Ten Things to Consider When Installing an Automatic Gate
If you have considered having an electric gate installed on your property, there are some things that you should know before getting started. There is a process behind choosing the right automated driveway gate to meet your needs, and selecting a contractor to handle the installation, so make sure that you consider these ten steps to ensure that your gate functions well into the future.
If you have any questions regarding gate repair, installation or maintenance schedule, Quality Gate Company is standing by at 760-723-2901 to field any questions that you might have along the way.
1) Remember Your Reasons
Why do you want to install an automatic gate on your property in the first place? This question is important to ask because it will help determine the type of gate that you end up selecting. For example, if this gate will sit at the end of your driveway for privacy and security reasons, going with a model that is hard for passersby to see through might be the right choice. It all comes down to your individual reasons for wanting a gate when selecting your product.
2) Come Up With a Budget
There are many options when it comes to selecting which gate is best for you. It is also important to remember that cheaper driveway gates and components do tend to have greater wear and tear over time thereby requiring more costs in maintenance and repair which could cost you more over the long term. During the initial stages of your planning for a gate, come up with an amount that you are looking to spend on the gate, as this will help guide you when looking at the various options. As the automatic gate experts, Quality Gates can work with you to determine which gate options and components will meet your needs within your budget.
3) Learn About the Products
The more you know about these gates, the better off you’ll be. Research the various types on the market, such as swing gates, double swing gates, and slide gates, so that you can be sure that you have selected the right type of gate for your property. You’ll want to know a little bit about the swing gate opener, the materials used, and whether or not you’ll need to install intercom systems from the beginning. Then, when you finally speak with a gate installation company, this knowledge will help you to make the right decision and to ask the necessary questions during the initial stages of this process.
4) Select a Location For the Gate
Where will the gate sit on your property? This question is vital to answer, as well, since the type of gate that you choose is dependent on its location. On most residential sites, the gate sits at the end of the property with a fence on either side. If your property is set up like this, you won’t have to put much thought into the location at all. Keep in mind that if you have an extremely long driveway, you might have to set the gate up with a telephone entry system on the gate openers to ensure that your guests can get off the property when they need to.
5) Shop the Various Designs
Once you know the type of electric gate you will be going with, start considering gate design. This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but there is some strategy involved. If a fence is already in place, choosing a gate that matches it is a good idea because it adds continuity to the property. You can also find gates with designs on them if you want to be a little more artistic. Keep in mind that you should consider the quality of the gate in question, as well, so don’t just choose the gate that looks the best if it doesn’t seem like it will function at a high level for years to come.
6) Contact Installers in Your Area
After figuring out the exact gate type that you want to add to your property, you can start contacting installers in your area. It’s always a good idea to go with a certified, experienced technician in this situation since your property’s security is at stake. Quality Gate Company only uses licensed, bonded, and insured contractors, which takes the risk out of this decision and provides you with protection.
7) Compare the Contractors
After you have a list of potential contractors, make the selection based on what is important to you. Always ask each contractor how long they have been operating and roughly how many installations they have handled over that time. You should also figure out if they have a dedicated customer service department, as this is important should you run into issues with your gate. It might also be a good idea to ask if they specialize in certain materials, such as installing wrought iron gates, just to be safe.
8) Make Your Selection
Now that you have information on the available contractors in your area, you can make your final decision. Experienced contractors like Quality Gate Company will handle this entire process professionally, giving you a quote, a start date, and a great deal of other valuable information right from the beginning. Remember that since you will be spending a fair amount of money on the gate, it is smart to have it installed correctly.
9) Have Your Gate Installed
Finally, after going through all of these steps, it is time to have your automated gates installed. Your contractor should give you a checklist of things that you will need to do before the work can begin, so make sure that you follow this list as thoroughly as possible. Once you have your property ready, all you will have to do is sit back and wait for your gate.
10) Think About Maintenance
Something to consider once your gate is installed is going through with the necessary maintenance. Your gate installation contractor might be able to set you up on a maintenance schedule, ensuring that your gate functions for years to come. At Quality Gate Company, we have monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance schedules where a certified technician will come to your home and test your gate. The technician will also keep an eye out for anything that should be repaired so that you can have it fixed before it becomes an issue.
Give us a call at 760-723-2901 if you are in the market for automatic gate maintenance or an installation and our certified, professional staff will get on the job immediately.