An automatic gate is a great investment for homeowners, offering a stylish yet secure entry way into the property. It not only looks good and improves your home security, it can also increase the overall value of the property, so it often pays for itself in time.
However, all the benefits of an automatic gate system only happen when there is a good company installing it. While there are many reliable automatic gate installation companies out there, there are always a few out there that cannot be trusted or relied upon to properly complete the work.
Here are 5 signs that an automatic gate installer should not be trusted:
1. Being Too Aggressive About the Contract
Whenever a gate installer is being too aggressive with the contract, take a step back and think why this is the case. Many of the least trustworthy companies use strong-arm tactics to pressure homeowners into signing the contract, often claiming that the price they’re offering is for a limited time or that they have a lot of other work they can be doing.
A reliable gate installer knows that customers need to shop around for the best value and will have the patience to wait for you to sign a contract on your own time frame.
2. A Vague Contract
When an installer offers a contract it should have a detailed account of all the costs included and the timeframe for completion. You should clearly see the cost of labor and materials, along with a guarantee of work for the gate system.
A contract that lacks any of this information should be a red flag that something isn’t right. Companies that don’t even offer a contract and want cash in hand should be avoided too, as this is never a good sign for an installation service.
3. Asking for Full Payment in Advance
Another common tactic used by various contractors; any time the installer asks for the full payment of work should not be trusted. Yes, certain payments can occur before the work starts, usually a deposit or the first instalment of a payment plan, but never the full cost of a project.
This can indicate they don’t have enough cashflow for the work or could be using your money to finance other work. If a company does need some payment up front, they should be transparent about the costs – if they get defensive stay well clear!
4. No License or Accreditation
If a gate installation company lacks the proper licensing and/or accreditation then it may be a sign they can’t be trusted. A contractor’s license is required in most states, and accreditation with a professional organization such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) indicates the business is held to high standards and ethical practices, otherwise they wouldn’t be accredited!
5. No Testimonials
Any good gate installation company proudly showcases their satisfied customers, so if there are not testimonials on their site then you may want to do some more research. Not all companies feature testimonials on their sites but those that can be trusted usually do, so if you can’t find any you should consider looking for reviews from third-party sites to see if you can find more information about previous customers’ experiences.
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 gained a lot of popularity in the recent years. Many of the residences in big cities, as well as bigger establishments in towns around the globe use automatic gates. The reason behind their increased popularity is that they offer convenience, security, and a great way to control the flow of people in and out of a property. Many people are familiar with automatic gates. However, they don’t know their various types or how they work. If you are not familiar with the common types of automatic gates, then read on. This guide lists the most popular automatic gate types so that you can make the best decision when choosing one for your home.
Following are 3 of the most popular types of automatic gates for your home:
1. Slide Gates
Slide gates are the most popular type of automatic gates in residential homes. They are also known as ‘V-track gates’ or ‘rolling gates’. Rollers are added to the gate to support it and aid in the gate’s movement. Sometimes slide gates require a metal track to be installed along the ground for proper functionality. Slide gates are a great option if you have limited space. Also, since a slide gate can work on an angle, it is ideal for you if your driveway is on a steep incline. By choosing an automatic slide gate, you won’t have to pay to have the ground leveled as it is required with an automatic swing gate.
2. Swing Gates
Automatic swing gates are attractive and offer the security that most homeowners are looking for in an automatic gate. Automatic swing gates are one of the most preferred choices for homeowners because they have the simplest mechanics, they are easy to install, and affordable. Although in many residential markets, they are being replaced by automatic slide gates, swing gates are still a popular choice. You can use an underground or pillar mounted system to install your automatic swing gate. Automatic swing gates require a lot of flat driveway space to operate due to the way they open and close. Because of this, they are not suitable for every situation.
3. Vertical Lift Gates
While these automatic gates are not the best looking, they are widely used due to their functionality and advantages. They are ideal for homes that don’t have enough space for a slide or swing gate. Vertical support towers are required to be installed on both sides of the automatic gate in order to help it move up and down. Apart from this, the height of the vehicles that will be using the gate is also an important factor to consider when installing a vertical lift gate as it needs to be lifted high enough to let the vehicles pass through.
Deciding which type of automatic gate to choose for your home is a big decision. These gates are expensive to install and they also need regular maintenance. If you are not sure what type of automatic gate would be suitable for you, then it is recommended that you hire the services of an automatic gate company to get helpful advice on what would suit your residence best.
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.
6 Benefits Of Installing A Metal Automatic Driveway Gate At Your Home
Your home is likely the most important thing you own, so it makes sense to do as much as possible to keep it safe and secure. While there are countless security measures that can be taken, such as installing security cameras and alarm systems, one of the more overlooked forms of home security is an automatic driveway gate.
Not only do they look great, but a metal automatic driveway gate offers a range of benefits that make them a fantastic investment for homeowners around the country. Check these six benefits of installing a metal driveway gate your home!
1. Enhanced Security
The most benefit but one certainly worth reiterating – a good metal automatic driveway gate will make your home even safer. Being able to control entry into your home is one of the surest ways to avoid issues with burglars, trespassers, or any unwanted visitors, allowing you to decide who can enter the premises.
Not only that, it creates a secure perimeter for those inside. For instance, if you have kids or pet dog, an automatic driveway gate ensures they won’t easily run out into oncoming traffic, which could have fateful consequences.
2. Convenience
An automatic driveway gate offers more convenience compared to manual gates, saving you the time and hassle of getting out to open and close them whenever you are passing through. With an automatic gate, you never need to leave your vehicle while still enjoying the security of a gate on your driveway.
3. Improved Aesthetics
A metal automatic driveway gate is a stylish addition to any property. These gates are designed with residential properties in mind, typically coming with wrought metal work that only enhances the aesthetics of your property.
4. Added Value
An automatic driveway gate could add some serious value to your property. While you may not be looking to sell anytime soon, whenever your property is being evaluated you can be sure that a feature such as an automatic driveway gate is only going to increase the value of your home.
5. More Privacy
Everyone wants to enjoy privacy at their home, so an automatic gate is a great way to get more privacy for you and your family. As it restricts entry to your property, you get better assurances that you are enjoying your home with the utmost privacy.
6. Protection from Wildlife
Not all threats to your property are from other people, with many homeowners dealing with nuisance pests such as rabbits, deer, foxes, and even coyotes. A metal automatic driveway gate ensures no animals get onto your property, keeping your landscapes safe from damage.
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.
4 Spring Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Your Automatic Gate System
Spring cleaning involves a long list of things that should be taken care of. Because of this, many people forget the maintenance of their automatic gate systems. This is one of those things that should be on your spring cleaning checklist because just like your home and vehicles, automatic gate systems also require proper maintenance and upkeep in order to work efficiently.
Following are 4 spring cleaning and maintenance tips for your automatic gate system:
1. Visual Inspection
Check your gate’s condition and identify inefficiencies and failure. Generally, automatic gates do not fail very quickly and if there are any issues, they can be traced to slow degradation. Examine the main body of the gate for tears, dents, and other forms of damage. If it is a sliding gate, then make sure that the chain drive or belt is in good condition. Clear the tracks on which the gate moves. Furthermore, inspect the electrical connections and the gate opener as well as the bushings and bearings. If there are any anomalies, then it is recommended that you consult a professional for troubleshooting.
2. Cleaning
Clean your automatic gate in order to get rid of all the accumulated dust and dirt. If your gate is metal, then you can easily wash it with water, a soft sponge, and mild soap. These products are sufficient to get rid of any type of grime that accumulates due to exposure to harsh weather and environmental conditions. When you are wiping the gate, look for any signs of rust and if you find them, then clean off the affected area by scrubbing it gently. After you have cleaned your automatic gate, rinse off the soap deposits and then let the surfaces dry. After that, apply protective wax. By doing this, you will minimize the chances of rusting. If your automatic gate is made of wood, then it is recommended that you repaint it.
3. Lubrication
Lubrication is an essential part of automatic gate maintenance. Friction can damage the moving parts of the gate that control the automatic operations. The gate will move with difficulty if the surfaces are completely dry. The internal components will also grind roughly. This entire process can lead to the premature failure of essential parts of the gate. That’s why it is very important to keep the automatic gate operation seamless and smooth. An appropriate lubricant will help you ensure that. Some of the components that require lubrication include screws, rollers, hinges, chains, and pulleys. Don’t use petroleum-based lubricants as they attract dust.
4. Pest Control
You might think that your automatic metal gate is safe from pests, but it isn’t. They can sabotage the operation and performance of automatic gates. Automatic gates consist of electronic parts that ensure their smooth operations and functioning but insects such as spiders, snails, and bees can damage such parts. Slugs and snails can damage the gate’s circuit boards. That’s why it is important to check for any pests in your automatic gate system. Call a professional pest control provider if you encounter the presence of any pests.
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.
Four things you can add to your automatic gate system to increase security
An automatic gate offers fantastic security and privacy for both commercial and domestic properties. Not only that, they may help to increase the value of a property, as the prospect of increased security and privacy is very appealing to many.
Yet it’s possible to make an automatic gate system even more secure. You can add several things to your gate system to further enhance it, making your home or business even more secure!
1. Security Camera
A security camera can be easily installed to your automatic gate, and it’s one of the most effective security measures to add. CCTV acts as a notable preventative to any would-be intruders, as not many want to be identified when trying to trespass onto your premises.
Furthermore, you can view the footage from the camera to see if there is anyone there that shouldn’t be. Should anyone attempt a crime, such as trespassing, you will have evidence to take to the authorities.
2. Alarm System
Even the most robust automatic gate systems might not put off an intruder or vandal, in which case it helps to have a good alarm system installed. There are various types of alarms that can be added, such as a silent alarm that notifies you of an issue, or a warning beacon that can be used to scare off anyone attempting to break through or climb the gate.
3. Electronic Lock
To make an automatic gate even more secure, consider adding an electronic locking system. If you already have a basic lock, it may be worth adding a newer, more advanced security lock for increased protection.
For example, a keypad lock offers quality security and is suitable for unmanned gates, as it allows restricted access to those you want. This is especially useful in workplaces with no security personnel manning their gates.
4. Smartphone Control
Many automatic gate installers have seen the potential of smartphones to increase security. This type of feature is ideal for remote control access, allowing you to see who is at the gate (providing its connected to a camera) and to open or lock the gate from your phone.
As a result, you can always monitor your gate from a remote location, taking any security precautions you may see fit – such as contacting the police about a potential security threat.
Plus, you can also let yourself in from your car using your phone, making it that much more convenient!
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.
