Name: 4 Sure Gates
Address: 4 Sure Gates - Repair & Installation 5400 Kennedale st, Fort Worth, TX, 76140, US
Telephone: (817) 965-7873

Automatic Gate Maintenance Checklist: Things to Inspect Weekly

November 11, 2021

metal and wooden driveway gate in dallas Texas having Automatic Gate Maintenance

The average cost of installing an automatic electric gate is $1,900. To some homeowners, getting an automatic gate can be an expensive investment. Fortunately, these types of gates can last a long time and don’t require much maintenance.

It’s essential to keep in mind that keeping a close watch on your automatic gate and addressing even the most minor issues is the best way to prolong its life. Regular maintenance will also help prevent your gate from looking old and worn down, which may reflect negatively on your property’s curb appeal.

In this article, we’ll share a simple weekly maintenance checklist that you can use to monitor the quality of your automatic electric gate.

What Should You Inspect?

The first thing you need to do during your weekly gate maintenance is to conduct a visual inspection. Here are some of the components you need to inspect:

Electronics:

Check if the wires are still in good condition, look for signs of corrosion, and ensure the system is still working.

Gate Opener:

Test if the gate opener is still working correctly by opening and closing the gate. Keep an eye out for any issues like strange noises or if the gate is moving slower than usual.

Bearings & Rollers:

Visually check their conditions for any damage or rust. Ensure that they are working smoothly. Look for signs of wear and tear.

Belt (Chain or Drive):

Check your automatic gate belts to ensure they are still intact and correctly linked. Check for any physical damage and signs of rust.

Inspect your gate’s bolts and make sure they are tightly screwed. You should also check the holding cables and springs to ensure they are held in place by bolts. If your automatic gate has any wooden components, inspect them for physical damage and signs of rotting.

Have Your Automatic Gate Cleaned

Having your automatic gate cleaned or washed every week is a simple and effective way to maintain it. It would keep the gate’s appearance polished, which means you won’t need to pay for refurbishment services any time soon.

Dirt and dust can build up quickly without routine washing. Most automatic electric gates can be washed down by water, except for the electronic components. You should use a dry, clean cloth to get rid of dirt and debris from the electronics.

Take note that you don’t have to wash or clean your gate every week. Simply do some minor washing on areas that you think are starting to get dirty. However, give it a clean-up and waxing at least once a year.

Keep Your Gate Lubricated

One thing you should also check each week is the lubrication of the hinges and other parts. It is recommended to have your gate’s moving parts lubricated every six months. Check the lubrication on the following:

Chains
Pulleys
Hinges
Screws
Rollers

These specific parts enable your gate to move and work, so you must ensure they don’t have significant problems.

Never use WD40 or heavy oil to lubricate your gate since they absorb moisture from the air, which may lead to rusting. Your automatic gate provider or manufacturer should also have a recommended lubricant. Other alternatives include white lithium grease, base oil, or silicone-based lubricants.

Like everything in your home, automatic gates require a certain level of maintenance. These maintenance tips should help preserve the quality of your automatic gate and ensure that it does its job of protecting your property.

4 Sure Gates has over 15 years of professional gate installation and repair experience that you can rely on. If you want your automatic gate repaired, contact us today and let our experienced team help you get your gate back to excellent condition.

Metal Gate Repair: How to Remove Rust and Restore Shine

November 04, 2021

According to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington, homes with impressive curb appeal tend to sell an average of 7% more than similar homes with less inviting exteriors.

If you have a home with a well-landscaped front yard, clean and paved driveway, and freshly painted exteriors, your property looks more appealing to buyers compared to one with overgrown grass, peeling paint, and a crumbling driveway.

If your property has a gate, it’s also something that you must pay attention to when planning on improving your home’s curb appeal.

Improving the Appearance of Your Metal Gates

Metal gate repair is often neglected as a part of curb appeal enhancement but it shouldn’t be, especially if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions. Metal gates are prone to rust and corrosion, especially if exposed to sun, rain, and moisture.

No matter how sleek or elaborate the design of your metal gate is, it will not look good with rust. Corrosion can also compromise the integrity of the metal. Below, we share the steps on how you can remove rust from your metal gates and make them stunning again.

Step 1: Rinse with Soapy Water

Wet your gate with soapy water first to remove surface dust, bird droppings, and other dirt clinging to the surface. You can use a sponge and dip it in the soapy water mixture, then give your metal gate a good scrub.

Step 2: Remove Rust Flakes with a Wire Brush

After that initial rinse, it’s time to deal with flaking paint and rust next. A wire brush is the best tool for the job since the steel wire bristles are strong enough to remove the rust clinging to your metal gate.

You can also use a wire brush drill bit, so the process is less strenuous.

Step 3: Use Paint Stripper to Remove Old Paint

Even after the wire brush, your gate might still have paint clinging to it. Apply paint stripper to the metal rails to remove it. Make sure you’re wearing gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.

Once the old paint softens, you can use your wire brush again to scrape it from the gate’s surface.

Step 4: Sand the Remaining Corrosion

The removal of old paint can reveal further signs of rust and corrosion. This time, you can remove them and other surface imperfections with a piece of sandpaper or a drill bit flap sander. Your gate’s surface should be smooth and free of rust after this.

Step 5: Rinse to Remove Oil & Grit

Clean the gate for a final time using the sponge-and-soapy-water combination you used in the beginning. This will remove the oil and grit clinging to your gate’s surface after all the scrubbing, scraping, and sanding you did.

Finally, rinse the gate with clean water.

Now, your metal gate is ready for repainting. To keep it safe from rust and corrosion, make sure to prime the surface properly and use rust-resistant paint.

Make an Impact with a Stunning Metal Gate

4 Sure Gates is Forth Worth, Texas’ premier gate service provider. From gate design to installation and repair, you can count on us to give your curb appeal a boost with the gate services you need.

Call us at (817) 965-7873 for a free consultation.

Why Your Commercial Property Needs a Wrought Iron Gate

October 28, 2021

Dallas city leaders continue to prioritize public safety, especially since murder and aggravated assault rates — which were already on a steady decline since 2015 — spiked over the last two years. But there’s only so much that law enforcement presence can do to stabilize violent crimes and property crimes in the city.

Commercial property owners might consider installing a wrought iron gate to increase property safety and security. This isn’t the only advantage of the gates, though. They boost the exterior appeal and, given how highly malleable the material is, they can be designed to fit seamlessly into your exterior design.

There are various advantages of installing wrought iron gates on your commercial property. Check out the four main reasons you should consider investing in them:

Improved Employee Safety

When people think of wrought iron gates, the first thing that comes to mind is a formidable fence surrounding property. You can install this type of gate at your commercial property to improve employee safety. It helps keep intruders and trespassers out of your property.

Another reason to install wrought iron gates outside and within your commercial property is to prevent employees from entering restricted areas that could cause them harm.

Enhanced Property Security

Although employee safety is one of your top priorities, you also have to look after valuable items and equipment in your commercial property. Security systems aside, you can protect these items from theft or vandalism by installing a wrought iron gate to keep unwanted visitors out.

Additionally, your visitors and customers will feel safer in your commercial property if they know that a sturdy gate helps keep unauthorized visitors from entering the premises while they’re there.

Greater Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetic appeal is a common reason for installing wrought iron gates. The sturdy material adds a timelessly elegant vibe to any commercial property, thus making it look more attractive to visitors and customers. Given the material’s malleability, it can be shaped to match your property exterior.

Wrought iron gates also add to commercial property value. The material boosts security while making the property look good. If you decide to sell the property, the gates are a selling point.

Lasting Gate Durability

Wrought iron has natural durability that is difficult to cut through and almost impossible to breach. This durability also requires minimal maintenance. You simply have to check for rust and repaint the gates every two to three years, and they will always look good as new.

There’s also the fact that the material stays in good condition despite constant exposure to intense sunlight, heavy rain, and strong winds. It definitely has a strong return on investment.

Install a Wrought Iron Gate Today with 4 Sure Gates!

Clients may feel safer on your commercial property when you install wrought iron gates that protect against intruders.

4 Sure Gates has been providing trusted gate installation services since 2005. Our team services residential and commercial property owners in the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Expect high-quality gate products and materials at competitive prices.

Call (817) 965-7873 for a free consultation.

Steel vs. Aluminum Driveway Gate: Which is Better?

October 21, 2021

Home renovations have been all the rage in the past year; people have plenty of time to finally do those home improvement projects they’ve wanted alongside the increase in real estate interest. And one of the most popular home improvement renovations done is on garages and driveways.

These multi-use spaces are utilized in many ways, and the driveway gate is always in front of the home. Homeowners can be particular about how they look and their functionality. When it comes to driveway gates, the debate comes down to material: steel or aluminum? Which one is truly better? Which one withstands the test of time, and which one is easier to install?

Steel vs. Aluminum: Understanding the Materials

First, homeowners need to understand both materials.

Steel is an alloy made up of iron and carbon, known for its strength and durability against cracks and fractures. It’s also a low-cost material, and the cost combined with strength makes it ideal for buildings, machines, trains, cars, and more.

Aluminum is a low-density metal element. It’s soft and non-magnetic and more costly than steel. However, it’s exceptionally light, weighing only a third against steel’s weight. But it remains solid despite this lightness. This makes it ideal for aircraft, boats, and medical equipment. Its many benefits make it highly in-demand.

The Steel VS Aluminum Gate Debate

Looking at the benefits of both metals, which is truly ideal for your driveway gate?

Weight

The weight of a steel gate is substantial, and it won’t be easy to crack or open, giving you more security. It’s a strong, heavy material, and they also look great in a variety of gate designs. Because of this, however, it might be more complex to install, especially if it’s a large gate.

Aluminum gates are much lighter, and they will be easier to install. They could be used for a variety of gate types, especially sliding gates. They also aren’t as dangerous weight-wise. And aluminum gates don’t put as much stress as steel gates on gate opener mechanisms. So you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of an automatic system longer.

Durability

Most steel gates can last decades and remain strong, especially against violent weather or natural elements. It withstands corrosion better and is unlikely to crack or break. This adds a level of security to your driveway and your home.

If you need a gate that withstands the test of time, steel gates are your best bet. And even if they do eventually corrode slightly, steel gives off a distinguished look. And there are different methods available to keep it and its paint from rusting.

Aluminum gates are also quite firm without being as heavy as steel gates. However, it’s a myth that aluminum doesn’t rust compared to steel—just like anything else, it will oxidize when exposed to the elements. So, you’ll need to maintain it by cleaning it regularly and being mindful of any damage to make it last a long time. An excellent coating will protect it as well!

Choose the Right Gate for You with 4 Sure Gates!

In the end, there’s no real “better” metal to construct your driveway gate with. It all depends on your needs and what you feel is most convenient to you. Do you need less maintenance and more durability, creating a gate that withstands the elements and has strength? Go for the steel gate. Do you need lightness, flexibility, easier installation, and more ease of use with automatic systems? Go for the aluminum gate.

Either way, with proper installation, care, and maintenance, your gate will be strong, durable, and functional for years to come.

Not sure which gate is right for your home or your family’s needs? Call us today for consultation here, or let us install the right gate for you!

Automatic Gate Design Options for Sloped Driveways

October 14, 2021

Automatic gates offer better safety and convenience by allowing you to better control who goes in and out of your property. They are also great for sloped driveways since the slope might make it difficult to manually open a gate. Certain designs also work well with driveways that have limited space for gates to open to.

However, you might have been told that an automatic swing gate or sliding gate would not be possible for your driveway due to its slope. The truth is both types can be used regardless. The base design just needs some adjustments.

Here are your options for automatic gates on sloped driveways:

1. Swing Gates

You’ve probably seen a swing gate before since it’s the most common type. Swing gates open by swinging inward, away from the road.

Swing Gate Angled to a Slope Across the Driveway

Fitting a swing gate to a slope across the driveway is simple. The bottom of the gate just needs to be angled to follow the slope, and it will be able to operate as usual. The top of the gate can be angled or level so that it follows the fence line.

When the Driveway Slopes Up from the Road

If your driveway slopes up, you can simply use a gate with a higher bottom if the slope is not that steep. If the slope is steep, you can use a rising swing gate. Rising swing gates open inward and upward using a custom-made mounting bracket.

2. Sliding Gates

Sliding gates open by sliding sideways towards the fence.

Like swing gates, sliding gates just need bottoms angled to a slope if the slope goes across the driveway. An automatic sliding gate on a slope generally needs a larger motor since it lifts part of the gate’s weight.

Sliding gates can open uphill or downhill and can have level or angled tops to suit the fence line. Sliding gates with level tops need a guide rail that moves up and down as the gate opens and closes.

3. Telescopic Gates

Telescopic gates are sliding gates made up of two or more panels that stack in front of each other. These are great for when there is limited space for a gate to open towards. Other than that, they are mostly similar to sliding gates.

When The Ground Slopes Up or Down from the Driveway

If the ground slopes up from the driveway, restricting the gate’s movement, the ground will need to be excavated, and a retaining wall will have to be added for the gate. If the slope is steep, a telescopic gate may be used to minimize excavation.

If the ground slopes down, a sliding or telescopic gate will need a metal footing. Again, a telescopic gate can be used on steep slopes to minimize the size of the metal footing.

Talk to the Professional Gate Installers of 4 Sure Gates

Just because you have a sloped driveway doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of an automatic gate. 4 Sure Gates has been the top choice for gate installation services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2005, and we would be more than happy to recommend the best design for your driveway.

Contact us today at (817) 965-7873 for a free consultation.

How to Protect Your Automatic Gate from Hackers

October 07, 2021

Automatic driveway gates have been quickly growing in popularity these last few years. Many commercial and residential property owners have swapped their manual gates for electric ones, knowing that they can heighten security and increase their curb appeal.

But as automatic gates grow more prevalent, some property owners have been concerned about one thing: can electric gates be hacked?

The answer is yes. Just like other forms of digital technology, electric gate openers can be hacked.

4 Sure Gates, a licensed automatic gate contractor, explains what makes automatic gates vulnerable to hacking and how you can protect your property from this security threat.

How Can Electric Gates Be Hacked?

Hackers can get hold of the codes used to open and close electric gates using specialized equipment. By duplicating these codes, they’ll be able to operate the electric gate opener remotely.

Another way that automatic gates can be made vulnerable to hacking is if the system is integrated into your internet network. For example, if someone hacks into your Wi-Fi, they could potentially control your driveway gate.

Hacking into automatic gate systems, however, requires expert equipment and skill. It’s no ordinary feat, so the chances of someone hacking into your electric gate system for malicious intent are slim.

Regardless, you want to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your property from hackers. There are several ways to double the security of your driveway gate, creating layers of protection that minimize the risk of intrusion, both physical and digital.

How Can You Secure Your Automatic Gate?

Make sure your connection is secure if your electric gate is embedded with your internet network. Set up a strong firewall system to block all unauthorized connections to your network, including hackers.

For commercial property owners, we recommend investing in a hardware firewall over a software one. Hardware firewalls have a separate operating system, making them more difficult to breach and less vulnerable to cyber threats.

Additionally, don’t forget to change your network password regularly to prevent it from getting stolen. You also want to follow best practices and tips on how to create strong passwords.

As a double measure, you can equip your driveway gate with additional security tools and accessories. An alarm system and a 24/7 surveillance camera, for instance, help ward off intruders. The CCTV will also record the face of everyone who enters your property, making it easier for you to identify the intruder in case of a breach.

To ensure that your electric gate is doubly secure, hire a gate specialist to help you out. They’ll assess your automatic gate system and search for vulnerabilities, then they’ll come up with solutions to protect it from hacking.

Secure Your Automatic Gate, Secure Your Property

4 Sure Gates is a gate repair and installation specialist in Fort Worth, serving residential and commercial clients in surrounding areas. We help you select the best gate system for your security needs, making sure that your property remains safe 24/7.

For inquiries about our gate installation services, fill out our online form.

Automatic Gates: How Secure Are They for Your Home?

September 30, 2021

Automatic gates for driveways are a popular option among people who want to enhance the security of their homes. They make sure that small children and pets stay safely within your property while keeping uninvited people and their vehicles out.

Apart from controlling access to your property, automatic gates for driveways can keep your home more secure in the following ways:

Ensuring Privacy

Depending on their height and design, automatic gates can shield your property from the prying eyes of curious neighbors and peeping Toms. They can also keep expensive items, such as luxury cars, hidden from unsavory characters as well as passers-by.

Preventing Burglaries

According to data from the FBI, burglary is among the most common forms of property crime in the US.

Burglars often case a house before trying to break in, so they can identify any vulnerabilities and security features that could put them at risk of discovery. They prefer homes with good accessibility, few or no security devices, and weak entry points.

An imposing automatic driveway gate made of heavy-duty materials can put off would-be burglars, as climbing over it or breaking it open takes too much time and effort. It also makes a lot of noise, which can alert neighbors.

How to Improve Your Automatic Gate’s Security

While automatic driveway gates are resilient and designed to enhance home security, they can be compromised. Here are some common ways an automatic gate can be breached and how to prevent them.

Power Issues

A power outage, or an intruder cutting the power, can prevent your automatic gate from closing or staying closed. For this reason, it’s important to have a backup power source and surge protector.

Brute Force

Ramming a gate with a heavy object such as a vehicle can cause its hinges or lock to break apart. To prevent this, choose a solidly constructed gate and install an additional lock—preferably an electric lock or magnetic one. Regular inspections and maintenance of the hinges can also help keep your gate resilient to brute force attacks.

If you have high-security requirements, a sliding gate is a better choice than a swinging gate. A sliding gate must be pushed off its track to be compromised—an extremely difficult task.

Additional security features such as retractable bollards behind your gate can also help prevent breaches from brute force attacks.

Hacking

In the old days, automatic gate remotes worked by transmitting a code to the gate receiver, which would then unlock it. However, this was not a very secure method, as anyone with the right tools could pick up the code and use it to unlock the gate.

Modern automatic gates come with a rolling or hopping code, an encryption system used in keyless entry devices like car remotes. With rolling codes, your gate remote creates a new code each time it’s used, making it difficult, if not impossible, to capture and replicate.

If you have an old automatic gate, consider having an automatic gate company check if it uses a fixed code or the new rolling code system. If it uses the former, it would be best to replace your gate with a newer one with better security features.

Another option is to install an intercom so that visitors would have to call up to your house, and you’d manually allow them entry by pressing a button.

Turn to the Experts in Automatic Gate Installation & Repair

Automatic gates are a worthwhile investment for homeowners who want to keep their property and loved ones safe from outside threats. While there are some vulnerabilities in automatic gates, these can be quickly addressed through proper maintenance and upgrades.

To learn more about improving the security of your residential property with automatic driveway gates, reach out to us at 4 Sure Gates by calling (817) 965-7873 or filling out our form.

5 Advantages of Automatic Sliding Gates for Homeowners

September 23, 2021

An automated sliding gate also referred to as an automatic or rolling gate, is an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. This type of gate has two wheels fitted on the bottom that run along a metal track. Unlike conventional swing gates that, true to their name, swing open, an automated sliding gate slides along the track to open or close.

Automated sliding gates are convenient. With an automated sliding gate, you won’t have to get out of your vehicle to open or close the gate. This is a feature that you’ll definitely appreciate during rainy or snowy weather.

Automatic sliding gates are an excellent investment for many other reasons. If you’re on the fence about having one installed on your property, here are five benefits that might help you with your decision.

1. Automatic Sliding Gates Help Improve Home Privacy

Installed in a perimeter fence, a solid automated sliding gate helps keep your property away from the view of passers-by and neighbors. You won’t have to worry about unsavory characters seeing your valuables, whether it’s new patio furniture or a collection of luxury vehicles.

2. Automatic Sliding Gates Increase Security

An automated sliding gate allows you to control who gets to enter your property. It will prevent people from manually entering the premises.

Automated sliding gates are also more resilient to physical force than swing gates, making manual intrusion—such as by ramming it with a vehicle—unlikely to be successful. To make them even more secure, you can have a magnetic lock installed. A good-quality magnetic lock can withstand a holding force of at least 1,500 lb.

3. Automatic Sliding Gates Improve Safety

An automated sliding gate is a great option for families with children and pets. It will help prevent them from wandering outside. Additionally, it will help keep out animals and unscrupulous individuals that may want to harm your loved ones.

4. Automatic Sliding Gates Increase Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks to a person viewing it from the curb or the sidewalk. Improving curb appeal is especially important if you plan on selling your home in the future. Prospective buyers are more likely to want to look inside your home if the exterior is attractive.

Even if you don’t plan to sell your home, having an automated sliding gate installed is still an excellent way to add a “wow” factor to your property. A professionally installed automated sliding gate in an attractive design creates a positive first impression on visitors and passers-by.

5. Automatic Sliding Gates Are Space-Saving

Because of the mechanism of automated sliding gates, they are ideal for smaller properties or homes with short driveways. A sliding gate doesn’t occupy too much space when open, making it easy to park your car or back up from your driveway without hitting the gate.

Have Your Automatic Sliding Gate Installed by 4 Sure Gates

Since 2005, 4 Sure Gates has provided quality gate installation services to homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With more than 15 years of experience, our team can assist you with the professional and efficient installation of your automated driveway gate.

Reach out to us today at (817) 965-7873 for a free consultation.

Should You Invest in a Solar-Powered Gate Opener?

September 16, 2021

Solar-powered gate openers become more popular every year, and because their manufacturing costs have steadily decreased, they’re more accessible now than ever before! And though homeowners get to enjoy many benefits, solar-powered gate openers are not ideal for every property.

4 Sure Gates breaks down the pros and cons before you invest in a solar-powered automatic gate opener.

What are Solar-Powered Gate Openers?

In solar-powered gate openers, solar panels harness energy from the sun to charge the battery instead of drawing it from an outlet. This stored energy is then used to open and close your gate. Unlike conventional automatic gate openers, solar-powered gate opener systems are not dependent on your AC power source.

The amount of energy captured from the sun’s rays depends on the size of the solar panels. If you open and close the gate up to 20 times a day, you need only a 10-watt panel. But if your gates open and close about 100 times a day (usually in multi-family buildings), you might need a 28-watt panel.

To determine the right solar panel for your automatic residential gate opener, ask our expert technicians.

Benefits of Solar-Powered Gate Openers

You Minimize Your Energy Bill

A typical American home pays an average of $115 every month for electricity. Because a solar-powered gate opener isn’t dependent on outlets, it will not add to this bill. The only expenses it entails are the upfront installation costs and maintenance, of course.

In addition, a solar-powered gate opener doesn’t require costly pre-installation preparations. Unlike traditional gate systems that need electrical adjustments, their solar-powered counterparts only need a place to install the panels.

Power Outages Don’t Affect the Gates

If you experience frequent power outages in your area, solar-powered gate openers are your best choice. Reliable batteries store enough energy for up to 10 cycles, even during days with minimal sunlight. You won’t experience the inconvenience of manually opening or closing your gate.

Solar Panels are Scalable

Should you upgrade to a bigger, more powerful automatic gate, you don’t have to replace your panel with a bigger one. You simply add another panel to capture the energy the new gate requires.

Drawbacks of Solar-Powered Gates

It’s Not Ideal for Locations with Limited Sunlight

The solar panels require at least eight hours of unobstructed sunlight to charge a battery fully. If it doesn’t get enough sun rays, it can’t power the cycles sufficiently.

As such, homeowners in rainy locations or places with long winters might be better off with a traditional gate system. In the same vein, solar-powered gate openers aren’t suitable for properties surrounded by dense trees.

It Requires More Maintenance

While solar-powered automatic gates don’t add to your electricity bill, they do require slightly more maintenance. On top of routine maintenance, homeowners have to clean the panels at least twice a year to ensure adequate absorption of sunlight.

Additionally, homeowners need to prune the trees around the panels to prevent the branches from blocking the sun.

If you need professional advice for solar gate openers, contact 4 Sure Gates technicians. We’ll help you determine if a solar gate system meets your property’s requirements.

Call us at (817) 965-7873 or send us a message today.

Four Telltale Signs You Need Residential Gate Replacement

September 09, 2021

An automatic gate can last up to 20 years, but many factors can shorten this lifespan. Harsh weather elements, above-average use, and poor maintenance worsen the effects of wear and tear. And at some point, a gate becomes beyond repair.

In that case, it’s more cost-effective to have your residential gate replaced instead of facing frequent, costly repairs. You’ll save more — and achieve greater peace of mind — if you invest in a brand new gate.

4 Sure Gates compiles four telltale signs you need a gate replacement…now!

1. Defective Safety Features of Your Residential Gate

Residential automatic gates can cause serious injuries, which is why they’re fitted with safety features like sensors and alarms. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates about 300 emergency room injuries every year due to automatic gates. Cases range from cuts to amputations to even fatalities.

Malfunctioning safety mechanisms, therefore, are your biggest consideration for replacing your gate. By proactively getting a new gate, you reduce the risk of collision, crushing, and other massive safety hazards on your property.

In addition, old models of automatic gates have outdated safety features. Upgrading to a new and safer gate minimizes the risk of accidents for family members, especially young children, and pets.

2. Physical Damage to Your Gate

An automatic gate that’s physically deteriorating is an inconvenience and a security risk. Not only is it prone to malfunction, but it will also be easy to break in. A gate that hardly operates and fails to protect your family is better off replaced.

For instance, once rot sets in the wooden planks, it’s extremely difficult to get rid of it. Wooden gates with cracks look like an easy target for determined burglars. In the same vein, rusted and dented metal gates compromise your security.

3. Gate Alignment Issues

If the tracks are severely worn down or damaged, the gate runs off the tracks during opening or closing. Loud grinding noises usually accompany this problem. In some cases, this could be fixed by a technician.

However, some misaligned gates are impossible to repair and require replacement. The gate might have a defective gate arm or gear rack — replacement parts that are difficult to get ahold of. The alignment issue could also be caused by shifts in the foundation where your gate is installed.

We strongly recommend calling our repair team if your gate derails. Gates are heavy (averaging at about 250 lbs.) and need specialized tools. Ask the technician if it will save you time and money to get a new gate instead of anticipating possible derailments.

4. Broken Gate Motor

A defective gate motor often manifests as a slow or unresponsive gate. Your gate motor might have succumbed to rust, corrosion, and wear and tear. In some cases, pests and extreme weather worsen the issue.

This could be solved by replacing the gate motor. The problem, however, is that gate motors are not as easy to replace as a gate opener remote control. You may not find a suitable replacement quickly, and every passing day brings safety hazards and security risks to your property. It’s often easier to get an entire fence gate replacement.

If you’re unsure whether your gate needs to be replaced or not, call the repair technicians at 4 Sure Gates. We’ll recommend a cost-effective solution that meets your safety and security needs.