FAQ Navigation

Gate Installation

Gate Safety

Gate Maintenance

Emergency Procedures

Access Control

Gate Types

Gate Installations

  • The installation process involves assessing your property, selecting the appropriate gate type, gate automation system, and access control method, followed by site preparation, installation of the gate, automation system, and electrical connections, and finally, system testing and setup.

  • We can provide both gates and the automation system if needed. We offer a range of gate options to suit your preferences and property requirements.

  • We offer a variety of automation systems, including linear, underground, articulated and sliding. Our team will help you decide the best option for your property.

  • We are able to automate existing manual gates.

  • Yes, we provide a comprehensive installation service and can take care of everything required to complete your installation.

  • The installation process can vary depending on the complexity of the install, but generally between three and five days for a swing gate system, sometimes up to two weeks for a sliding gate system.

  • We will conduct a site assessment to determine any specific requirements, which may include appropriate power sources and gate placement considerations.

  • Yes, you can choose the access control method that best suits your needs and preferences. We can help you work out which solution will best suit your needs.

  • Costs can vary widely depending on the type of gate, automation system, and any additional features you choose. We will provide a detailed quote based on your specific requirements but an automated pair of swinging gates, for example, will commonly cost somewhere in the region of £8,000 to £11,000 + VAT.

  • Yes, we offer maintenance and support services to ensure the continued reliability and performance of your electric gate system.

Gate Safety

  • Yes, automated gates are safe for residential use when installed and maintained properly, with safety features in place.

  • Yes, there are safety standards and regulations that govern the installation of automated gates. We ensure compliance with these standards during installation.

  • Automated gates use sensors to detect obstacles or obstructions in their path and can stop or reverse to prevent accidents, but this all depends on the types of safety devices that are installed. Our engineers are trained on identifying safety risks and will advise on the stpes required to mitigate them.

  • Of course. We will work with you to determine the best products to provide you with the required level of safety and can also discuss any optional extras that could provide further peace of mind.

  • If you encounter a safety issue, you must disable the power to the gate system immediately and contact us for an inspection.

  • Common safety features include obstacle detection sensors, safety edges, and photocells.

  • Yes, automated gates can be configured to allow safe passage for pets and children. Proper safety measures are in place to prevent accidents.

  • Yes, automated gates are equipped with emergency release mechanisms to manually operate the gate during power outages or malfunctions.

  • We will provide you with information on how to safely use your gate upon installation, this will include how the safety features work.

  • It all depends on how often the system is used, but most residential installations require an annual service.

Access Control

  • Access control options include remote control via a fob, keypad entry, intercom systems and smartphone apps, but there are plenty more that we can offer, all depending on your requirements.

  • Yes, many automated gate systems can be integrated with security systems, allowing for a seamless security solution.

  • An intercom system enables communication between the gate and the property owner, allowing remote entry authorisation.

  • Some people call them zappers, or clickers, but whether you call them remote controls or fobs, it’s all just different terminology for the same thing.

  • Yes, you will be able to temporarily open your gate for a delivery, service, or visitor. In most cases you can do this remotely so you do not have to worry about giving the visitor a code, but it all depends on the access control system that is implemented.

  • Yes, we are able to add smartphone access, although we mostly recommend a GSM intercom which you can directly text or call in order to open your gate.

  • Yes, timers can be linked to the system to schedule times for the gate to be open and closed.

  • Access control systems are made for security. The measures in place will change between your choice of access control, for instance a video intercom will allow you to directly see the visitor, whereas a GSM intercom will only accept mobile phone commands from permitted numbers.

Gate Maintenance

  • Regular tasks include cleaning the gate, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting for wear or damage, this more general maintenance doesn’t need completing by a professional.

  • Professional maintenance is typically recommended annually, but it may be more frequent for high-traffic gates.

  • Contact us for further advice. Often this will involve an engineer visiting you, but can occasionally be fixed by yourself with our help, or by us remotely depending on the issue.

  • Yes, either on an ad-hoc basis whenever you need us, or on a contracted basis where you receive discounted costs on any future visits.

  • While some maintenance tasks are common, there may be specific considerations for each gate type and between different systems. We can explain to you the maintenance steps and what to watch out for with your specific gate.

  • Yes, some troubleshooting steps may be performed by homeowners, but complex issues should be handled by professionals.

  • Yes, a clean gate track ensures smooth operation. Debris can be removed with a broom or leaf blower and it can be cleaned with a brush and mild detergent. Be sure the gate is powered off during cleaning and keep your body clear of the track.

  • Signs may include unusual noises, slow operation, safety sensor issues, or visible wear and tear.

  • We offer a 12 month all inclusive parts and labour warranty on all of our gate installations.

  • Regular maintenance helps identify and address issues early, preventing more extensive and costly repairs.

Gate Types

  • Swing gates open inward or outward like a door, while sliding gates move horizontally along a track. Which gate is best for you will depend on personal taste as well as the available space.

  • The choice depends on available space and aesthetic preferences. Both can be suitable for residential use.

  • Yes, there are some very heavy duty gate types designed with commercial settings in mind. However, sliding gates are also a popular choice for commercial gates.

  • Generally a sliding gate will be the most practical choice, but we will work with you in order to decide upon the best option for your specific driveway. We may be able to position a swing set of gates in a particular location that mitigates the slope of the drive, or have the gates open outwards.

  • Factors to consider include available space, slope, budget, and aesthetic preferences. We offer a free site survey and will be able to help decide on a gate type during our visit.

  • Bifold gates consist of two panels that open in opposite directions and are used when a wider entrance is needed or there isn’t room for a larger gate leaf to swing into the drive.

  • In most cases, it is absolutely possible to automate existing manual gates, whether they are swing or sliding gates.

  • There is generally no fixed maximum size, however particularly large sizings may require changes to the design of the gate and the automation in order to facilitate the size.

  • Security considerations should include the type of gate, access control features, and any additional security measures. We will be more than happy to discuss your specific gate security needs over the phone or in person during your free site survey.

  • Yes, regardless of your choice of automation, we will be able to offer you any of our styles or sizes in order to suit your needs and aesthetic choices.

Property Specifics

  • We will be able to install gates on entrances of any size, however certain changes may have to be made to the design or automation to compensate for a particularly large driveway.

  • Automated gates are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but proper maintenance and sealing is required to ensure your gates last as long as possible.

  • We will be able to help you decide upon a design, and depending on the type of gate chosen we can also provide you with a render to help you visualise the gate on your property.

  • Some residential areas may have noise restrictions, so it's essential to choose gate components and motors that operate quietly. However, the products we recommend are high quality and thus generally very quiet during their use.

  • The main consideration is how you would like to control the flow of traffic. If one entrance is for entry and another is for exit then we can tailor the access control devices connected to each gate system to suit visitors that are either coming or going.

  • Yes, automated gates can be customised and adapted to fit properties with unconventional entrances or unique requirements. We love a challenge!

Emergency Procedures

  • In the event of a power outage, you can use a manual release mechanism, most often a key inserted into the automation device, but that may be a lever or crank, to operate the gate manually. In some instances battery backups can be fitted to allow for continued use of the system, even during a power outage.

  • Yes, backup power sources can sometimes be installed to maintain gate operation during power failures if required, however you may be better served by simply using the manual release key in these circumstances. We will be able to help sort out the best and most cost effective method for you.

  • Emergency releases are typically performed using a key or lever on the gate operator. They are necessary during power outages or system malfunctions.

  • Yes, it's essential to have a plan in place for emergency situations, and gate access should be a part of that plan. Having your key fob and emergency release key in easily accessible places is a good start.

  • When manually operating the gate, exercise caution, always disable the power and ensure that people and objects are clear of the gate's path to prevent accidents.

  • Access protocols for emergency services, such as your keypad passcode, should be clearly communicated to ensure prompt access in case of emergencies. If possible you should open your gates before the arrival of emergency services.

  • You can provide access instructions to emergency responders and ensure that gate codes or access devices are readily available for them. If at all possible you should open your gates before emergency services arrive.

  • Yes, periodic testing of the emergency release mechanism is recommended to ensure its proper functioning during actual emergencies.