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

How to Choose a Suitable Gate Design for Your Property

April 07, 2022

Property gates typically influence property value. Gates are among the highest ROI-earning property features, with a quality gate boosting a home’s value by as much as $50,000.

Property gates don’t just increase the overall curb appeal—they provide a sense of protection for the property. They also enhance the home’s elegance and appearance of sophistication.

The increase in demand for real estate and the search for ways to increase home value has led to many clients asking 4 Sure Gates about gate design.

Beautifully designed gates are visually appealing and deliver ROI when the time comes for homeowners to sell their properties. However, choosing the design wisely is important; otherwise, you risk putting off potential buyers. When choosing a design for your gate, consider the following:

Your Home’s Style

Common home styles include contemporary, modern, colonial, Tudor, Victorian, and Cape Cod. Identify your property’s architectural style and keep it firmly in mind as you choose your gate design. To fully enhance your home’s curb appeal and underscore its style, you need a gate that matches it as much as possible.

Or if you have plans to remodel your home to change its style, you have to choose a gate that will match or complement it. Your gate should not look out of place: for instance, an ornate, cast iron gate would look odd with a modern, minimalist exterior. On the other hand, a sleek motorized gate would complement a contemporary home while also adding functionality.

Gate Space or Property Location

Regardless of how much you may want a grand, estate-type gate, you may not have the room for it. It’s crucial to accurately measure your gate to fit your space perfectly. The measurement of your driveway and the gate itself can differ significantly, and you have to leave room for the gate to swing or roll open as needed.

Gate Functionality & Accessibility

Some gates may appear aesthetically beautiful and match your home style well, but they may not be built for the purpose you’re looking for. If you’re primarily seeking a gate for security purposes, a wooden, rustic gate may not provide the best option.

If you want a gate that’s easy to open and close, you might consider getting a motorized sliding gate rather than a wrought iron one that has to swing open and may be too heavy for convenience.

Gate Types

Standard gates first come into mind when you think of residential gates. Often made of wood, iron, or steel, they can swing internally, externally, or slide open. They all have their benefits, depending on the amount of space you have and whether or not your property opens up into the street.

Electric gates are motorized gate options that can open automatically for you. This is incredibly convenient for people who often come in and out of their property in large vehicles. It eliminates the need to exit and enter the car just to open the gate. However, they can be costlier than standard gates.

HOA Guidelines On Your Gate Design

Homeowners associations typically have notoriously strict rules and regulations about gates’ appearance, size, and height. This is often because the aesthetic appearance of one home can affect the property values of the rest of the neighborhood.

Before designing your gate, look through your HOA’s guidelines and restrictions and ensure that the gate you’re about to install adheres to them.

Consult with Automatic Gate Design Experts to Find the Perfect Fit!

If you’re unsure of the best type of gate for your home, or where to begin designing the perfect gate for your property, it’s always best to consult the experts. We have plenty of experience in designing and measuring gates. Furthermore, we are aware of all the different options that you may not have previously considered.

4 Sure Gates has helped property owners across Texas design the perfect gate for their homes. With our full range of gate types and materials, you can select a custom gate option that matches your home’s aesthetics while giving you convenient features for utility purposes.

Contact us today for a consultation or read about our gate services.

Keep Kids & Pets Safe From Automatic Gates With These Tips

March 17, 2022

Without the proper safety measures and precautions, automatic gates can be very dangerous, especially for small children or animals. Accidents caused by automatic gates have led the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch Operation Safe Gate, which provides reminders and awareness for communities about how to keep kids and animals safe around automatic gates.

4 Sure Gates, having installed countless manual and automatic gates throughout Texas, always puts the safety of the property owners at the forefront of every automatic gate installation. While there have been far fewer incidents of accidents around automatic gates in recent years, it’s always important to establish safety measures to protect children and pets.

Maintain Your Gate’s Motor

Ultimately, the motor is what makes the automatic gate move, propelling it open or closed. It’s crucial to keep the gate’s motor running properly. Regularly inspect the motor at least once a month. Check for debris, moisture, pest infestation, and anything else that might get into the system that may cause it to malfunction.

Another way to ensure that it is running correctly is to upgrade it. If you’ve had the gate and the motor for several years to a decade, it’s best to upgrade it to a new one with better features. Make sure your gate motor hasn’t outlived its lifespan.

Inspect Your Automatic Gates for Debris

Inspect the gate regularly for debris. If you’re sweeping your yard or your driveway, take the time to check the gate’s tracks or its rail. Inspect for any sign of debris that might get in the way of the track and gate movement.

Debris and obstructions like ice and snow can prevent the gate from opening or closing fully, causing damage and malfunction. The worst-case scenario is that the “jammed gate” gets the debris dislodged by movement, causing the gate to heavily and swiftly close, hitting whatever is passing through.

Always Be Aware of Children or Pets in the Yard

As safe as kids and animals can be within your property, adults need to maintain constant vigilance about where they are in the yard. At no point should they come near the automatic gate. If possible, speak to your kids and remind them not to go near it. Remind them that it’s heavy and moves fast, and it can be hazardous.

If you have pets, make sure there’s an inner pet rail or fence that keeps them from going near the gate itself. Another method is to keep your pet on a long leash that allows them to move freely around the yard but not near enough to the gate, or an invisible fence.

Create a Separate Entry or Doorway for Pedestrians

At no point should pedestrians be passing through the automatic gate as a pathway into the property. Create a second doorway or a smaller gate entrance, a manual one, that allows people and pedestrians to pass through safely.

Keep the automated gate restricted for vehicle use, and instruct everyone in the family or staff to pass through the pedestrian gate instead for safety.

Have Your Automatic Gates Installed by a Professional

One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your gate is to have it installed by professionals who know the safety protocols and regulations associated with automatic gates. They can install it with expertise, ensuring that the gate is at peak performance and also at its safest for the people using it.

4 Sure Gates has had years of experience in designing, installing, and repairing manual and automatic gates for private residences and commercial properties.

Call us today for a consultation so we can assess your driveway and install a safe and dependable automatic gate for you. Or you can call our specialists in gate repair to ensure that your existing automatic gate is at its safest.

Pros and Cons of Various Sliding Gates

February 24, 2022

Sliding doors have come a long way—researchers discovered the earliest variations in Pompeii built in the first century. Modern sliding doors and gates follow the same concept, a doorway on a track with multiple benefits but far more advanced in security, automation, and durability.

4 Sure Gates has had many customers consider and request sliding gate installation because of their many benefits, as we will discuss below. But choosing the right type of sliding gate depends on what’s well-suited for your property. Each type has its benefits and downsides.

To make an informed decision on the type of sliding gate to get, consider the following pros and cons.

Rolling Electric Gates

Pros of Rolling Electric Gates:

It’s a commonly used gate, making it the most accessible option for private residential and commercial uses. They’re also ideal for wide driveways and take up less space than swinging gates as they will roll over a track and out of the way instead of needing space to swing in an arc.

These sliding gates often have an electronic system that allows homeowners to open them automatically. It’s more convenient to use and more secure as you don’t need to step out of your vehicle to open the gate. They can also close and lock automatically behind you.

Cons of Rolling Electric Gates:

Rolling electric gates are very large and heavy, especially for larger driveways. Should there be any malfunction with the gate’s motors or internal systems, for example, when dampness or moisture penetrates it, the gate will not operate. It’ll be far too heavy and troublesome to open on your own.

Furthermore, as these are the types of gates that don’t rely on a track and have sophisticated motors that enable them to function this way, they’re often more expensive than other gates by roughly a couple of hundred dollars.

V Track Electric Sliding Gates

Pros of V Track Electric Sliding Gates:

These gates use a V-shaped track where the gate runs along upon opening. They are ideal for use in commercial and private areas. Still, they are more suited for large commercial properties, especially those requiring high security, and frequently let in delivery trucks and other vehicles. This is more stable than the standard electric gates because the track keeps the gate in place.

Cons of V Track Electric Sliding Gates:

This is not a good gate for areas that get plenty of snow, as you’ll have to ensure that there is no debris on the track. Otherwise, the debris will cause the gates to jam and potentially cause damage to the system. Furthermore, the rolling wheels of the slide gate are susceptible to wear on the track.

Cantilever Sliding Gate

Pros of Cantilever Sliding Gates:

Because these gates don’t touch the ground, there’s no concern about tracks and wearing down wheels. It doesn’t need support from below to open the gate as well. The elevated gate has rails on either side, making it an ideal choice for driveways that have uneven or pebbled ground. It’s also suitable for areas with plenty of snow.

Cons of Cantilever Sliding Gates:

It takes up much more space than other sliding gates. They typically need 50% more space than the other sliding gate types because of the beams and suspensions of the cantilever. If you have limited space in your driveway, this is not a good gate to choose.

Consult with Specialists About Your Gate

Electric gates and sliding gates of all varieties need to be expertly and carefully installed to ensure that they are built and applied correctly to your driveway. If you’re unsure about the type of sliding gate that best suits your driveway, it’s crucial to consult with professionals who can give you more knowledgeable insight about the right fit.

4 Sure Gates has designed and installed private and commercial electric sliding gates for properties throughout Texas for years.

Contact us today for a consultation, and start designing the perfect gate for your home and get it installed as soon as possible!

How to Choose the Right Type of Metal Gate for Your Driveway

February 17, 2022

If there’s one thing you can add to your property that improves its security and overall appearance, it’s a driveway gate. Adding a driveway gate will:

Protect your home from an array of threats, including trespassers and stray animals
Boost your home’s curb appeal, depending on the gate design you choose
Increase your overall property value because of the practical benefits mentioned above

If you want to maximize the aesthetic appeal and security that a driveway gate can provide, you need to choose the right type of material. As gate installation and repair experts, we know different materials have unique benefits. But for the purposes mentioned above, you should consider a metal gate.

Types of Metal Driveway Gates

Metal gates are sturdy, lasting longer than gates made from other materials like wood or vinyl. Apart from their durability against wear and tear over time, metal gates can also withstand more force, such as a vehicle crashing and hitting them.

With that said, you have plenty of options for the type of metal you want your gate to be. Each of these has different benefits, which we will discuss below.

Steel Gates

Steel is the most heavy-duty metal used in creating driveway gates. It can withstand the day-to-day force exerted when opening or closing a gate, as well as the force from sudden impact, like when something crashes into the gate.

Steel gates are also resistant to corrosion, thanks to the galvanizing and priming of the material. This makes steel gates low maintenance. With occasional surface cleaning and lubricating the hinges, your steel gate will protect your home for a long time.

Aluminum Gates

Unlike steel, aluminum is not the most heavy-duty material. Instead, it’s lightweight, which is its main benefit. It’s ideal for larger gates without having to worry about it sagging from its weight or being misaligned.

Though aluminum gates are not as robust as steel gates, they’re far from flimsy either. They can withstand natural wear and tear and are also highly resistant to rust.

Being made from lightweight material, aluminum gates are also easy to install. They also make for great automatic or electric gates because the gate motor won’t have to work as hard to open and close them.

Available in different colors, designs, and styles, aluminum gates provide the beauty and security of steel gates without the cost associated with it.

Wrought Iron Gates

Like steel, wrought iron is a heavy-duty material. Highly durable and malleable at the same time, this type of metal makes for perfectly secure and beautiful driveway gates.

Wrought iron gates are not susceptible to dents and bending, and can withstand shock damage. And with wrought iron being an iron alloy, it’s much more corrosion-resistant than regular iron.

The material’s malleability is its main benefit. You can have a wrought iron gate with an impressive, intricate decorative design since wrought iron can be shaped into all sorts of patterns. With a beautiful wrought iron gate, your home’s value is sure to increase.

Install Metal Gates for Your Driveway

Now that you know the benefits of metal gates and the different materials you can choose from, it’s time to equip your driveway with one.

4 Sure Gates offers metal gate design and installation services for homes in Fort Worth, TX and surrounding areas. Check out our gate designs today.

How to Keep Your Driveway Gate Safe From Pests

February 10, 2022

Automatic electric gates are convenient additions to homes—they make your property more secure while making it easier for you to get through your driveway without having to get in and out of your car.

But just like any piece of equipment, automatic gates need proper care and maintenance. This is especially true as gates are exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to more than just wear and tear.

One of the most overlooked risks to your automatic driveway gates is pest infestation. Depending on the material your gate is made from, it might be more prone to insects and other critters than others.

How Pests Damage Your Automatic Driveway Gate

There are different pests that can infest your automatic gates, including:

Snails & Slugs

Snails and slugs can often be found crawling outdoors, especially when your outdoor space has plenty of plants. As such, it’s not a stretch to see them crawling on your driveway gate, too.

But harmless as they may seem, the slime trails they leave behind can reach your automatic gate’s circuit board, resulting in moisture buildup that damages it.

Ants

Ants can build a colony almost anywhere, even near or on your automatic gate’s equipment. If your gate’s motor is on the ground or close to it, ants are something you have to look out for since they can corrode your gate’s circuitry and damage the motor.

Spiders

You may see spider webs form between the railings of your driveway gate, but that’s not the extent of the problem they pose. Similar to a snail’s slime, the webs can cause moisture buildup if they crowd the circuit board.

Mice

Mice are notorious for chewing through electrical gate wirings, affecting your gate’s ability to open, close, and lock properly.

Termites

If your automatic gate is made from wood, you also have to worry about termite infestation. Though the gate material is treated and sealed to make it suitable for outdoor conditions, termites can still tunnel their way through the wood, causing your gate to rot and compromising its structural integrity.

How to Prevent or Resolve Pest Problems Near Your Automatic Gate

Getting rid of pests can be a daunting task, so it’s best to call in a pest control professional. However, there are maintenance steps you can follow to prevent pests from ruining your automatic driveway gate.

1. Always Clear the Area Around Your Automatic Driveway Gate

Avoid unwanted pests from getting near your automatic gate by making sure the surrounding area is clear. Get rid of pools of standing water, heaps of fallen leaves and branches, or garbage.

2. Clean Your Automatic Driveway Gate Regularly

Though gates can function with little maintenance, it’s still a good idea to clean yours regularly. Wash and wax your gate at least once every few months and make sure no pests are making their home in or around it.

3. Spray Your Gate with Pesticide

Keeping your gates clean should be enough, but as extra protection, you may choose to spray outdoor pesticides around your gate to keep pests away. You can do this once in a while or after every time you clean your gate.

Pests Got Your Driveway Gate?

If your gate needs repair after being damaged by pests, you can turn to 4 Sure Gates for help. Our Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-based team has over 2 decades of experience in electric automatic gate repair and installation.

Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.

Manual vs Automatic: Which Gates Offer Better Home Security?

January 03, 2022

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home, one of the best ways to improve security is to have a gate installed. On top of acting as a physical barrier against intruders, gates are also deterrents. Burglars looking for an easy mark are less likely to target your house when you have a gate.

But which would be better for your home, a manual or automatic gate? In this article, we discuss their pros and cons to help you determine which is best for you.

Manual Gates For Home Security

Manual gates need to be opened, closed, and locked by hand. This presents a vulnerability as it takes more time to open. When you get out of your car to open the gate, it gives ill-intentioned individuals an opening.

The locking mechanism itself may also present a risk. If you use a padlock, bolt cutters will be able to cut through them.

However, manual gates are much cheaper than automatic gates. Small entrances would also not need automatic gates as they’re easier to secure with less expensive security options.

Manual models are also easier to maintain. And if there’s a power outage, you don’t have to worry about not being able to open them.

Automatic Gates For Home Security

There really isn’t much of a contest between manual and automatic gates in terms of security. The aforementioned risks with manual gates aren’t present with automatic gates.

You can remotely open the gate, drive through with your car without getting out, then close the gate behind you. It’s incredibly convenient.

Bolt cutters are useless. Burglars will need specialized electrical knowledge to get past.

Many automatic gates also have features that allow you to monitor who enters and exits your premises. It will, in most cases, eliminate the need for other security solutions.

Extra Functions

Automatic gates come with optional extra functions for increased convenience and security. It can be equipped with sensors that automatically open the gate when a car with the corresponding remote approaches. Audiovisual systems work particularly well with automatic gates by allowing you to see visitors and allow them entry from the safety of your home.

Unique and Varied Styles

Automatic gates are typically more aesthetically pleasing. There’s a wider selection of materials and styles to choose from, and they have a more seamless appearance. This adds curb appeal and resale value to your property.

The Downsides

Automatic gates have several clear advantages over manual gates, but they also have their disadvantages:

More Expensive:

As mentioned before, automatic gates are much more expensive, especially if you decide to add optional features. Manual modes cost about $2,500 while automatic models cost about $7,000.

More Maintenance:

Both the gate itself as well as the electronic system it uses need to be maintained. This further adds to the costs.

They Need Power:

Automatic gates are added inconveniences during power outages as the process to manually open them takes longer than with manual models.

More Prep Work:

Depending on the type of automatic gate, you will need a contractor, a landscaper, and an electrician to have one installed.

Have Your Gate Installed Today

Whether you need a manual or automatic gate installation for your home, 4 Sure Gates is here to help keep you safe. We have 15 years of experience providing professional gate services, and we’re happy to fulfill your needs.

Schedule an inspection and get a free estimate for your gate installation by calling us at (817) 965-7873.

Space-Saving Automatic Gates: Options for a Limited Space

December 23, 2021

The average size of an American family home is estimated to be around 2,500 square feet. While this size can be considered large, some families continue to live in smaller homes and work with limited space.

Options may seem limited for those living in these smaller homes who want to have their properties protected by automatic gates. Fortunately, there are gate systems available that can operate ideally even if the space is limited.

This article will talk about some automatic gate options you can get for homes and businesses with limited areas.

Automated Bi-Folding Gates

Bi-folding gates have a clever design. Instead of having their gate panels swing open, they fold onto themselves to allow access. This type of gate is often used in pairs, with one pair installed on each side of the opening.

The bi-folding gate’s design allows it to require half the space a traditional swing gate usually needs. This makes bi-folding gates an excellent option for those who have smaller areas to work with.

Traditional models of the bi-folding gate either have a track on the ground or a rail above the gates. These two models have their drawbacks. Tracks require regular maintenance due to their exposure to dirt, debris, and water. Meanwhile, rails limit the height of vehicles that can enter.

Fortunately, there are newer models that no longer rely on tracks and rails. Many modern bi-folding gates are now automated and use sophisticated access controls like keycards and electronic keys.

If you plan to get bi-folding gates, keep in mind that they must be carefully and accurately installed to operate efficiently. Consider working with an experience gate technician when having bi-folding gates installed.

Automatic Sliding Gates

The sliding gate is often regarded as the most commonly used automatic gate due to its simplistic design and ability to operate well in limited spaces.

Slide gates are mounted on rollers and are parallel to the fence or wall. Once activated, the gate slides to the side and behind a wall. Unlike bi-folding gates, a sliding gate doesn’t need space to swing open. It’s this design that makes it an excellent option for properties with limited spaces.

Sliding gates are available in a variety of styles. Here are some of the popular ones:

Cantilever Automatic Gate:
- Many commercial properties rely on cantilever gates for security. Cantilever gates are heavy-duty, durable, and don’t occupy much space. It’s similar to the basic sliding gate, but it is suspended above the ground instead of having rollers.
Bi-Parting Sliding Gate:
- This type of gate looks strikingly similar to a double swing gate. However, both gate panels slide to the side instead of swinging open. This type of gate is used in residential properties.
Around-the-Corner Sliding Gate:
- This type of sliding gate is perfect for areas that don’t have enough wall (parallel) space to accommodate a traditional sliding gate. What the around-the-corner gate does is follow a curved path and it slides to the perpendicular wall instead.

These are some fantastic gate designs that work perfectly, even in properties with minimal spaces. These options can be considered complex designs and may require more planning to be installed properly. Partnering with experienced gate experts should help simplify the installation process.

4 Sure Gates is your trusted automated gate systems expert that’s ready to help you with your gate installation or repair projects. If you plan to get the right gate for your property, contact us today. Our team would be happy to discuss your options and even provide a free estimate.

Reasons to Choose a Cantilever Gate for Your Home

December 16, 2021

The average cost of installing a driveway gate is around $1,900. For cantilever gates, it could go a little higher than that. It’s no surprise that many homeowners are worried about getting a cantilever gate for their homes. So, is it worth the price?

Fortunately, cantilever gates do offer many advantages that make them a worthy investment. This article will highlight why you should consider getting a cantilever gate for your home.

1. A Cantilever Gate Provides More Space

Cantilever gates rely on sliding mechanisms to open or close. This design requires them to use less space compared to gates that swing. Most cantilever gates slide in one direction, which is usually directly parallel to the existing fence line.

Cantilever gates are an excellent choice for homes that don’t have a big enough area for swing gates to maneuver. This type of gate is also ideal for small spaces like driveways.

2. Requires Less Maintenance

Cantilever gates are easier to maintain than other gate designs. It can be installed with nylon cantilever rollers that have sealed bearings and nylon roller covers. These parts do not need to be greased and are not prone to rust.

For installation, cantilever gates also use bolts that are easy to replace or adjust later. For example, the brackets that link the gate operator to the gate are installed with bolts that enable you to change them easily if a situation calls for it.

During a snowstorm, it’s also easier to clear snow and other obstructions from a cantilever gate than a swing gate.

3. Offers the Most Security

Cantilever gates and other sliding gates are very popular with commercial property owners. In general, these provide more security among all other gate designs.

For example, it’s tough for anyone to force open a cantilever gate because it’s not designed to swing inwards or outwards. Due to this structure, cantilever gates exude an imposing presence that may dissuade intruders.

These gates also work perfectly with many security devices like photobeam detectors and safety edges. Due to their sliding nature, you can easily install photobeam detectors behind them without worrying about tripping the alarm every time the gate is opened.

4. A Cantilever Gate Is Versatile

One of the most significant benefits of a cantilever gate is its versatility. Cantilevers are suspended above the ground, allowing them to be installed across a wide range of surfaces and terrain.

If your property has a gravel driveway or uneven surfaces, gate systems that rely on a bottom track simply won’t work. Cantilever gates would be the perfect alternative since landscape features will not affect their operation.

5. It Can Last a Long Time

Properly installed and maintained sliding gates can last many years. However, cantilever gates often last longer than most sliding gate systems due to their heavy-duty construction. Since cantilever gates operate above the ground, they are less exposed to dirt or water, the leading cause of wear and tear in gates.

These are just some of the benefits cantilever gates can provide your home. Cantilever gates are great investments, especially if you are looking for gates that offer safety, security, and longevity.

4 Sure Gates has an experienced team of licensed gate contractors and installers ready to serve you. If you plan on installing an automatic gate, contact us today for a free estimate. Our team would be happy to assist you in finding the right gate for your home.

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.