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

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.

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!

Go Single or Double with Your Gates: Which One is the Better Option?

February 11, 2021

Homeowners want the best for all the parts of their home — including the driveway. When it comes to driveway improvement, gates are always part of the discussion. Swing gates are popular installations that ensure the safety of your driveway, as well as add to your home’s overall exterior aesthetic.

There are two types of swing gate styles: dual and single-swing. The question is, which style is the best for your driveway? The answer depends on your situation.

Picking Your Gate

Determine the ideal gate style for your home by considering your budget, your home’s physical restrictions, and aesthetics.

The selection of a single-swing versus a dual gate may also depend on the following:

The gate’s swing and the slope that runs to the opening or fence line. If you install a single-swing gate, it may bump against the rising slope. A dual gate, on the other hand, may prevent your gate from bottoming out.
The slope that runs parallel to the opening of the gate or the fence line. If the slope is too high or the gate is too wide, a single-swing gate may bump against it. Divide the gap with a dual-swing gate.

Also, consider the features of single-swing and dual gates before you decide.

Single-Swing Driveway Gates

Single-swing driving gates are the most economical in the selection of gate styles. They are easy-to-install (even the automated ones) and their one-leaf fate style gives it a limited width. With a single-swing gate, you’ll also need only one automatic opener, making it a more affordable option compared to the dual-swing gate (this is applicable if you decide to automate your gates).

In terms of hardware, you’ll only need half the hardware compared to double gates. Hinges, hinge posts and bolts are all you need.

When you install a single-swing gate, you’ll need more swing distance from the gate to the area behind it. For example, if you have a 12-fit single gate, you’ll need 12-ft of space behind the gate to ensure the gate will not bump into anything.

If you choose to install single-swing gates, you’ll need heavier-duty posts to hold the weight of the gate.

Dual-Swing Driveway Gates

Double-swing gates are the most common options for homeowners. Elegant and wider than its single-swing counterpart, the dual-swing setup has two leafs, which occupy less space and compliment any home aesthetic.

Unlike a single-swing gate, you’ll need less swing distance behind the gate. For example, an 11-ft gate will only need 5.5ft whereas, with a single-swing gate, you’ll need all 11 ft. Dual-swing gates can also accommodate a wider driveway opening. It also has a traditional look, which gives your home a more elegant appearance.

In terms of cons, double gates require more hardware, which makes the set-up more expensive. Another addition to your expenses is automation. You’ll need an opener motor for each leaf.

Your choice of gate depends on three main factors: physical restrictions, budget, and aesthetic value. If you are unsure about your selection, professionals can help you out.

Get in touch with 4 Sure Gates today to gain professional insight and gate installation services.

5 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Automatic Gates

February 04, 2021

Automatic electric gates are incredibly convenient for property owners. Drivers, for instance, won’t have to leave the car just to access the driveway. Instead, they can open the gate at a swipe of a card or a touch of a button.

Just like any mechanical equipment, however, automatic sliding gates need their fair share of care. Periodic maintenance keeps these machines running smoothly, helps you avoid untimely and costly replacement or repair, and extends the life of your gate.

Here are a few preventive maintenance tips to keep this important asset of your property looking and operating in optimal condition:

Keep Your Automatic Gate Free from Obstructions

Objects, such as a branch stuck in the opening mechanism, can damage your electric gate. Eliminate ground obstructions that interfere with the gate operation.

Perform Pest Control to Get Rid of Crawling Critters

Pest control is one of the most overlooked parts of electric gate maintenance. Insects and other critters can undermine the operation of your automatic gates. A seemingly harmless slug or snail, for instance, can wreak havoc on the circuitry. If their slime trail reaches the circuit board, it could result in moisture build-up and short circuit the electrical components of the gate.

So make sure to spray outdoor pesticide around the gate operator every three months to keep nasty critters from damaging the gate mechanism. Alternatively, you can find a good pest control professional and have them effectively exterminate the pests on your property.

Clean Your Gate Regularly

Cleaning your electric gate will get rid of the accumulated dirt and dust. If you have an automatic metal gate, you could use mild soap, water, and a sponge to wash away the grime that has built up due to inclement weather and other environmental conditions.

When cleaning the gate, check for signs of rust. If you come across rust, scrub the affected area gently. Then, rinse off the soap deposits on the gate and allow the surface to dry.

Lubricate Your Automatic Gate

Cleaning your gate isn’t enough. You also need to lubricate your electric gate. Keeping the moving components lubricated is crucial for the easy and smooth movement of the gate’s mechanism. The lack of lubrication places additional and unnecessary strain on the moving parts. This can overwork the gate motor and lead to a costly and sudden breakdown of the machine’s components.

So use the recommended or appropriate lubricant on all moving parts every six months. Don’t forget to apply lubrication on motor components, chains, hinges, rollers, and pulleys.

Polish or Repaint Your Gate

After lubrication comes polishing or repainting. If you have an automatic metal gate, apply a protective wax to cut down the likelihood of rusting. On the other hand, apply a fresh coat of paint if you have an automatic wooden gate on your property.

Let Us Service Your Electric Gate

Entrust your automatic gate maintenance, repair, and replacement to 4 Sure Gates. As a licensed gate contractor in Fort Worth, you can count on us to maintain, install and fix your gate and any accessory effectively and efficiently.

Give us a call today at (817) 965-7873 to get a free estimate.

When Is a Manual Gate Better than an Automatic Gate Opener?

January 28, 2021

When you have the option to choose between a manual gate or an automatic gate, automatic gates always seem like the smarter option. Automatic gates, after all, have a lot to offer. Automatic gates are convenient, modern, can increase your property’s value, and make your home more appealing to buyers when you decide to sell it. In fact, automatic gates make life a little bit easier, like when you have your hands full and can’t open the gate manually. Or, when you drive home in the pouring rain and don’t have an umbrella or raincoat with you.

Electric or automatic gates, in a lot of ways, make perfect sense. However, there may be times when a manual gate does the job or maybe even does it better than its automatic counterpart.

Here are examples of scenarios wherein installing a manual gate is the most sensible option:

1. You Have a Low Fence & Gate

Low fences and gates are more of an aesthetic touch than an actual barrier between your home and the outside world. Their purpose is to improve your home’s curb appeal, not its security. If the gate is lower than your shoulder, it’s not much of an impediment either. You can easily reach over the other side and unlatch the gate if ever you’re locked out.

If this is your gate’s design, two of the most important qualities of automatic gates would be moot. The perceived improvements from installing automatic gate openers won’t be that significant, so you can do without them.

2. You Don’t Have a Garage or a Mile-Long Driveway

Automatic gates are impractical not only when their promised benefits are negligible, but also when they go overboard. It might be excessive, for example, to install an automatic sliding gate if you don’t have a car; your house is only a very short distance away from your gate, and no one in your household uses a wheelchair or crutches.

3. There’s Not Enough Space Between Your Swinging Gate & the Adjacent Wall

The U.S. Health and Safety Authority’s guidelines for powered gates state that there should be at least 500mm or about 20 inches of space between the swinging gate and the fixed object on its path (e.g., a perpendicular wall, the adjoining fence, the gate pillars). Swinging gates are crush hazards, so they must stop at the specific point that leaves 20+ inches of space between the gate and the nearest fixed object.

If the gap between the hinges and adjoining wall or fence is less than the required distance, a manual swinging gate would be safer than an automatic one.

Other Benefits of Manual Gates:

Here are a few more reasons to consider keeping a manual gate instead of switching to an automatic gate system:

You spend less on electricity.
You spend less on materials, installation, and maintenance.
You have more control over the speed and angle when you open and close your gate.
You’re not inconvenienced when there’s a power outage.
Your gate will always be functional and independent of key cards, number codes, or fingerprint scans.

These are all excellent reasons for sticking with good old manual gates. If your residence is near or within Dallas-Fort Worth, we can install customized, manual gates at your convenience!

Take a look at our gate designs and tell us your needs and preferences. Contact 4 Sure Gates at (817) 965-7873 or fill out our contact form today.

Which Automatic Gate Opener Matches Your Property?

January 14, 2021

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.