Tag: automatic gate installation

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.

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.

Your property may be at risk. The United States of America lost $15.8 billion from property crimes in 2019. Fortunately, you can increase your home security in different ways. 

You could try setting up motion-activated lights or buy a better window lock. Or you can start working on strengthening your security from further out with an automatic gate opener. The right driveway security gate adds more privacy and increases your curb appeal, too. 

However, you need to consider a few things before you incorporate this into your home to make sure you pick the right one.

Slide Gate

Using a cog and teeth action, this type lets you open your gate toward the left or right direction. This type of opener requires guide tracks, a cantilever, and rollers to function. It is subject to blockage by ice, debris, and friction. 

Swing Gate

This opener swings at a 90-degree arc. Users have the option to swing their gate either inward or outward. It is a common option for people looking for something easy to install and cost-efficient. Be mindful of this opener because it works better in spacious environments. Installation of this gate in a narrow area may inconvenience people or damage objects as they pass through. 

Cantilever Gate

Cantilevers function similarly to slide openers, except they do not have wheels. Instead, this gate is suspended a few inches above the ground with a counterbalance that must be at least half of the entrance’s width. It requires more width to provide balance to the gate. 

Vertical Pivot Gate

This opener rotates the gate to create a vertical opening at a 90-degree angle from a horizontal position. It is space-efficient, lessening the risk of people getting hit. This option is also resistant to issues brought by snow. You want to ensure that you provide a stable footing for the mechanism as the operator needs support. 

After familiarizing yourself with the common gate openers, the next step is to choose one that will work best for you.

What Do You Need to Consider When Buying a Gate Opener?

• Sufficient Space – To set up an automatic gate, you need ample space. Some gate openers need at least 20 feet of free area to function. 
• Type of Power Supply – Do you want to operate it using solar, AC, or battery power? However, some manufacturers design openers with more than one power source to give users the option to choose.
• Frequency of Use – For households, the standard opener will work just fine. However, establishments with high traffic like factories may need to look at more powerful and industrial units made of sturdy material.
• Added Feature – You can prevent injuries and property destruction with a door opener that stops when it is about to hit something, be it an object or a person. 
• The Type of Entry – Some of the most common entry options are as follows:
  • Telephone entry – People who wish to enter the premises need to communicate with the people inside through phone. It also gives you the option to set a code to open the door when no one else is home to open the gate for you. 
  • Remote entry – This is a standard method for automatic gates. It lets you in using a remote control to open the gate. This is an option for people who live alone. However, losing your remote may leave you with no other way to signal your gate opener. 
  • Card entry – This method requires people to carry a card with a dedicated chip. It is often tapped onto or swiped into the machine for the gate to open. The drawback to this is that the key card may be stolen or even duplicated. 

Tip: Make sure to position the control panel far from the entry. Placing the controls far from outsider reach should be the primary concern of effective automatic driveway gate ideas. This will prevent people from accessing or even destroying your gate’s settings.

The right gate isn’t just about specs, but how well it will serve you in your daily life. You can better evaluate the gate openers on your list by conducting a Threat and Risk Assessment. Being critical with selecting each opener option, its limitations and your home add a layer of safety to your home or establishment.

Contact 4 Sure Gates to learn more!

An automatic gate is one of the home additions that benefit the entire property. Businesses and office buildings install gates to tighten safety and security in the premises, while residential buildings and complexes enjoy the added benefit of privacy and curb appeal.

Installing a gate on your property is one of the simplest ways to improve its appearance. Whether you are replacing an old gate or constructing a new fence with an opening, a few considerations are in order. Learn what you need to do before you start, to avoid mistakes and delays in your automatic gate installation project.

Determine the Location of Your Automatic Gate

The location of your automatic gate is essential to its function. It does not have to stand parallel to your house or office’s main entrance, but it should be within sight. As you decide on the location, visualize the flow of traffic (people and vehicles) and the space around your target spot. It will help you determine if a swinging or sliding automatic gate will be appropriate for your space.

Measure the Location for Your Gate

Calculating the available space means measuring the height and width of the area. This includes the distance between the gateposts, the height from the ground to the bottom of the automatic gate, and the overall height and width of the automatic gate. It will help you plan how tall or long you want your gate to be, and find out whether there will be potential obstacles.

Choose the Right Automatic Gate

After determining the location and taking down the area’s measurements, you can proceed with selecting a gate design. There are several options from reliable automatic gate providers, from pre-made gates that are easy to install to customized designs unique to your property.

Two common opening styles are swing and sliding automatic gates:

• Swing Automatic Gates – This design is popular for being low maintenance and quiet. But it needs ample space to open fully without accidentally hitting a vehicle or passerby.
• Sliding Automatic Gates – This design is used for spatial efficiency and convenience. However, it may cost more to install and maintain.

Study the Ground Around Your Gate

Look at the surface that will hold up the gate posts. If the area is prone to puddles and other moisture issues, it might have a high corrosion rate. Even with concrete poured over the surface, your gateposts might lose the necessary support and collapse. Make sure your contractor prepares the ground surface to ensure your gate’s structural integrity.

Prepare the Surface Prior to Installation

After studying the nature of the ground, it’s time to prepare it for installation. It has to be completely flat to remove any holes and crevices that can affect the gate’s performance. Additionally, the gateposts’ holes should be deep enough to prevent the gate from collapsing. 

Seek Professional Help From a Gate Specialist

Installing a new gate or a replacement has several advantages to your property, but it does take time and effort. Mistakes in the preparation and installation process can lead to costly solutions. Fortunately, you have the option of hiring a professional gate installation team.

4 Sure Gates is one of the leading gate specialists in Texas. Based in Fort Worth, we’ve provided our repair and installation services throughout the state for over 15 years. If you are looking to enhance your property with a gate, we’re the perfect company for the job.

Learn more by giving us a call at (817) 965-7873.

Many property owners want to have electric gates with automatic openers because they are convenient. They help heighten security and increase the curb appeal and market value of a property. But for those who are always wanting to save a few more dollars on home improvements, automatic gates would be one of the things they will attempt to install on their own.

We highly recommend that if you must do some DIY around your property to save on some dollars, your automatic gate opener should not be one of them. Here are four reasons.

 

1. You Can’t Be Sure About the Quality of the Materials

DIY automatic gates are designed for easy assembly. They are also marketed to be of lower cost than a full-fledged installation by a gate company. Putting together these two selling points, you can hardly expect that the materials used in a DIY electric gate kit will be of superior quality.

One could argue that any protection is better than none at all. But a low-quality gate won’t be much of a deterrent against thieves or vandals. If you want to cut costs, find other options apart from installing a cheap gate.

2. You Need Technical Building & Electrical Skills

It’s one thing to buy high-quality materials and tech for an automated electric gate; it’s another to put them all together and get the gate to work correctly. These gates require a bit more elbow grease and technical knowledge about electronics. If the extent of your fencing experience is driving wooden pegs into the ground and nailing the planks horizontally, installing an automatic gate will be beyond your abilities or qualifications.

Gate openers have to be configured to work exactly the way you want it. They come with programming code guides so that you can program the settings you need for your electric gate. There’s a good chance, however, that you’ll want to customize a few things further (e.g., the unlocked position, max duration for the gate to swing or slide open so that it doesn’t stay open too long after you’ve driven inside). You can only do it if you’re savvy with electrical circuits and know how to integrate automatic openers with electric gates.

A word of caution: meddling with the electrical systems without supervision from an expert could damage your gate opener or put you at risk of electrocution.

3. Without Proper Equipment & Protective Clothing, You Put Your Safety at Risk

Steel gates weigh 25 pounds per linear foot. The gate’s size also increases in proportion to the driveway’s width or path where you want to install an electric gate. It will be difficult not to mention dangerous for non-professionals to handle the massive and heavy parts without proper equipment or protective gear.

4. Your DIY Work Might Not Comply with Safety Standards

Automatic gate systems must comply with ASTM F2200 and UL325 safety standards so that the chances for accidents to happen will be as close as possible to zero. For example, your gate has to stop opening at a certain angle if a person gets trapped between the gate and a wall. If you have a sliding gate, the gap between the sliding panel and the fence must be small enough to keep limbs and fingers out of the way.

Your Home Deserves Quality Products & Service

If you’re going to spend money to get high-quality gate products and materials, why not do it all the way to installation? Only then can you be confident that you’re getting the most out of the premium materials you bought.

Don’t overthink your automatic gate installation. We’re here to do the job, and we’ll do it perfectly for you. Ask now about our automatic gate systems and contact us to get a free quote or schedule an installation.