Author: 4 Sure Gates

Why You Should Upgrade to a Wrought Iron Gate

April 29, 2021

If you’re thinking of improving your property’s entrance and front-yard elements, now is the best time to do it. After all, spring brings everyone out of hibernation—especially after Texas’ freezing winter—so you can expect visitors or neighbors to drop by.

One way you can do this is to upgrade your weathered gate to a fancy-looking one, like wrought iron. You can choose various materials to raise your front gate’s aesthetic appeal, but you can never go wrong with wrought iron. Here’s what you need to know about this gate material and why it’s a perfect choice for your gate upgrade.

What Makes Wrought Iron Special?

Wrought iron is a malleable form of iron that’s forged rather than cast. Unlike most iron components, it’s not poured into a mold and left to cool. It’s worked into its form using a hammer while it’s hot. The longer it’s forged, the stronger and tenser it gets.

Wrought iron is purer than cast iron, with only one to two percent slag (the by-product of separating iron from its raw ore). It also has lower carbon content than cast iron. These attributes make wrought iron stronger and more resistant to corrosion than steel and other metal materials. This strength has made it a popular material for many rugged products, including railings, nails, and gates.

Benefits of a Wrought Iron Gate

Easy to Maintain

 It’s no secret that wrought iron is much more expensive to buy and install than steel and cast iron. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average cost of a wrought iron gate installation is around $2,700. However, that’s the only major expense you will have for a while because the gate is a breeze to maintain. With a common wire brush and water, you can wash off the dirt build-up on your gate, and that’s it.

On the other hand, a steel gate needs to be washed with a mixture of soap and baking soda and fully rinsed before leaving to dry to bring back its shine. 

If your gate is painted and the paint starts to chip, it’s fairly easy to repaint it. If it gets damaged, a skilled wrought iron repair professional can easily fix it without you needing to buy a new gate. It’s ideal for homeowners on a budget and who don’t want to waste money and materials.

Multiple Design Options

Wrought iron is easy to mold and bends into any shape. If you have a custom design in mind, your gate designer can create it. You can let your imagination run wild with shapes and forms that are distinct to your property – even your own initials. Your designer can make them all come true without sacrificing your gate’s structural integrity and durability.

If you don’t want to create your own design, no problem. Every gate contractor has its standard designs. Ask for a catalog and choose the best design for your home and neighborhood. 

The craftsmanship that goes into wrought iron gates is unmatched. It takes a skilled and experienced forger to create beautiful works of art that also serve as deterrents to trespassers. Whether your home has a contemporary or rustic design, this type of gate will look perfect with it.

Improves a Home’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal has a higher objective than just making your home look beautiful from the road. It also makes your home more attractive to a buyer when the time comes that you’re ready to sell.

A Michigan State University study found that improving curb appeal, specifically the landscape design and other front elements, increases a home’s perceived value by 5% to 11%. With the elegance and classic look of wrought iron, you can make your home stand out like a beautiful piece of art in the property market.

If you’re going to spend money on your gate, you might as well make sure that it’s made from a reliable and beautiful material. A wrought-iron gate will enhance your home design while reinforcing the security of your property.

Get Your Wrought Iron Gate Professionally Installed

4 Sure Gates has been providing gate design, installation, maintenance, and repair services for more than a decade to Dallas and Fort Worth homeowners and business owners. If you need a contractor for your gate improvement project, we’ll be happy to work with you.

Call us today to discuss your ideas and get a free estimate.

Choosing the Right Gate Opener for Your Automatic Gate

April 22, 2021

Now that you’ve selected your gate’s size, color, and material, it’s time to consider whether you want to go automatic or manual. If your gate is fairly small and made of a light material, going manual is no problem.  But having a heavy and solid gate may require automation.

Automation makes it more convenient to open and close your gate, often with just a click of a button on your remote control or smartphone. You don’t have to get out of your car or require someone inside your house or commercial property to wait for you and operate the gate. It’s no surprise that the global automatic gate industry is a multi-million dollar market.

If you want to automate your gate, you need the right gate opener. A gate opener is usually part of your electric driveway gate’s cost, so when you make a choice, consider your budget, not just your preference. Here’s a guide to finding the right opener for your gate.

Determine How Your Gate Operates

The first step in finding the right gate opener is determining how your gate operates. There are two popular types of gates: swinging and sliding. The mechanism of your gate opener should work with the kind of gate you have.

Swinging gate — If you have a swinging gate, you’ll need a top or bottom-mounted swing arm. These are independent modules that are relatively low-profile. They’re barely noticeable when mounted on your gate.

A linear or ram arm is more noticeable but is easier to mount than other types. Compared to top and bottom mounted arms, which need to have their modules installed on the ground, you only need to attach a linear arm to a column and the gate itself.  

Sliding gate — With a sliding gate, you’ll need to have a chain-operated gate opener. The chain runs under the gate and is operated by a discrete motor.

Consider the Weight of Your Gate

Not every gate opener is built the same. The ones that cost hundreds of dollars are made for light loads, around 1,000 pounds. There are also heavy-duty openers used for hefty wrought iron and steel gates that weigh around 2,000 pounds or more. These can cost thousands of dollars.

If you’re not sure about your gate’s weight, ask your gate contractor and shop around for openers that accommodate the load. You may also check your gate and gate opener’s specification sheets to see if they’re compatible. Some may come with safety features, opening mechanism options, or power source options.

Take Your Columns into Account

Apart from your gate and gate opener’s weight, you should also consider your column’s heft and capacity. This is especially true for ram openers, which attach directly to it. A flimsy or thin column may crack or even break under the pressure of your gate opener’s operation.

Ask your gate contractor to assess your gate to see if its columns are solid enough for a gate opener. If not, you may want to consider a bottom or top-mounted gate opener connected directly to the ground.

Think About the Power Source

Since gate openers are electronic, they’ll need a power source to work. Before installing a gate and gate opener, consult with an electrician to ensure that you have electricity available in the area of your gate. Otherwise, you may need to spend extra to have electrical wiring installed.

You might also want to discuss a solar power source with your gate installer. A lot of gate openers come with one, which makes your gate energy-efficient. This way, you don’t have to worry about your gate failing to operate because of a blackout. As such, you might want to check the location of your gate to ensure enough sunlight to harness electricity.

You get to save money on bills, too, because you don’t have to use energy from your main power grid. Solar power being better for the environment than traditional power sources is also a nice bonus.

Look for Safety Features

Gates are made of heavy, solid metals. If any electronic parts malfunction, it could cause the whole installation to fail or move unpredictably. Prevent your gate from causing injuries or damage to your car by making sure that it has safety features like:

  • An infrared sensor that stops the gate from moving when it detects an obstacle
  • Remote control or smart application on your phone that lets you control the gate from afar

These features allow you to be far from the gate every time it opens or closes. You don’t have to worry about you or your car getting squished between the gate panels.

With advancements in technology, automatic gates and gate openers are starting to become the norm. Find the right gate opener by considering important factors like your gate type, column size, power source, opener safety features, and more.

Get Your Gate Opener Installed By a Professional

If you’re looking for a professional team to install your automatic gate opener, contact 4 Sure Gates. We provide customized gate design, installation, and repair services to businesses and homeowners in Dallas and Fort Worth. Our team has over 15 years of experience in professional gate installation and service. Trust us to provide quality services every time.

Call us today to get an estimate for your gate project.

What You Need to Know Before Installing a Gate

April 15, 2021

Your gate serves a variety of purposes for your home. Some people want a sturdy gate that wards off intruders. Others prefer something aesthetically pleasing to increase their home’s resale value.

Whatever the reason, installing a gate can improve a property’s value by at least $50,000, according to the real estate website Realtytimes.com. With the national average cost of a gate installation reaching upwards of $1,900, you could get large returns for your investment.

But even though you’re not planning to sell your home in the future, you can always enjoy the perks of having a durable and beautiful gate. Here’s what you need to know before installing your gate.

Property Size

While large and elegant gates look amazing, they’re not always the best option for your home. You should first consider your property’s size. If you live in a small space, consider getting a sliding gate to compensate for it. If you have more than 10 feet of driveway space, a larger swinging gate may fill the space better. Work with your designer and gate contractor to determine the best gate size for your house.

Gate Type and Design

There’s a wide range of gate designs available for any home, but they fall into three main categories:

  • Single swing — This features one large gate connected to posts or columns with a set of hinges. It’s good for entryways that lead directly to your door or a small driveway.
  • Double swing — This is a set of two gates that swing from hinges connected to two posts or columns. It’s ideal for larger driveways because the weight is spread evenly between the two gates, making them easy to open and close.
  • Sliding — This also has one large gate, but it’s connected to metal rollers. The rollers help you slide the gate open or close when unlocked. As mentioned earlier, this is the best choice if you want to save on space.

Your gate’s design is another important factor to consider, as it affects your property’s curb appeal. Curb appeal refers to how attractive a piece of property is when viewed from the sidewalk. This is a significant factor in the value of a home.

You can discuss mechanical or automatic gate ideas and other designs with your gate installer. Customization is best with aluminum or wrought iron; a gate manufacturer can easily mold the materials into different shapes and sizes.

If you can’t envision the gate you want, you can always choose from a catalog of designs that fit your home and discuss its installation with your home improvement contractor.

Material

Your gate’s material doesn’t just influence your gate’s appearance but also plays a part in its durability and adaptability to the area’s climate. Here are the most common materials homeowners use for their gate.

  • Steel — This is a popular choice because it’s readily available. Steel is quite durable, too. If you’re going for a steel gate, choose a powder-coated one to make sure it doesn’t rust in the rain or snow.
  • Iron — Iron is another popular choice because of its look. Wrought iron, specifically, adds a touch of elegance to a gate’s design. Plus, iron can be molded into different shapes and curves. Homeowners who want a secure and sturdy gate prefer it for its strength and durability.
  • Aluminum — Aluminum is not as sturdy as steel and iron against impact, but it’s perfect if you don’t want to deal with rust problems. It’s lightweight, too, and easy to install.
  • Wood — If you want a classic look for your gate, use wood. It offers a great sense of privacy, as it’s made of wider and thicker slabs. However, it’s tougher to maintain than a metal gate. It’s susceptible to rot when it’s exposed to rain. You’ll need to reseal it regularly to protect it from the elements.

 Selecting and installing a gate is just as complicated as choosing your wall materials and furniture. You must give it much thought, or your gate will be ill-fitted. Size, design, and material must go hand in hand with your overall home design and environment.

Get Your Gate Professionally Installed

If you’re looking for a professional to design and install your gate, turn to 4 Sure Gates. We’ve been installing, repairing, and maintaining gates in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas for more than a decade. You can trust our team to create a beautiful and secure gate for your property.

Call us today to get a free estimate.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Gate

April 08, 2021

Even if you live in an area with a low crime rate, you can never be too sure. Installing a gate is a great way to improve your home’s security.  A gate, whether manual or automatic, keeps unauthorized visitors away. Plus, it prevents your pets and children from wandering into the street.

Gates, however, wear out over time. They’re constantly exposed to the elements, after all. Years after installing your gate, you may notice problems like grinding, squeaking noises that weren’t there before, or chipping paint that ruins your gate’s appearance. Your gate may also be difficult to close or open or refuses to respond to a remote controller.

These problems are more than just minor annoyances. If they’re left to persist, they can lead to irreparable damage. The best way to prevent these issues is through regular maintenance. Here are the best practices in maintaining your automatic or manual gate.

Clean It Regularly

One of the best ways to ensure your gate’s consistent function is by giving it a thorough cleaning at least once a year. Clean off the dirt with soap and water. Rinse and dry it immediately. If you see any signs of rust, let a professional gate repair service get rid of the corrosion. You don’t want it to spread deep into the metal parts of your gate. It can cause metal parts to break, and you’ll end up paying for costly and time-consuming repairs.

Get Rid of Pests

Your gate helps deter pests from entering your home. No matter how durable your gate is, however, rats, slugs, snails, and insects can damage it significantly. This is especially true if you have an automatic gate. Ants and cockroaches are notorious for burrowing into electrical components for warmth and shelter. They build colonies and bring in dirt from the outside, causing short circuits and corrosion.

Rats like to chew up wires and urinate on electrical equipment, too. This can cause your automatic gate to malfunction and fail, leaving you with a heavy door to open and close manually until it gets fixed.

If you want to get rid of pests humanely, contact a pest control specialist. They’ll set up traps and chemical deterrents to ensure that your gate is rodent and insect-free. If you suspect that the pests have already burrowed into your gate’s electrical components, call an electrical gate repair technician immediately. Touching the inside of electrical equipment can cause damage to the component – and your health. 

Lubricate the Joints

Even when your gate is electronically controlled, it still has a lot of mechanical parts. Contact points like the hinges are prone to wear after years of use, making the gate difficult to open and close. It can get stuck, too. And if you force your gate to open or close, you may end up damaging it. So, what can you do to improve the performance of your gate’s parts?

Lubricating can do wonders to your gate. It would be best to use lithium grease, not WD-40, as the latter only lasts for a short while. Use the lubricant on the main drive chain of your gate. Consider putting some on the hinges as well. Make sure to wash and wipe off the excess grease. You don’t want it to gunk up your gate’s paint and finish.

Update the Software

If your gate has smart features—for instance, if you can open or close it using your phone—chances are it has an operating system and applications. These pieces of software need to be updated constantly to fix possible bugs and glitches that could ruin your gate’s functionality.

Updates also patch up possible security vulnerabilities to ensure that your automatic gate doesn’t get hacked by cybercriminals. Updating your automatic gate’s software is a complicated process. Leave this task to your gate technician.

Your gate is your first line of defense against trespassers and other unauthorized people who might want to gain access to your property. As such, you need to make sure that it works properly through regular cleaning, lubrication, pest control, and software updates. These tasks may cost a lot of time, money, and effort, but they’re essential if you want to keep your gate durable and smooth.

Get Professional Electrical Gate Repair

Some gate maintenance and repair tasks require the work of an expert like 4 Sure Gates. We provide automatic gate installation, maintenance, and repair services for homeowners and business owners in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and its surrounding areas. Our team offers quality work at an affordable price.

Call us today for a free installation and repair estimate.

A Comprehensive Guide on the Mechanics of Automatic Gates

March 25, 2021

Automatic gates are often seen as a sign that a residential property is more sophisticated and expensive than others. Going by the fact that the minimum cost for installing an automatic gate is approximately $3,000 and the average national cost at $7,000, at least one of these assertions is correct. 

But how do automatic gates work? What are the different types of automatic gates? And what other parts do they have? 

How Do Automatic Gates Work?

At its core, an automatic gate works by using an electric motor to work the mechanism of a gate to open and shut. Aside from the tantalizing amount of designs and materials available, there are multiple variances for this relatively straightforward arrangement.

For example, automatic gates can work on sensors that detect an approaching vehicle and activate the opening mechanism accordingly. Others work through remote-controlled gate openers, not unlike the type that opens automated garage doors. These devices are most commonly dependent on radio frequencies to communicate with the automatic gate’s activation mechanisms.

Depending on the terrain, automatic gates may work by rolling along the ground on rubberized wheels. Others work on deeply incised tracks through which the gate rolls back and forth. Others work by using mounted rails to obviate the necessity of tracks or wheels. These all depend on the type of gate installed on the property.

What Are the Types of Automatic Gates?

There are many types of automatic gates. Some are more suited for commercial properties than residential. Others are more appropriate for different types of terrain, as they may interfere with their activation mechanisms. 

Below are some of the most common types of automatic gate designs.

Slide Gates

This is one of the most common types of automatic gates. The gate’s opening motor is installed on a nearby wall and the gate itself slides open to the side when activated. The gate may be assisted by rubberized wheels or pulled along a deep track cut into the pavement. These types of gates can be easily blocked by debris. Rocks and snow may choke a track or impede the process of the wheels.

Swinging Gates

Swinging gates open via a motor attached to a hinge mechanism, similar to how a door swings open and shuts. These types of gates are among the most affordable automatic gates because they don’t need a full wall for support. However, swinging gates require a lot of room to maneuver while opening. Safety measures must be put in place to prevent cars of people from getting caught in the gate’s arc.

Cantilever Gates

Unlike sliding gates, cantilever gates don’t need tracks or wheels on the ground to open. Instead, the gate travels along a raised rail embedded on the wall supporting the motor and opening mechanism. This type of gate requires more space and construction because the gate requires a lot of walls, both to anchor the cantilever’s rails and to balance its weight. The sides of a driveway must be free from obstruction on either side to allow the wall’s construction.

Pivot Gates

Pivot gates operate by vertically lifting the gate, like the arm gates on parking garages. The support for this type of gate is entirely reliant on its operating mechanism rather than a motor embedded on the wall. It uses up less space than other types. However, pivot gates require a heavier and larger footprint. Their opening mechanisms also tend to be more complicated because they use counterweight systems to activate.

Folding Gates

Folding gates usually have two gate panels with two hinge portions each, although some may have more than this. The gate opens by retreating along a track placed above it or cut into the pavement, folding back to allow access. Folding gates require less space than other automatic gates, however, they present plenty of dangers for mechanical entrapment accidents. 

What Are Other Components of Automatic Gates?

Automatic gates have more components than the gate, activation sensor, and electric motors. The following are some of the components automatic gates require, although this may depend on the type of gate in question.

Posts

Support posts are needed by pivoting gates or by folding gates. The posts act as anchors for their opening mechanisms. Other types of gates may use them as support for their motors or to increase the range of their radio sensors.

Walls

Gates act as the support structure for the motors and rails of multiple types of gates such as cantilever gates and sliding gates. More than that, they’re essential in preventing an automatic gate from simply being decorative, as they stop trespassers from simply walking into your property.

Intercom

Some automatic gates use an intercom system to allow residents to communicate with anyone who wants access to the property. Some intercom systems are simply an audio receiver and transmitter, more elaborate ones have video feeds or even facial recognition software to act as a secondary security system.

Automatic gates are a status symbol among properties. But their hefty price tag can be a hindrance for people who want to install them on their homes. Learning more about how they work and your options can help determine the ideal choice for any property. 

4 Sure Gates works on all types of residential and commercial gate projects. Let us help you with your gate installation. Fill out our contact form to request a free estimate today.

Should You Install an Automatic Cantilever Gate?

March 18, 2021

So you’re considering installing an automatic cantilever gate.

Like any home shopping adventure, information is power. The more you know about a potential purchase, the more certain you’ll be with your decision. To make sure your gates improve the function of your home, it’s important to know more about the features and qualities of each gate, as well as what you need. 

So before you buy or install an automatic cantilever gate, here are some considerations.

What Are Cantilever Sliding Gate Systems?

Cantilever sliding gate systems differ from one gate to the next. Despite being ornamental gates, they require rollers to work. Some systems may also require using tracks and trolleys. Compared to traditional gate systems, however, they are unique in many ways. One unique thing about cantilever gates is that no part of the gate makes contact with the ground because they are suspended on a beam. 

If you choose to install a cantilever gate, you’ll need a bigger space. The gates are 50 percent larger than most home openings, which makes them unsuitable for confined spaces.  Also, these gates must be constructed carefully to withstand gravity and wind, which is why they are not ideal for places exposed to high winds.

Important Factors to Consider for Cantilever Sliding Gate Systems

There are two factors to consider when it comes to selecting your cantilever gate:

  • Elevations. Cantilever gates must be installed level to abide by construction codes and regulations, as well as for safety concerns. If your gate isn’t level, it will roll down. Check the elevations of the gate underneath the travel of the gate from its nose when you close it. Your benchmark will be the highest elevation. If the gate is two inches above the elevation, you are good to go.
  • Gate storage. As mentioned, cantilever gates are 50 percent larger than most openings. For example, a 30’ opening will require a 40’ gate leaf. The additional 10’ counterbalances the opening and the leaf of the gate. 

Gate Infill Type

If there are no issues with the room for storage or elevation, consider design and performance factors. The first factor to consider is the infill type, which dictates the materials and design of the gate. 

Though these are broad categories, a contractor and designer can help you in deciding whether you should go for:

  • Ornamental gate. Ornamental cantilever gates incorporate vertical pickets into the frame. If you choose to automate the gate, the pickets must not protrude through the bottom rail. Instead, it should extend above the top rail and must be adorned with an ornate cap. 
  • Chain link gate. This type of gate is often used as a slide gate. If you automate a chain link cantilever gate, it shouldn’t have gaps greater than two inches. 
  • Decorative cantilever gate. This gate type usually includes infill material that is decorative but does not use a picket design. Instead, it includes louvers, slating, and perforated metal. Decorative cantilever gates are different from ornamental gates due to their mix of infill materials. 
  • Box cantilever gate. The design of box cantilever gates is based on the simple design of a standard truss gate. It uses four truss systems to establish a rigid gate framework.

Contact 4 Sure Gates for Your Cantilever Sliding Gate System Needs

Before you install or shop for cantilever gates, it pays to know the type of gates your home will benefit from. If you need more insight, seek help from an expert!

4 Sure Gates can help you with the selection of your cantilever gates, as well as the installation and automation. Call us today.

Classic to Modern Appeal: Why Wrought Iron Gates Are Worth Repairing

March 11, 2021

Do you have a broken wrought iron gate that has seen better days? Are you planning to renovate your property and dispose of that gate altogether?

We urge you to stop for a moment and reconsider. Your wrought iron gate may be responsible for your property’s curb appeal. Instead of throwing it away, it may be best to repair your wrought iron gate or install a new one of the same material and design. Here’s why.

Your Wrought Iron Gate Is Classic

Wrought iron is like the grand dame of gate materials. A property with a wrought iron gate has a certain elegance to it that is reminiscent of the olden days’ sprawling estates. 

The material has been used in construction as early as the 15th century. It gained popularity for its structural performance. As an iron alloy with low carbon content, wrought iron is durable but malleable; it’s easy to shape and weld. It’s also highly resistant to corrosion, so it can be exposed to rain, wind, and other elements without deteriorating quickly – a perfect feature for an outdoor fixture like a gate. 

The durability of wrought iron has caught the attention of construction companies and craftspeople. As production techniques evolved and became more intricate, artisans started using wrought iron for gates, fences, and railings. 

  • In the Gothic Era, wrought iron was used to forge gates and fences around cathedrals and churches.
  • In the Georgian Era, the material was used to add decorative details and elements, including intricately designed gates, to upper-class-owned properties. 
  • In the Victorian Era, wrought iron was used heavily in building homes. You can still see wrought iron fences and gates today in old neighborhoods in London.

Your Wrought Iron Gate Is Versatile

Though strong and durable in its final form, wrought iron is easy to work with while being formed or shaped. With the right skills and training, the contractor you’ll hire for your renovation can design and build a gate that complements your property’s architectural style. 

If part of your gate is damaged, your provider can fashion a replacement that fits the original design. Alternatively, they can create a new gate with a modern mechanism, but it still stands out and leaves a strong impression on visitors and passers-by. 

Your Wrought Iron Gate Is Easy to Maintain

Compared with gates of a different material, a wrought iron gate requires low maintenance. You can keep it clean with water and a wire brush. When it looks old, you can put on a fresh coat of paint to make it look new. The biggest expense you’ll need for your gate goes to repairs or enhancements (e.g., a motorized opener). 

Come to 4 Sure Gates for Repairing & Maintaining Your Wrought Iron Gate

A wrought iron gate with an accompanying wrought iron fence brings old-world glamor to you. When used in modern designs, the structure becomes an eye-catching statement piece for your property. Working with professional gate installers and repair contractors will give you the most out of your investment for your property renovation. 

Let 4 Sure Gates help you repair your wrought iron gate or install a new one to improve your property’s entrance and curb appeal. Call (817) 965-7873 to learn more about our products and services.

Security & Privacy Solutions for Residential Properties

March 04, 2021

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime in the United States report, there were over a million burglaries in 2019. Data from the FBI states that 37.2 percent of these burglaries happened in non-residential establishments, but the majority (62.8%) occurred in private residences.

Plenty of things contribute to a residential property being burglarized, but the most pressing reasons are those you can do something about: lack of security and privacy.

These two factors often go hand in hand. If your property is more private, fewer people have access to it, making it more secure. As a result, there’s a smaller chance of burglars getting in.

Below, we list down ways to increase both security and privacy in your home.

1. Install Strong Gates & Fences

There’s a lot of things to consider when installing or replacing the fences and gates on your property. But the most important consideration for the right gate for your home should be a combination of curb appeal and security.

A tough gate together with equally tough fences can profoundly fortify your home’s security and privacy. Tall, unscalable gates and fences make it difficult for burglars to find a way into your home. At the same time, these installations would make it difficult for them to stake out your house and gather information about its layout.

Metal gates and fences are definitely durable and versatile, especially with customizable metalwork. Wood gates and fences, meanwhile, are the more affordable option while also boasting of versatility and curb appeal.

2. Utilize Your Landscaping

Gates and fences aren’t the only elements in your outdoor space that could help increase privacy and security for your home. Done right, landscaping can be used to protect your home against burglars.

For example, you can plant thorny flowers and greenery along your fences. They act as beautiful alternatives to barbed wires. Tall plants and shrubs planted at the right angle can also obstruct the street’s view into your home. 

3. Beef Up Your Security Through Technology

Motion sensor lights, security cameras, and alarm systems have helped so many people stop or solve burglary cases. These pieces of technology are accessible and affordable, so you can easily install them around your property.

With motion sensor lights, you get to illuminate spaces where burglars may possibly be moving, making it easier to detect and identify them. Security cameras help with this, too. And with a robust alarm system, you and the police get notified immediately when burglars get into your home.

4. Add Blinds & Curtains

Putting up blinds and curtains is the easiest and most affordable privacy and security solution in this list. While these window treatments work for the aesthetics of your home, they can also serve a practical purpose.

For one, blinds and curtains obscure direct view into your interiors. Apart from this, they can also make getting into your home through your window more troublesome because blinds and curtains are another layer burglars have to contend with to get in.

4 Sure Gates Is Your Partner in Keeping Your Home Safe

Your home should be your safe haven, but it can be vulnerable to burglary. Let 4 Sure Gates help you increase your security and privacy with our gate installation and repair services.

Contact us at (817) 965-7873 for inquiries.

Top 4 Criteria for Picking the Perfect Sliding Gate

February 25, 2021

Every homeowner wants to enjoy their time at home in comfort and security. There are plenty of ways you can increase both and improve your property value, but one of the best methods is by installing your very own sliding gate.

Installing a sliding gate doesn’t just make your home more secure, it also increases its curb appeal. The perfect gate on your driveway can make your humble home feel like a palatial estate, not to mention deter possible intruders. 

But there are many kinds of sliding gates. How will you know which type is the best fit for your budget and property? Below are the four most important criteria you need to consider when picking the right gate for your home. 

1. Sliding Gate Cost

First, you need to decide how much money you’re willing to spend. According to an online calculator, the typical installation of an automatic gate on your driveway can range between $817 and $3,400. The cost ceiling of your gate installation can be determined by its purpose. If you’re trying to increase its property value and you need to sell it fast, it’s better if you choose a mid-priced gate rather than an expensive one. This prevents you from sinking money you’re not sure you can recoup. If you’re installing it for aesthetic reasons, then you can set the price ceiling wherever you’re comfortable with.

Best Type of Sliding Gate: Rolling electric gates are some of the most affordable types. These gates simply slide across the ground on rubberized wheels, requiring no track to maintain or clean. The simple but effective design lets you enjoy the benefits of a sliding gate without exorbitant costs.

2. Space For A Sliding Gate

Sliding gates need considerable space for the gate to retreat into. Unless you have plenty of space on either side of your driveway, you need to be more careful when selecting the type of gate. Common obstructions on your driveway can include greenery and hardscaping. 

These obstructions can not only block the gate’s retreat, but they can also adversely affect its ability to slide. For example, if you have a big weeping cherry tree by your driveway, the tree’s trunk can block the gate and its leaves can choke its tracks. You have to decide whether the effect of removing these objects from your property is worth the cost of the gate.

Best Type of Sliding Gate: Telescopic sliding gates are perfect for when you don’t want to remove obstructions like flowering plants and structures from around your driveway. The gate doesn’t slide back into the space beside the driveway. It’s made of sheets that stack on top of each other when you shut them, saving on space.

3. Weather

Most sliding gates need some sort of track for the gate’s wheels to fit into and guide it away when it opens or closes. This track is naturally a weakness for the gate as any obstruction or debris can render your gate inoperable. Weather conditions can adversely affect this track. 

For example, snow can choke the track and prevent the gate from functioning properly. Rain often brings mud and other debris, which means you may need to repeatedly clean out your gate’s tracks after rainstorms. Depending on the weather, you should consider whether to get a trackless gate or not.

Best Type of Sliding Gate: If your area does not get snow and experiences relatively few heavy rains, you can choose a V-track electric sliding gate. This type of gate follows a V-shaped groove for sliding back and forward. Keeping this track clear should be easy if the weather is working in your favor.

4. Driveway Conditions

Your sliding gate is only one half of the equation. Think of it as the necklace and decorating your driveway. If your driveway isn’t up to par, your gate will have a hard time operating. Your driveway will be uneven because you chose to cover it with loose gravel for a rustic appeal or maybe it needs some serious patching up. If your driveway fits in either category, you should find a type of gate that doesn’t rely on support from the ground to function.

Best Type of Sliding Gate: Cantilever sliding gates don’t need perfectly level driveways to function because their support comes from rails installed on the side. The downside is you need a wall or some form of structure you can install the support for the rail. But you won’t have to worry about cleaning out a track or levelling your driveway.

Sliding gates don’t just improve your security or the price of your property. They are statement pieces that can increase the appeal of your home. So use these criteria to find the right gate that will make your home look better than ever.

Call 4 Sure Gates Today For Your Sliding Gate Estimate!

Why You Should Get Your Electrical Gates Professionally Installed

February 18, 2021

No amount of home security is too much. One of the best ways to keep your property safe is to upgrade your manual gate into an electrical gate. And to ensure this critical feature on your property does what it needs to do, it has to be installed by a professional.

Here’s why you should hire a professional when installing your electric gate.

Tailored for Your Preferences

Electric gates, when installed correctly can improve your home’s curb appeal. This refers to how attractive your property looks when viewed from the street or the sidewalk. An expert installer will work with you to customize your gate’s looks according to your home’s aesthetic. 

You should also consider the way that you want your gate to open. Professional installers will give you a wide variety of options to choose from, whether you want a traditional dual opening gate or a more modern sliding gate. They can also add innovative features according to your preferences and budget. 

Your gate could have an intercom system, so you could just buzz guests into your property. A card reader can also be installed, excluding the need to use keys. 

Guaranteed Durability

Your electric gate may end up with issues, like broken gears and premature deterioration if not installed properly. 

Work with contractors that have certifications and insurance for the job. Ask about the different materials they’ll use for your gate, too. Ensure that they use aluminum so that it’s resistant to rust when it gets in contact with moisture. If you want solid steel, ensure that you’re getting them powder-coated so they’re resistant to corrosion. 

Peace of Mind

An electric gate installation costs time and money. If something goes wrong during or after your installation, you may hold the company accountable for it. This is why it’s important for your contractors to have insurance and to provide warranties. These documents guarantee you that your installers will provide quality workmanship, with the result being a gate that operates flawlessly throughout the years. And if they don’t, you’ll get a discounted, or even free, repair service. Peace of mind is always worth the extra cost that warranties and insurance may bring. 

The United States is never short of crime. The most popular ones, according to statistics gathered by Pew Research Center, are property crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found that there were 2,109.9 property crimes for every 100,000 people. A security gate may help you boost security for your home.

With a properly installed electric gate, you get:

  • Rock-solid security — Electric gates make it difficult for any unauthorized person to enter your premises. They don’t have exposed locks and some of them come with alarms, in case anyone tries to break through them. Because of these security features, the mere presence of an electric gate is a deterrent for shady people who might want to gain access to your property.
  • Safety for Your Kids and Pets — Apart from keeping people out, electric gates are also great for keeping people inside your premises. Your kids and pets may want to play or walk around your property. A gate makes sure that they don’t wander too far away and onto possible traffic. 
  • Intelligently Convenient — What’s great about electric gates is that you don’t even have to leave the car to open and close them. You can hook the latest models up to a remote or your smart device. This way, you don’t have to worry about possibly forgetting to lock the gate.
Installing an electric gate is one of the best ways to upgrade your home’s security. Apart from providing safety, it also offers improved curb appeal and convenient operation.  Secure a gate that lets you rest easy, and work with a certified electric gate installer.  

Call 4 Sure Gates Today!