If you want a great way to secure your property, and an easy way to open and close your gates when entering and leaving your home in your car, you’ll want to consider installing automatic gate.
So, let’s take a look at the installation process.
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Types of Automatic Gates
You can choose from several automatic gate options. Two of the most popular choices for residential homes are swing gates and sliding gates.
The installation process for each will vary a little, but the same basic installation methods apply.
Swing Gates
Automatic swing gates are designed to swing outwards, which means your driveway entrance must have sufficient space for the installation.
Swing gates require much more space than sliding gates, but they tend to be more cost-effective than sliding gates and they don’t involve as many mechanisms.
Before purchasing and installing swing gates, it’s crucial that you measure the area where they will be installed in order to ensure there’s a sufficient radius for the swinging gate.
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates open and close by sliding horizontally.
They are typically installed on a track, parallel to the fence or wall of your property.
Sliding gates have wheels at the bottom so that they can slide smoothly along the track.
Of course, because sliding gates slide, they require less space compared to swing gates, so they’re ideal for entrances and driveways that have limited space.
Before you purchase an automatic sliding gate, ensure your entrance or driveway has enough space on either side for the gate to seamlessly slide in and out.
Gate Openers
Whether you opt for a swing gate or sliding gate, a gate opener will need to be installed.
In fact, with a gate opener, you can convert any type of gate into an automatic one, as it’s the gate opener that is the mechanism that opens and closes gates automatically.
There are gate openers for various types of gates, so make sure you select the right one.
Take a look at this insightful article to find out more about gate openers and the costs for automatic gate opener installation.
The Installation Process
While it’s possible to install automatic gates yourself, unless you have the appropriate skills and you are confident in being able to handle the complex requirements of the installation, it’s actually best to get a professional to install the gates for you.
If you already have gates in place and need to install a gate opener only, the same applies: it’s possible to do it yourself, but it’s better to hire a professional who has the precise skills required.
The Pre-Installation Process Should Involve:
- Surveying the site and completing a safety audit to identify any possible issues that require attention prior to the installation process.
- Assessing the weight and size of the gates and the force that will be required to move them.
- Estimating how regularly the gates will be used so that the right gate opener can be selected.
- Ensuring that a swing gate will move easily on its hinges or that a sliding gate will run smoothly on its track.
- Taking environmental factors into account, such as wind exposure.
- Assessing the gate’s proximity to pedestrians and traffic.
Assessing the ground, which involves looking at rises and falls, what the drainage is like, and which electrical components could be at risk of sitting in standing water.
Once the pre-installation process has been conducted, a gate can be positioned and installed correctly. You can then ensure that the gate is reliable and safe for years to come.
