14 Mar Common questions about electric gates
Common questions about electric gates
Automated electric gates add style, security and convenience to any home or business. But there are a few questions and worries that make some people unsure of whether or not to install them. So join us as we go over seven common concerns about automated electric gates and why they shouldn’t hold you back.
The 7 most common questions about electric gates
1) Cost
Since the cost of electric gate design and installation depends on materials, dimensions, construction needs and other factors, giving a specific estimate is difficult. That said, electric gates cost anything from £5,000 for a simple design, up to £20,000 for a more elaborate, complete system. But many people don’t realise that installing automated electric gates can actually add value to their property as well as having a positive impact on home insurance. In most cases a property with electric gates typically attract far more than the outlay when it comes to selling your home.
Automated electric gates can also have a positive impact on your home and car insurance with cover attracting lower premiums. So it’s easy to see why automated electric gates are a fantastic financial investment.
2) Security
Electric gates claim to be a highly effective home security measure. But do those claims really hold up?
Statistically, around half of all burglaries are opportunistic rather than planned. That makes your electric gate a powerful deterrent against trespassing and break-ins. And even if a criminal does want to enter your home, the motors and any electric lock on an electric gate make them almost impossible to force open. That means installing an electric gate is a highly effective way to keep your property and your loved ones safe.
3) Maintenance
It’s true that an electric gate is not a one-time cost. As the weather and repeated use take their toll on your gates, regular servicing is vital to ensure reliable daily operation..
Thankfully, these services aren’t particularly expensive. That’s because even sliding electric gates – which rely on motors, tracks and rollers – have surprisingly few parts. Whether it’s swing gates, or a sliding gate there’s no reason to let the thought of maintenance costs keep you from installing electric gates.
4) Automation failure
Since automated electric gates use motors to move them, many people worry they’ll be unable to open their electric gate during a power cut or if they lose their remote fob. That’s why all electric gates come with a built-in manual release mechanism.
After installing your electric gate, your engineer will give you a manual release key. Simply insert the key into the release lock in the motor housing and use it to disconnect the motor drive from the gate. This allows you to push or pull the gate with ease.
However, even this might not be necessary in the event of power failure. That’s because most modern electric gates can have a optional battery backup system installed. This allows the gates to operate a few times uninterrupted. These days it’s likely that your power will have returned, or you will have connected your gates to an appropriate power supply before the backup battery drains.
If you’re worried about your gates failing, make sure you speak to us. All hardwood, metal and industrial electric gates from AG Automation come with a 12-month guarantee, so you don’t need to worry about the cost of repair or replacement. And if a problem occurs after 12-months, we offer a full range of maintenance, servicing and repair options to keep your gate in excellent condition.
5) Lack of space
If your property is on narrow, uneven or unconventionally designed ground, you might think there’s not enough space to install an electric gate. But since sliding gates move horizontally, they’re a perfect choice for sloped or uneven ground that might obstruct a swing gate. And because swing gates pivot around their hinges to open or close in a wide semicircle, they’re perfect for narrow entryways. No matter what space you have available, there’s almost certainly an automated electric gate option for you.
6) Safety
Since automated electric gates are operated by a powerful motor, safety is a concern. That’s why electric gate manufacturers install several features to keep you and your visitors safe.
For example, photocell sensors stop your electric gates from closing if there’s something blocking their path. Most modern systems have force limitation built in, and in some cases the gates will have additional safety edges that halt the gates when they bump into something. They can even be stopped with something as gentle as a finger tap, meaning even animals and children are safe around electric gates.
A reliable electric gate provider will also perform live tests to ensure these features work properly before they finish your project. That’s why you should always use a fully insured and accredited provider like AG Automation to ensure the safety of your gates.
7) Ease of access
While keeping unwanted visitors off your property makes electric gates a great safety option, it’s important for certain people to gain access with ease. That’s why electric gates can be fitted with an intercom system that lets visitors or customers announce their presence, or a keypad for employees to get in. You can also set a timer that allows manual opening during the day so that rubbish collectors, postal workers and service people can come and go uninterrupted. There is a wide selection of access control options available to tailer the complete system to your needs.
Trust AG Automation to solve your electric gate concerns
In our 20 years of designing, installing, maintaining and repairing automated electric gates, we’ve heard all of these concerns and more. That’s why we work hard to solve them all.
As well as offering a sensible price, we’re fully insured and accredited to give you total confidence in our quality of work and safety standards. Every gate we install comes with a 12-month guarantee, and we never subcontract any of our work. And thanks to our dedicated customer service department, you always have a friendly human being available to answer questions and provide expert assistance.
Contact AG Automation today to discuss installing an automated electric gate at your home or commercial premises, and get a service you can trust.