Automatic gates offer a stylish and secure entranceway to any property. It’s also very convenient, automatically opening while the driver waits, saving the time and effort needed to manually open and close the gate.
Of course, an automatic gate is situated outside so it faces all kinds of elements. It’s also being used every day, so the mechanisms and motors are susceptible to wear and tear, meaning an automatic gate often suffers from operating problems that may require professional repairs.
When it comes to getting repairs, you always want the job to be done as quickly as possible, so it helps to have some information ready before you call for repairs. This will help the repair company identify the problem you’re having and make it easier to get a quick solution.
Be sure to have these 4 pieces of info ready before calling for an automatic gate repair:
What the Problem Is
It seems obvious but you should always have information on what the problem is with the gate. For instance, is it not opening or closing? Does the gate stop halfway as it opens? Is it making strange noises or producing an odd smell? Is the remote controller not working?
There could be any number of reasons that your gate isn’t working properly and the repair company will know what to look out for. So, by giving them a quick rundown of the problem you are facing they can identify the cause and how to fix it.
Gate Type
There are various types of automatic gates and some problems are exclusive to each type. Therefore, you want to have the information on what type of gate you have installed so that the repair company knows exactly what they are dealing with.
For example, problems with an automatic sliding gate often relates to the gate track. It could be a problem specific to sliding gates, such as clogged gate track, or more general automatic gate problem such a faulty motor.
Always identify the type of gate you have, such as a swing gate, sliding gate, telescopic gate, or bi-folding gate. This makes troubleshooting quicker and easier for the person on the phone!
Motor Type
You should also have information on what type of motor your gate uses, as different motors have different issues. For example, underground gate motors often get flooded due to poor drainage and/or clogging, which may cause the motor to fail.
There could be any number of electrical or mechanical issues with an automatic gate motor, so it helps to know what type you have so that the repair technician can determine what the cause of the problem might be.
Gate Location
The location of the gate may be at the root of the problem it is having, which is why it helps to have some quick info on where the gate is on your property. For instance, if an automatic gate is located on a slope the motor is under more strain than a gate on level ground, so this could be the cause of the 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.
Gated communities are renowned for their safe and secure environment. Most of these communities install automatic gates to prevent intruders from entering, hence ensuring protection of the people inside the premises. While automatic gates are good when it comes to preventing unauthorized entry, there are several extra measures that can be taken to further enhance the security of the gated community. By combining automatic gates with security guards and monitored systems, crime and vandalism can be drastically reduced and the safety of the residents can be ensured.
Here are 4 ways to prevent unauthorized people from entering through your community’s automatic gates:
1. Friendly Guards That Know Everyone
Automatic gates are great, but they don’t offer a personal touch of security. Furthermore, it’s easy for unauthorized people to steal a key card or find another way to enter the premises. With a friendly guard at the entry gate that monitors everyone who enters and leaves the community, it’s much more difficult for an unauthorized individual to sneak in. Knowing the security guards is also helpful for the residents. It makes them feel safer and guards can also learn everyone’s habits quite easily.
2. Remotely Monitored Security Cameras
Most gated communities, even if they have automatic security gates and cameras, aren’t always monitored. In fact, most of the times no one even looks at the security footage unless there’s an incident. That’s why remotely monitored security cameras are recommended to prevent unauthorized people from entering via the community’s automatic gates.
With remote monitoring, residents can rest easy knowing that someone will always be monitoring the cameras. If they notice a suspicious activity, they are able to call for help immediately. All in all, remotely monitored security cameras boost the security of gated communities.
3. On-Site Guards to Quickly Respond
Combining remote monitoring with on-site guards is the best way to enhance security in gated communities. The person monitoring can contact the on-site guards in case of an emergency and they can respond within a few minutes at most. Having a quicker response time means safer residents and less crime overall.
4. Secure All Access Points
While automatic gates are great, they are usually embedded with wireless connections that make it easier for hackers to gain unauthorized access to gate communities via remotely operated systems. That’s why it is extremely important to have enough coverage for all access points with security personnel when possible. The entry points should also be locked to prevent a breach on the premises. Installing a fence or wall that is attractive yet stable enough to prevent unauthorized access to the premises is also a great option to enhance the security of the gated community.
Final Word
While automatic gates are great for preventing unauthorized entry to gated communities, there are several extra measures that can be taken to further increase the security of these communities. Safeguarding a gated community is a collaborative effort among the management, security personnel, and residents. You can prevent property breaches and protect your gated community by working together and taking the necessary precautionary steps.
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.
Every homeowner invests money, efforts, and time to choose and install the best gates and openers. A lot of people even prefer purchasing automatic gates from reputed manufacturers that offer longer product warranty. But the durability and performance of your automatic gate will be severely impacted if you don’t concentrate on simple maintenances. When you ignore certain things regarding your automatic gate, you further increase risks of bearing high repair and service expenses. That’s why it is recommended that you avoid the common mistakes when it comes to maintaining your automatic gate.
Make sure you don’t do these 6 things with your automatic gate:
1. Skipping on Rust Prevention Efforts
To ensure proper functioning of your automatic gate through the years, one of the most important things you can do is to prevent rust. Rust development on an automatic gate isn’t just unpleasant, it is also detrimental to its functioning. You can usually scrub the rust of your metal automatic gate via sandpaper. It is recommended that you inspect the gate for rust and remove it on a regular basis so that the metal components of your gate are properly maintained.
2. Neglecting Routine Inspections
Visual inspection of automatic gates is extremely important as it helps detect various malfunctions before they become too serious. It is highly recommended that you occasionally perform visual inspections of your automatic gate’s parts e.g. bearings, electrical connections, chain belt, drive belt, metal racks, etc. If there are any wooden parts on your gate, then you should particularly inspect them to see if they require being oiled or stained to prevent problems e.g. rot development.
3. Ignoring an Obvious Problem
Don’t ignore even a minor problem with your automatic gate. For example, a squeaky noise from your gate may seem like nothing serious but it could be very costly to repair. So, if you notice anything serious about your automatic gate, then it is highly recommended that you call an automatic gate repair company to have it professionally inspected.
4. Never Cleaning Your Automated Gate
Simply cleaning automatic gates from time to time is important to both functionality and aesthetics. You can wax and wash your gate often enough to keep the materials in good condition as well as prevent salt from accumulating on metal parts, increasing the risk of rust development.
5. Failing to Properly Lubricate Moving Parts
Moving parts of an automatic gate, or any gate for that matter, wear out and break more quickly if they are not properly lubricated. Inadequate lubrication can result in automation mechanism of your gate easily getting disabled. So, don’t fail to properly lubricate the moving parts (e.g. hinge, roller, pulley, chain, etc.) of your automatic gate.
6. Trying to Repair or Replace Parts on Your Own
In order to save money, some homeowners try to repair/replace their automatic gate parts on their own, ending up damaging the gate in the process. Automatic gates have complex mechanisms which are not easy to repair or replace. So, it is recommended that you call a professional automatic gate repair company in case you suspect any parts need repair or replacement.
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 offer the perfect combination of security and convenience for gated communities. Providing quick and easy access for residents while keeping unwanted visitors from entering without permission, the ability to control access to a gated community is one of their biggest selling points.
Yet like with type of technology, automatic gates are susceptible to damage over time. This can be caused by natural wear and tear, weather conditions, or unwanted pests damaging the internal components of the gate opener.
Here is 5 of the most common automatic gate repairs for gated communities:
1. Pest Removal
Insects, small reptiles, and mice are all pests that commonly cause damage to automatic gates in gated communities. This is mainly because parts of the gate offer the perfect cover for these pests, leading to components being chewed, obstructions caused, and all manner of issues.
For instance, geckos and lizards are known to hide in areas were sensors are placed, causing an obstruction that prevents the gate from automatically opening. Insects often nest inside of control boxes too and can damage electronics.
Thankfully, the repairs are mostly removing the pests and cleaning any mess they may have left behind.
2. Control Box Repairs
Control boxes are usually well protected from the elements but problems often arise when there is too much moisture. Condensation developing inside of a control box can seriously damage the electronics, causing the gate to stop functioning.
Repairs for this problem are more complex, often requiring a completely new control box to be installed or certain components to be replaced.
3. Gate Engine Repairs
Sometimes the weather isn’t to blame, with older gate motors featuring components that have corroded over time and no longer function. If the automatic gate is over 10 years old there is a good chance the control box has simply deteriorated over time.
Repairs can be difficult and it may be a case that replacing the motor is more cost-effective solution. Newer gates that have similar issues with the gate engine are usually easier to repair. Keep this in mind if your gated community is using an older automatic gate.
4. Structural Repairs
Sometimes an automatic gate is damaged by collisions, trees falling, or vandalism. These require more basic repairs to the overall structure of the gate, such as welding broken sections of the gate, realigning the gate with the track, or replacing any damaged hinges.
5. Remote Control Repairs
Sometimes the problem is with the remote control opener rather than the gate itself. These issues can range from something simple like a dead battery to more significant problems like programming faults. In any case, remote controls are typically quick and easy to repair, although it depends on how many controllers are having issues in the gated community.
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.
Businesses face a variety of security threats that can make or break the success of the organization. From break-ins to vandalism, your average business owner must ensure their property remains safe and secure, not just to protect money and valuable goods but also for the safety of staff and customers.
There are some obvious security measures a business can take, such as installing CCTV and heavy-duty locks on each door, yet some security products are often overlooked despite significantly enhancing the security of a business premises.
A robust security gate offers just that, helping to greatly improve the overall security by providing controlled access in and out of the premises. However, it’s not always obvious how beneficial a security gate is and whether your business even needs one.
Here are 4 signs that your business needs an automatic security gate:
Poorly Lit Parking Lot
If your business property has a lack of poor lighting around the parking lot then an automatic security gate may be a worthwhile investment. This is because a poorly lit parking lot is much more likely to attract unwanted attention such as thieves and vandals, as the poor lighting helps to hide what they’re doing.
Unsafe Parking Lot
Has there been instances of crime inside your parking lot? This often occurs due to poor lighting as mentioned above, yet even well-lit lots may be susceptible to various security threats such as theft or assault.
If there are on-going concerns about the safety of the parking lot then take immediate action and install an automatic security gate. It offers protection for any employees, customers, or visitors while acting as a great deterrent from would-be criminals.
Vandalism
If your business property is regularly vandalized then it may be a sign that a better security perimeter is required. Vandalism is a very expensive problem to fix, with it taking time and money to remove/repair damage from vandalism, especially if there is an ongoing occurrence.
Yet, vandalism must be dealt with otherwise it may reflect poorly on the business, especially those working retail or hospitality where the appearance of the business is very important. So, if there are signs of vandalism and it remains an ongoing problem, an automatic security gate offers the perfect solution by controlling access to limit unwanted vandals trespassing.
Theft
Whether internal or external, theft has a massive impact on your bottom line, so taking the time to prevent theft is highly recommended for any business. An automatic security gate offers a great solution to this problem, as it immediately enhances the security of your property.
Automatic gates control the flow of people in and out of the property, so by controlling who enters and exits the property you can help deter theft. You’ll have exact times and dates for when people enter and exit the property and be able to inspect vehicles, making it easier to identify suspects that have stolen from the business.
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.
There are various types of automatic gates openers available for anyone that wants to automate the opening and closing of their gates. The reason that there are various options to choose from is because different types of gates require different openers to make them automatic, so it’s important to choose a suitable motor for the appropriate gate.
Here are the top 4 top types of automatic gate openers and the gates they’re used for:
Linear Ram
A linear ram motor is possibly the most common type of automatic gate opener for swing gates. Different methods are used to operate the arm, including worm drive or screw jack. Each one retracts the arm attached to the motor to reduce the length and open the gate, after which it extends the arm to close it.
Their popularity stems from their affordable price and simple installation, simply attaching to the gate from the post, while the strength of the motor can be increased to accommodate larger sized gates.
Underground
Underground motors are another very popular type of automatic gate opener, offering a more discreet aesthetic that many prefer over visible motors. It’s installed beneath the ground inside of a protective case, with the drive arm connecting to the bottom of the gate.
Because the opener isn’t visible it doesn’t ruin the look of the gate, although it requires a more complex installation process that typically results in a higher price for the opener.
Articulated Arm
An articulated arm motor is one of the best automatic gate openers for smaller gates or gates with larger pillars that would struggle to fit the straight arm style of a ram motor. Rather than using a linear arm like a ram motor, the articulated arm motor utilizes a hinged arm that can reach around wider objects, making it especially popular for gates with large pillars.
It’s also a generally versatile opener, providing automation for most types of swing gates, even those pre-installed without any motor.
Sliding
A sliding motor is an opener that uses a cog and teeth action attached to the gate to open it in the preferred direction. It needs to be combined with a guide track, roller guides, or a cantilever device to get it to open in the desired direction.
When choosing a sliding motor opener, you need to think amount the motor’s power. The bigger the gate the more power is needed on the motor to ensure it opens at the necessary distance, with heavier weight putting more strain on the opener.
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.
