Tag: Automatic Gate

Vinyl, Wood, Metal: Which Gate Material Is Best for Your Home?

December 24, 2020

Gates deserve careful thought and attention: they are the first things visitors see when visiting your home. More than that, they factor in prominently in your property’s curb appeal and security. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a gate that meets your needs and expectations in these areas.

At 4 Sure Gates, we can offer you a variety of materials. We can classify them into three: metal, vinyl, and wood. Below are the advantages of each type and the qualities they possess that will help you decide which one to choose.   

Vinyl Gates

When you find gates that are vinyl, they are likely made of PVC. It’s a good choice if security is not a big problem, and you want to add a fence to boost your home’s curb appeal. 

Vinyl is non-porous, waterproof, and non-toxic. As a non-metal, it doesn’t rust; and being a durable synthetic material, it doesn’t decay fast. It’s not vulnerable to moisture, insects, and pests, either. And although it may look and feel like it’s partly plastic, it doesn’t warp or become deformed when exposed to extreme temperatures and weather cycles.

Vinyl may not be as strong as wrought iron or steel, but it is five times stronger than wood. It’s also very versatile; there are many attractive pre-made designs and, if you can find the right supplier, you can have it custom-made. With vinyl gates, therefore, you get picture-perfect gates that can last for decades.

  • Durable
  • Long-lasting
  • Low-maintenance
  • Easy to install
  • Versatile / Customizable
  • High aesthetic value

Metal Gates

Metal gates made from wrought iron or steel are known for their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Iron is malleable, but it is strong and has high resistance against vibrations, weathering, and impact damage. Metal gates are an excellent choice if security is your main priority. 

For security, metal gates are the best for electric gate systems with automatic openers. Wrought iron, for one, is perfect for automatic sliding gates. It is heavy and robust enough to stay firmly within the tracks; it won’t easily give way if someone tries to force the mechanism out of alignment.

In terms of appearance, metal gates also score high. They are versatile, and the metalwork can be customized according to your goals. For instance, you can design a steel gate that uses both bars and panels. Bars have a functional purpose: they reveal who’s on the other side of the gate. Solid steel panels, meanwhile, hide your property from view, offering you a bit of privacy. Combine both, and you can have a unique gate that:

  • Provides security
  • Offers privacy
  • Boosts your property’s curb appeal
  • Is long-lasting
  • Is strong and durable

Wood Gates

Wood gates have a broad range, from the quintessential white-picket to treated hardwood to steel-framed. Wood is arguably the most vulnerable to wear and tear, but modern treatment and finishings can extend its serviceable life. Moreover, wood is versatile and can be put together with other materials to achieve an optimal gate. 

The advantage of using wood is it’s readily available, sustainable (reclaimed wood with high aesthetic and functional value is currently trendy), and customizable.

  • It’s available and affordable
  • It boosts your property’s curb appeal
  • It’s versatile
  • Minor damage is easy to repair

Choose a Gate Material According to Your Priorities

All three types offer many benefits. It’s just a matter of deciding which benefits weigh more for your particular needs and wants. 

Physical constraints are also a consideration. If your driveway is flanked by stone or pillars, for example, metal and massive wooden gates would be a better fit than vinyl. If your property is flanked on both sides by neighbors’ backyards and garages, however, a high vinyl gate and fence would be more economical and space-efficient (not to mention easier and faster to install).

No matter what type of gate you choose, it’s crucial that you find capable and reliable people to install it. You can count on 4 Sure Gates to do it for you. We’ve been providing professional gate repair and installation services in the Fort Worth area since 2005. Your gate installation will proceed without a hitch with 4 Sure Gates.

Contact us today to request a quote or book a consultation schedule. You may call (817) 965-7873 or fill out the contact form on our website.

How to Prepare Your Property for an Automatic Gate Installation

December 17, 2020

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.

How an Electric Gate Can Increase the Value of Your Property

December 10, 2020

Homeownership has become increasingly difficult in the last decade. This explains why people who own the homes they occupy indulge in making their house a true reflection of their tastes. It’s also important, however, to consider your house’s market value and potential to sell. 

From a real estate investor’s perspective, home improvements should not only meet your current needs and preferences but also increase your house’s appeal and value. Electric gates can do both!

Below are four benefits of electric gates that have a positive impact on your property value!

1. Electric Gates Provide Heightened Security for Your Property

Electric gates, whether made from purely wrought iron or wood with aluminum or iron panels, provide better security than picket fences and manual gates. Sliding electric gates, in particular, offer more security. These gates are heavy by design because they need to stay firmly inside the tracks and supporting carriers. It won’t be easy for anyone to try and deliberately knock them off and force the gate open. The magnetic gate openers can also be linked to a sophisticated security system that activates secondary security features, such as an automatic alert to the nearest police station, flashing lights, and siren sounds.

These security benefits may increase the value of a home — possibly up to $50,000, according to Home Advisor. The website also attributes this increase to the boost in curb appeal. 

2. Electric Gates Enhance Your Property’s Curb Appeal

Electric gates can give any property instant aesthetic improvement. Even the simplest designs, like a solid gate or iron bars with mesh wire, can intimidate and impress (which is arguably the goal of federal institutions, warehouses, industrial complexes that use electric, automatic gates). Since these gates are also customizable, property owners can create designs that will complement the architecture of the house or building.

Curb appeal may be difficult to quantify, but real estate agents agree that it has an impact on a house’s value. The findings of a recent study published in The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics showed that a property’s curb appeal (as well as the neighbors) can make up 7% of its sale price. 

3. Electric Gates Give You Peace of Mind

Aesthetic factors are important to property buyers. Practical considerations like location and the quality of the layout, materials, and construction are essential, of course. But for people who are looking for a new home for their families, they also consider what a house makes them feel. Electric security gates will make them feel safe and at peace, at the very least. 

4. Electric Gates May Mean Lower Insurance Premiums

Electric gates with heightened security features can reduce home insurance premiums. Though this benefit may not necessarily increase the market price of a house, it’s an advantage that raises a house’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Not only can you get a higher price for the security features and standout aesthetics of an electric gate, but it will also help you sell your property faster.

Electric gates are just as much an investment as room renovations. The installation takes up a fraction of the time necessary for interior redesigns and remodels.

Contact 4 Sure Gates to Learn More About Electric Gates & The Value They Can Add to Your Property!

Ready to improve your property’s curb appeal, security, and market value? Get in touch with 4 Sure Gates. We offer a wide variety of electric gate designs and materials, as well as automation for your convenience and security.

You can reach us by calling (817) 965-7873 or sending a message through our website. Contact us today.

The Benefits of Installing Automatic Gates

December 03, 2020

Why Install an Automatic Gate Now?

The COVID-19 pandemic has required people to stay home more often. But even after governments lifted lockdown protocols, many are still choosing to reduce the amount of time they spend in public. This has inspired homeowners to take on home improvement and renovation projects. 

If you are looking to make the most of these enhancements, consider installing an automatic gate. Business owners typically utilize automatic gates in commercial properties, but more people are starting to use them for their homes, too. It provides several benefits, from better aesthetic appeal to improved performance.

Benefits of an Automatic Gate :

A gate, by itself, provides security and privacy to properties. Upgrading it with an electronic system improves its functionality. Learn more about the advantages of automatic gates to understand why they’re gaining popularity among homebuyers.

Automatic Gates Provide More Convenience

One of the main advantages of an automatic gate is convenience. With its built-in motor and wireless remote control, you can open and close your gate without getting out of your car. You can also control this function from the comfort of your home. You can let couriers in to drop off your packages at the front door without having to interact with them directly, allowing you to adhere to social distancing rules.

Automatic Gates Enhance Safety

An automatic gate gives you better control over its operation. You can worry less when your kids and pets are playing outside. As long as you make sure the gate is closed and locked while they’re out on the lawn and you’re indoors, they won’t wander off your property. With the manual control turned off, your kids won’t be able to open the gate on their own. 

Automatic Gates Give Better Security

You may secure your home and its occupants better with an automatic gate. By upgrading your gate’s operating system, you deter potential intruders and robbers from entering your property. You may also keep it closed and locked while you’re out running errands. Some automatic gates come with motion sensors that alert you when someone is trying to open the entryway forcibly.

Automatic Gates Increase Home Value

Automatic gates are an excellent way to improve your home’s curb appeal. Regardless of whether you’re doing it for yourself or future homebuyers, an automatic gate increases your property value. Homebuyers are always on the lookout for cool features that they don’t have to install after purchase. With an automatic gate in your home, you’ll have a higher chance of a bid on your listing. 

Automatic Gates Improve Appearance 

Automatic gates are highly customizable, allowing you to retain your home’s aesthetic. Professional installers can design a gate that blends well with your house, whether it’s wood, wrought iron, or something else.

4 Sure Gates: Your Automatic Gate Specialist

4 Sure Gates addresses your need for better security and safety in your home. As you continue with your home improvement projects, consider letting our team take care of your gate. We have the skills and expertise to install an automatic gate without disrupting your household. 

Get in touch with us by calling (817) 965-7873. We’ll gladly answer any of your automatic gate questions!

Top 4 Advantages of Automatic Gates for Commercial Facilities

November 26, 2020

Security is a critical concern for commercial facilities. It’s essential to keep a close eye on everyone going in and out of your property. This way, you can quickly identify people doing suspicious activities. 

Businesses need to double their security measures to protect your staff and customers, prevent break-ins and burglaries, and safeguard your merchandise and cash.

Installing an electric gate on your commercial property can significantly improve your security. Available in a variety of styles, automatic gates not only protect your property, but they also make your exteriors look more appealing to visitors.

More businesses have invested in automatic gates for their following advantages:

1. Improved Security

Automatic gates are made from heavy-duty materials, making them more difficult to penetrate than manual models. Plus, they’re operated using an access control system, so trespassers won’t be able to break into the gate using their usual tricks.

Most automatic gates also come with electronic logging capabilities that allow you to track comes and goes in your property. You can also install surveillance equipment on the gate, such as a CCTV camera and an intercom, to strengthen your security even more. 

2. Better Access Control

If your commercial property is for employees and staff only, it’s a good practice to employ strict access control on your premises. Depending on how much you want to limit entry on your property, there are different access control types.

Most systems have a keypad. You can change the passcode regularly to ensure your property’s security. Other automatic gates are operated using a keycard to deactivate if it gets lost or stolen.

3. Enhanced Convenience

Automated gates are easy to operate. These gates are operated remotely; you can open and close them with just a push of a button. This is helpful when you’re in a hurry, or when the weather is bad, and you don’t want to leave your car.

Slow-opening gates are common causes of bottlenecks. It can cause employees to be late for their shifts. With automated gates, people can enter and exit your property quickly without forming a long queue.

4. Superior Aesthetics

Electric gates are available in various styles and designs, so you can choose one that matches your building exterior. You can also communicate the image and vibe you want through your gates, cultivating your employees’ positive environment.

You can also pick your preferred mechanism for the gate. Choose from a swing, cantilever, or slide gate.

Apart from aesthetics, automated gates increase your property value. If you decide to relocate, you’ll be able to sell your property at a higher price. This increases your ROI on the installation cost of the gate. Plus, the benefits of the electric gate can also attract more potential buyers, helping you sell quickly. 

Trust only reputable automatic gate contractors to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

Professional Automatic Gate Installation in Texas

4 Sure Gates has a team of licensed gate contractors and installers, catering to residential and commercial clients in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and the surrounding areas. With 15 years of industry experience, we’ll provide you with the best automatic gate system that meets your business’s security needs.

Contact us today to request a quote

How to Select the Best Sliding Gate for Your Property

November 19, 2020

A gate is a good solution, whether you’re looking to increase privacy or improve security in your home. It adds a beautiful and functional finishing touch to the fence surrounding your property. No matter what your reason is behind building a gate, some factors are worth considering before you decide. By learning more about these, you can choose a gate that is worth every penny.

Different Types of Sliding Gates

There are two distinct designs for gates, namely swing and sliding. But the latter is more common as it takes up less space. Under this design, you will find three different types of gate: track, cantilever, and telescopic. Discover the differences among them to decide on what’s best for your property.

Track Sliding Gate

As the name suggests, this gate uses a rail track and wheels or rollers to move. The track is installed in the ground to prevent it from being a tripping hazard. Commonly found in residential and commercial properties, this sliding gate is ideal if you want to make the most of your driveway space.

Cantilever Sliding Gate

This gate is ideal for properties that can’t accommodate rail tracks. It uses post-mounted rollers attached to the accompanying fencing system. Cantilever sliding gates are often used in areas that experience heavy rains or snowfall because they don’t have the cavity created by a rail track.

Telescopic Sliding Gate

Otherwise known as a stacker gate, this design uses multiple components that move at variable speeds. As it opens, the different components get stacked along one side of your fencing system. This design is a popular choice for properties that have spatial constraints.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a Gate

Once you’ve determined what type of sliding gate you want to be installed on your property, it’s time to look at structural factors.

Measurement

Although a sliding gate is spatially efficient, you still need to measure the installation space. This will determine how long and high the gate will be. Additionally, it gives you information on how to divide the gate—some homeowners choose a bi-parting cut when the opening is too wide.

Material

Consider your budget and your home’s aesthetic when selecting the material for your gate. Much like your fencing system, your gate can be made with timber, steel, and other materials. These are the commonly used materials for sliding gates:

  • Wood
  • Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Wrought iron

Automation

Although sliding gates provide convenience through its design, there are ways to improve its performance. Installing an electric motor, for example, makes it easier to open and close. You can also access it as you drive up to it, reducing your waiting time.

Work with Sliding Gate Specialists

Unlike other home improvement projects, installing a sliding gate requires professional help. 4 Sure Gates is a leading gate company based in Dallas, Texas. We have worked with several property owners in installing the best gate for their home or commercial establishment.

Call (817) 965-7873 to find out more about our services

Call the Pros: How to Tell When Your Electric Gate Needs Repairs

November 12, 2020
Gate Operators

The DIY movement has inspired many to take charge of the repairs and renovations in their homes. But some things need the learned expertise of professionals. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing more damage that will result in pricier repairs or a complete replacement.

Your electric gate is one of the areas where you’ll be better off hiring an expert. Minor issues here can easily evolve into major problems, from short-circuiting wires to electrical fires. Familiarize yourself with the signs of damage to know when to call your local gate repair services.

Common Signs of Trouble

The maintenance of your electric gate is critical to your home’s safety and security. These minor issues can affect your gate’s performance, rendering its ability to keep trespassers out ineffective. Inspect this structure regularly and watch out for the following signs.

Poor Sensor Response

Keep an eye on your electric gate’s motion sensor. Slow or poor sensor response time is often caused by faulty wiring. When left unaddressed, the gate can open or close when there’s someone or something in its way.

Unusual Noises

Most electric gates make noises when operational. But heavy grinding or whirring can indicate technical issues. These types of noise are a sign that the gate has a faulty or worn-out operating mechanism.

Faulty Remote Control

Inspect your electric gate’s remote control. Check its response time, its power light, and its batteries. If you notice any issues to its performance, consider consulting the company that installed the gate. Operational issues might require you to get a new remote control.

Non-operational

A power outage will often render an electric gate non-operational, especially if it doesn’t have a backup power source. But if this problem persists, it might be a sign of more serious operational issues. Leaving this unaddressed puts you at risk of trespassing and other security issues. Consult with a repair service to identify the problem and the appropriate solution.

Visible Wear and Damage

Since your gate is an external structure, it’s typical to see the usual wear and tear and damage. But these can prevent the gate from operating optimally.

  • A word track will affect the sliding gate’s performance, causing it to jerk or get stuck when opening and closing.
  • A damaged hinge will result in grinding and squeaking noises. At worst, it can prevent the swing gate from opening or closing properly.

Although these might seem minor, they can worsen with time. Leaving your gate unrepaired until the last minute will only result in bigger problems and higher repair costs.

Make sure you get the right help for your electric gate. As one of the key structures maintaining your privacy and increasing your security, you don’t want to leave its repairs to an amateur. 4 Sure Gates is a specialist that provides expert repair services throughout Texas. Our team consists of highly skilled professionals who will make sure your electric gate is fully operational.

To learn more about our services, call (817)-965-7873 to schedule an appointment

Why Wrought Iron Fences and Gates Give the Best Security

November 05, 2020

Technology is now big in residential and commercial security. Homeowners and business owners invest in sophisticated alarm systems to keep unauthorized individuals from entering their homes and establishments. If the goal is to keep vandals and robbers out, however, wouldn’t it make more sense to keep them entirely off your property instead of relying on an alarm system to kick in after their first break-in attempt?

If security is what you want, 4 Sure Gates recommends wrought iron gates and fences.

1. Ornamental Iron Gates & Fences Leave No Room for Hiding

Ornamental wrought iron gates and fences have slim bars all-throughout, with curved or spiked tops and a few aesthetic touches like arches, coils, and prefabricated pieces welded into place (e.g., leaves, floral detailing along the top). So yes, your house will be visible from the street; but, you’ll also have an unhindered view of the street from inside your house. You’ll know instantly if anyone is suspiciously loitering outside your driveway.

It’s the same thing with a wrought iron fence. Unless you grow tall shrubs right next to it, there’s no place for thieves to hide.

2. A Fence with Nothing Between the Wrought Iron Bars is Difficult to Climb

The standard design for wrought iron fences consists of horizontal bars in only two areas: near the very bottom and along the top. They are typically very high, too, with the top bars out of reach for the average person. More importantly, the vertical bars have no frills in the middle area. It means there are no footholds that will make it easy for anyone to try and climb over your fence.

3. Wrought Iron Is Incredibly Strong & Unyielding

If you plan to have a gate and fence, it’s best to invest in one that won’t easily yield to vandalism and trespassing. Wrought iron is one of the toughest materials for fences and gates today. It is made of iron alloy and is malleable (hence, easy to form according to a given design and size specifications).

Wrought iron is also more resistant to shock and vibration compared to steel. It can withstand external impact and hold its ground from, say, a drunk driver crashing into your property. It will do a better job of protecting your property from such accidents than wood or aluminum fences ever could.

4. Wrought Iron Is Heavy-Duty

Wrought iron is corrosion-resistant and can withstand heavy usage. It can last years with minimal maintenance despite being exposed to extreme weather. It’s also a heavy material, which is advantageous for fences (they won’t easily fall over or give in to external force). As for the rate of deterioration, it comes slow, unlike steel or aluminum.

With the latter two, the defects tend to appear and escalate immediately, so you’ll have to quickly pay for repairs. Wrought iron, on the other hand, buys you time. The material doesn’t break as easily, so if you spot the defect early on, you’ll have ample time to prepare for its repair or replacement.

High-tech security systems are very helpful, but you can’t depend on them alone. A visible and strong barrier like a wrought iron gate and fence could enough of a deterrent against criminals, and that alone is worth every expense.

If you’re interested in installing a wrought iron gate on your property, call 4 Sure Gates at (817) 965-7873. We can tell you more about your options and give you a quote. Contact us today!

A Buying Guide to the Best Automatic Gate Openers

October 29, 2020

An automatic gate opener is a good investment in improving your property’s safety and security. It gives you the convenience of opening and closing your gate without needing to go to it. Avoid stepping out in harsh weather or worrying about leaving your gate open when you have this innovative device installed.

Here is a simple guide to the most popular gate opener brands. Learn more about their differences and benefits so you can choose the best one for you.

Liftmaster

The Liftmaster LA400PKGU is known as the most durable gate opener in the market, delivering exceptional performance.

  • It is accessible through MyQ Technology, allowing you to use your smartphone, tablet, and desktop computer to operate your gate.
  • Its battery backup system lets you get up to 400 cycles (or 97 days) of standby power.
  • It is made for heavy-duty gates, supporting up to 800 lbs. without slowing down or breaking.

Mighty Mule

The Mighty Mule MM560 is considered one of the most cost-effective automatic gate openers in the market, typically used in farms and ranches.

  • Its auto-close feature lets you program the device to close after two minutes of idleness.
  • Designed for functionality, the operating device has two power sources: an AC transformer and solar panels. It comes with an AC transformer for charging.
  • It can support an average weight of 850 lbs without affecting its performance.

Ghost Controls

The Ghost Controls TSS1XP is an affordable, heavy-duty device ideal for residential applications.

  • This opener is equipped with SafeForce Technology, programmed to exert a force that is compatible with the gate’s length and weight.
  • Its long-range remote control gives you access to the device for as far as 1,000ft. (or 100 yards) away.
  • Powered by a low-voltage DC system, it’s ideal for areas without AC power.

USAutomatic

The USAutomatic Sentry 300 Dual Gate Opener is one of the most reliable in the market.

  • The device’s Sentry Plug N Go feature makes this gate opener easy and quick to install.
  • Its actuator has a thrust of 400lbs and compression ratings of 1,000lbs.
  • It’s highly customizable, and you can easily install special features to enhance its performance.

ALEKO

The ALEKO AC1400 is the most popular electric gate opener in residential properties throughout the country.

  • It has an aluminum alloy chassis, making it corrosion-resistant and weather-proof.
  • Equipped with a high-performing motor, this operating device can lift and move gates that weigh up to 1,400lbs.
  • Its motion sensors enable the gate opener to stop instantly when an external object is in the way.

Automating your gate’s operating system is a good way to improve your property’s security. If you’re unsure what opener to choose, 4 Sure Gates will help you. With our knowledge and familiarity of popular brands, we can select and install the right automatic gate opener for your home.

Get in touch with us by calling (817) 965-7873

DIY Installation of Automatic Gates Is Risky — Here’s Why

October 15, 2020

Automatic Gate Installation Liftmaster Gate Opener

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.