14 Jul Can I automate my existing manual gates

Posted at 11:32h in Uncategorised by Andrew Forss

Can I automate my existing manual gates?

Automated electric gates are a popular choice for adding security, style and value to a residential or commercial property. If you already have a set of manual swing or sliding gates, you might not want to pay for them to be replaced. So that begs the question: Can I automate my existing manual gates?

Is it possible to automate existing manual gates?

Thankfully, automation is an option for almost all types of manual gates. There are a few things which are different with an automated gate which we have to make sure are in place to satisfy regulations. If your the gates are in good order structurally, everything else can be sorted.

Some companies offer cheap gate automation kits that let you automate manual gates yourself. But amateur installation and low-grade equipment can end up costing you much, much more in repairs and replacement, even in the short term. To ensure your receive gate automation of the highest quality, be sure to contact an insured, accredited and experienced electric gate specialist.

Automating manual swing gates

For an electric gate specialist to automate your existing manual swing gates, a few simple conditions must to be met. For example:

Aboveground gate automation

Each gate leaf must swing in both directions without dragging along the ground
Your gate posts should be strong and firmly secured in the ground to support the weight of automation equipment.
Hinges need to be in good working order and moving freely, automated gates require a non reducing gap which usually needs to be addressed on manual gates. We always recommend the use full ball bearing hinges

If you want to automate a wooden swing gate, your electric gate provider will need to evaluate its durability and thickness. That’s because thin or flexible wooden gates won’t be able to withstand the force of the automation equipment. In this case, it might be best to ask for a new set of hardwood gates.

Automating manual sliding gates

Most of the criteria for automating manual sliding gates are the same as those for automating swing gates, such as not touching the ground while moving. However, in addition:

Electric sliding gate

Your sliding gates must move smoothly along their tracks without grating.
There mustn’t be any sudden changes in floor plane, as these could cause the opening mechanism to malfunction
The gate must be wider than the opening in order for the motor to be fitted.

Automate your gates today with AG Automation

Here at AG Automation, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for automated electric gate design, installation, maintenance, repair and servicing. But if you already have a set of swing or sliding gates you’d like to automate, we can do that for you, too!

Our team has over 20 years’ experience in providing automated electric gates to clients in Hungerford, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and beyond. We’re fully insured and accredited by the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, and we never subcontract work. That means you can have confidence in a safe, professional and reliable service every time.

Can I automate my existing manual gates