outdoor structures. To get an accurate valuation, homeowners need to check their area’s local real estate market. It would be best to consider several crucial factors, such as the location, the pergola’s design, and the materials used in its construction.

Benefits of Having a Pergola on Your Property

When you have a well-built pergola, your property gets an aesthetic boost. Aside from the external appeal, it adds functionality to your home since it can significantly improve your home’s outdoor space.

Consider the following benefits of installing a pergola on your property:

• Adds Privacy: Pergolas can be designed as a private space to enjoy your property. It can be built with curtains and lattices that you can pull and close. These features can be helpful during busy days or when the neighbors are at home during weekends.
• Shade: These structures can add shade for your retreat during hot days. Adding vines and other climbing plants adds a greener touch to your surroundings.
• Entertainment: Pergolas can be a great way to receive and entertain guests. Adding furniture, lighting, and other accessories makes your outdoor space more inviting and cozy.
• Style and Aesthetic Boost: A well-designed pergola can add a touch of class and elegance to your yard. You can also customize it to match your home’s theme and design.

These benefits can add to the overall value of your property. A well-designed and properly built pergola can increase your home’s resale value.

Determining Its Overall Value

Not all pergolas are built in the same way, and some are better designed than others. There are several factors to consider to determine its potential return on your investment:

1. Build Quality

A well-built pergola can last many years, requiring very little maintenance. If you want to boost your home’s curb appeal, construct the pergola using high-quality materials. For instance, the best wood to use for a pergola includes tropical hardwood, western red cedar, and European green oak. These woods are tough and durable, but they do come at a considerable price.

2. Design

A well-designed pergola complements the style and structure of your home and the surrounding landscape. Your pergola should follow suit if your home espouses a rather modernistic style and design. On the other hand, if you built your property with a green design in mind, you can match the yard’s looks with a pergola with features that allow for plants and other flora.

3. Trusted Contractor

Working with a reliable contractor allows you to create the ambiance you’re looking for when constructing a pergola. These certified professionals can keep the structure’s design up to code and align with current safety standards. When you work with seasoned contractors from Nortex Fence & Patio, you leverage our expertise and industry experience to build the best pergola for your home.

4. Location

The location of your pergola is also crucial if you want this exterior structure to add value to your home. You can place it near a pool or your garden to create a visual focal point drawing the eyes of onlookers. You can also set it near your home to make a transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Work with Seasoned Professionals

If you want to maximize a pergola and boost your property’s value, it is best to work with seasoned professionals. At Nortex Fence & Patio, we have built hundreds of these projects to the satisfaction of all our clients. Each home is unique, so we create custom solutions to match your needs and enhance your home’s curb appeal. Contact us today, and our specialists will be happy to answer your questions.