Automatic gates provide an extra level of security for a residential or commercial property. Not only does an automatic gate offer peace of mind and security, it also offers you the convenience of opening and closing the gate remotely. However, there do exist some common automatic gate problems which you have to keep an eye out for.
Following are the 6 most common automatic gate problems:
1. Noise
Sometimes, an automatic gate can generate a large amount of noise when opening and closing. There could be a number of reasons behind it that don’t always seem immediately clear. Usually, the noise occurs because the mechanism that moves the gates is worn out. You can fix this automatic gate problem by taking apart and then reassembling the mechanism or having a new part fitted.
2. Gate Won’t Open or Close
This usually occurs due to power outage. Automatic gates require a constant supply of electricity in order to operate properly. Power outages and failures will prevent your automatic gate from working. If your gate is not opening or closing, then you should check whether there is a power outage. If there is no power outage or any other electrical problem, then test your automatic gate manually to identify any operational issues. Hire the help of a professional if you cannot identify the cause of the problem.
3. Faulty Remote Control
A faulty remote control is another common automatic gate problem. The remote control needs to be kept in a good working condition if you want to make sure that it will be able to open and close your electric gate without any issues. Usually, the batteries of the remote control start to fade. You should check and replace the batteries and try again. If the problem is not solved, then replacing the remote is the only solution.
4. Pest Invasion
Automatic gates operate by using sensors that trigger motion. However, your gate will fail to open if the sensors are blocked. Vermin and insects can climb into the dark spaces provided by the gate, causing an obstruction. Make sure that such spaces are kept clear of dirt and pests so that the sensors work perfectly at all times. Mold and moss can cause a similar obstruction so you should keep an eye out for those as well.
5. Stuck in Manual Mode
Sometimes, the gate becomes stuck in the manual mode and does not open and close automatically. There could be a problem with the batteries in the remote or with the gate’s opening mechanism. It is recommended that you check both of these problems to figure out why the gate is stuck in manual mode.
6. Worn Track
If the opening and closing movement of your automatic gate is not fluid, then it is recommended that you physically check your gate’s functionality. If the gate jerks along or gets stuck when opening and closing, then it a sign that your track is worn. You should hire professional automatic gate repair service to fix this problem.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Vehicle theft is on the rise with more and more reports in the news of vehicles being stolen, even during the day. Therefore, you should be extra cautious especially if you are a business owner and usually have company vehicles parked overnight at your business.
Following are 5 security measures to protect company vehicles parked overnight at your business:
1. Install an Automatic Security Gate
Stop unauthorized individuals from entering your business’ premises by installing an automatic security gate. Installing an automatic security gate will allow you to stop members of the public from using your business’ vehicle parking space for free parking particularly if your business is located in the city center close to retail outlets. Furthermore, the automatic gate will also prevent any untrustworthy individuals from entering your business’ premises without your knowledge. It is recommended that you install access control features such as passcodes/fob activation, etc. to make sure that only authorized individuals can gain access.
2. Control Your Access Points
Apart from installing an automatic security gate and access control features at the entrance of your business’ parking space, it is recommended that you also install access control at the pedestrian entrances to your business such as doors, lifts, etc. It will increase the overall security of your business, ensuring safety of your premises, employees, and their vehicles.
3. Consider Hiring a Security Guard
If your parking lot is quite large, then it is recommended that you hire a security guard for extra peace of mind. A security guard will control access to your business’ premises and will also patrol the parking lot during quiet times for added security. A parking lot secured by a manned entrance is a huge deterrent to car thieves because the risk of detection is higher due to the presence of a security guard. When hiring a security guard, make sure to use a reputable security company and conduct your research before making a decision. You should only hire the one that holds the correct licenses and knows what they are doing.
4. Install an Effective Lighting System Across the Parking Area
Vehicle thefts usually occur in dark, poorly lit areas. That’s why it is recommended that you install an effective lighting system across your parking lot including stairwells, pathways, entrances, and exits so that the risk of criminal activity is reduced. A well-lit parking area combined with the presence of an alert security guard will act as a strong deterrent to car thieves.
5. Take Advantage of the Surveillance System
Chances are that you have already installed a surveillance system in your commercial building. If not, then it is recommended that you install a CCTV surveillance system in your building as well as throughout your parking area. Installing the appropriate signage throughout the parking lot is also a good idea. The surveillance system along with the appropriate signage will give a clear message that your building and your parking area is secure. It will surely deter criminals.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Automatic gates have increased in popularity over the last several years mainly because of the extra security, protection, and convenience they offer. They have also become quite affordable. However, automatic gates require maintenance from time to time. There are some automatic gate parts that malfunction and need replacement more often than others. You should know about them so you can properly maintain your automatic gate and make sure that it keeps working as it should.
Following are 6 automatic gate parts that most often need to be replaced:
1. Power Supply
This is one of the parts of an automatic gate that often malfunctions but some people don’t check. If there is a problem, you should first check the circuit breakers. Look at other equipment such as keypad or intercom to see if the lights are on. If the circuit breaker keeps tripping, then you may need to call an automatic gate repair service and have it repaired/replaced. Sometimes, replacing the battery is the only reliable solution.
2. Remote Control
If the remote control of your automatic gate ceases to function, then you probably just need to replace it’s batteries. However, sometimes there is another issue and replacing the batteries doesn’t help. If that is the case, then you will need to buy a new remote control. You should contact the company that installed your automatic gate in order to get all the information you need to buy a replacement remote control.
3. Gate Motors
Gate motors are one of the most important parts of automatic gates. Motors can be damaged by pests, water, and other items. Elements inside the motor such as wires and transmitter can also malfunction. In case of a motor malfunction, it is recommended that you contact your gate professional to have a look at it. Sometimes they require minor repairs but if the problem is severe, then you may need to replace the motor entirely.
4. Tracks
If you have an automatic sliding gate, then you may face a problem where your gate is not sliding smoothly or it gets stuck at certain points along the track. Twigs, stones, and other debris can damage the tracks and wheels of the gate. Call your local automatic gate expert to learn about what type of replacement parts or service you will need to fix the problem.
5. Keypad
Sometimes the keypad of the electric gate does not work as it should. If you find that access codes are not working properly, then you may need to reset your codes. However, if the problem persists, then you will need to call in a gate expert. There may be an electrical malfunction or a wiring issue that is preventing your keypad from working properly. Sometimes, replacing the keypad is the only reliable solution.
6. Light Sensors
Light sensors are a very important part of many automatic gates. Often, these sensors fail to respond correctly due to dust and other factors. If the issue is occurring because of dust, then you will simply need to clean the sensors off. However, you may need to replace them if the issue is not resolved.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Automatic gates are attractive and they provide convenience and much-need security for your property. However, certain safeguards need to be put in place if you want to ensure safety for both people and property.
Follow these 7 tips for your automatic gate to ensure safety:
1. Keep the Area Clear
This is an obvious precaution that you must take in order to ensure safety for people. Accidents involving automatic gates often occur due to the negligence of homeowners. You can prevent such accidents if you are careful. Firstly, it is recommended that you keep your eyes open for any person or object in the path of the gate before you open/close it. Secondly, install safety devices e.g. loop detectors, safety beams, etc. as they can detect the obstructions and prevent the gate from being opened/closed until the path is clear.
2. Properly Configure Your Sensitivity Setting
This is a must-do safety measure if you have an automatic swing gate. These gates require a lower setting to compensate for various environmental conditions e.g. wind loading. Keep in mind that the lower the sensitivity setting, the harder it will be for your automatic swing gate to stop. It is recommended that you consult with an expert about the best sensitivity setting for your gate.
3. Follow the 10-Foot Rule
When it comes automatic gates, the controls must be installed and positioned in such a way that an individual using the controls cannot touch the gate. As a rule of thumb, you should install the controls at least 10 feet away from the gate.
4. Maintenance
If the right care is taken in testing and maintaining your gate regularly, then the chances of accidents will be drastically reduced. Regular maintenance will also ensure that your automatic gate is in good working order. It is recommended that you call an automatic gate repair company if your gate is not operating properly. The technician will diagnose and fix the problem, and while this won’t be free, it is far better than the alternative of dealing with an accident on your property that you could have easily avoided.
5. Install a Warning Sign
Installing a warning sign is a good safety measure when it comes to automatic gates. A prominent warning sign will alert people to possible danger so they will exercise caution around the gate.
6. Install a Separate Walk-Through Gate
Automatic gates are powerful because they are usually designed for vehicular traffic. Because of this, they can easily cause injury to people. For this reason, it is recommended that you install a separate walk-through gate so that pedestrians can safely access your property.
7. Keep Your Gate on Track
This is another important safety measure that shouldn’t be ignored. Automatic gates need guide rollers to keep them on track. Without them, your gate would be very wobbly upon opening/closing and may even fail to operate properly. This can cause damage to your properly and injury to bystanders. So, it is recommended that you install guide rollers to prevent potential unfortunate outcomes.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
When it comes to decorating and renovating around the house, the exterior often takes a back seat. This makes sense considering how much time you spend indoors, but there are plenty of reasons to invest time in improving your home’s curb appeal.
From increasing the value of the property to giving it a fresh new appearance, improving your home’s curb appeal is always worthwhile, and it can be done surprisingly quickly too! Not convinced? Then check out the four ways you can quickly improve your home’s curb appeal:
Remove all eyesores
It’s easy for junk to accumulate outside of your home, whether it’s garden furniture, an unused vehicle, dead plants, or the kid’s toys. One of the quickest and simplest ways to give your home a quick face lift is to just remove all the clutter and useless junk littering your front yard.
Should there be a lot of stuff, consider hosting a yard sale, recycling some old things, and/or storing it somewhere out of view, such as a garage or self-storage unit.
Give your lawn some love
If you have a lawn in your front yard then make sure to give it some proper love and attention – a luscious lawn makes a world of a difference for your home’s curb appeal!
This can be a case of simply mowing it with more regularity, adding some fertilizer, tidying around the edges, and removing weeds, all of which should help to improve your lawn. More maintenance may be required for drought-prone regions, but there are certainly ways to keep a healthy lawn in most climates!
Another option is to get some new turf and laying it down. It may take a little longer to settle, but the improvement over an old drab lawn makes it well worth it.
Revamp the front door
The front door is typically the focal point of any curb appeal, so you may want to give it a revamp or even a complete replacement, depending on what your budget and preferences are. Even just washing the door and giving it a fresh coat of paint is a great way to improve it’s aesthetic.
You could also consider adding some new hardware to your door. For instance, a kick plate at the base is good for hiding wear and tear at the bottom, while a new doorknob can completely revamp a door with minimal effort.
Update your driveway
A driveway is another key focal point of a home’s curb appeal so why not try updating it? For instance, an automatic driveway gate will not only significantly improve the curb appeal but also offer a host of other advantages.
From improving home security to adding an impressive amount of value to your property, updating your driveway to include an automatic gate system is a great idea – and it doesn’t take long to install either!
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Three of the Most Popular Automatic Gate Systems for Parking Garages
Parking garages require a robust gate system to ensure efficient vehicle management and provide revenue. There are various options available when it comes to choosing a gate system for a parking garage, with manual and automatic gates being widely used for parking control.
Given their ease of use and ability to collect revenue, automatic gate systems are perhaps the most popular type of parking system for a commercial parking garage. Here are three of the most popular automatic gate systems currently in use:
Automatic Boom Gates
The most popular type of automatic gate system found in parking garages in unquestionably the boom gate. Also popular for toll booths and check points, boom gates allow for quick and easy manage of vehicles, helping to control the flow of traffic in and out of a parking garage.
With a large arm that rises above the vehicle when access is granted, boom gates are easy to monetize when pairing with a controlled access system, such as an automatic ticket entry station, which is why they have become so widely used.
Some parking garages use automatic boom gates with a booth controller, where an employee provides tickets and grants access to and from the garage, so it’s always a very versatile system that can be used to suit the requirements of each parking garage.
Automatic Cantilever Gate
A much more robust form of security compared to a boom gate, automatic cantilever gates are a larger type of slide gate that provides more restricted access, making them a popular choice for parking garages placing a strong focus on security.
As one of the easiest types of gates to automate, a cantilever gate is simple to operate with an automatic entry system, and the fact they open horizontally rather than vertically (like a boom gate) means they are good for parking garages with limited height.
Automatic Swing Gates
While not as popular in parking garages as boom or cantilever gates, swing gates offer many advantages that make a good choice in commercial parking environments. For instance, they are quick and easy to install, while their design makes them appropriate for garages with inclines that make other types of gates difficult.
Swing gates offer the same degree of control and restriction as other gates, although do take longer to open and close. They are quite easy to maintain however, as their opening system is typically more simple to repair compared to sliding gates such as a cantilever, which have more complex chain and pully systems.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
