Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We fit all our gates with necessary safety features to ensure damage and injury are avoided. For example, safety photocells can be positioned on the gates to detect movement passing through, informing the system to stop or start the gates depending on the situation. Alternatively, compressible rubber safety ribs can be implemented, which detect when a gate is touching an object, telling the system to move the gate away from it.

It is advisable that you seek advice from your local authority if you are planning to install new gates, as there may be certain restrictions in place. You will most likely not need planning permission if your gate will open onto a private road, and is no taller than two metres high. However, if your gate opens onto a public road, or a public footpath, it must not exceed 1 metre tall, otherwise you must apply for planning permission. It is unlikely that you will need to seek planning permission if you are simply installing an automation system on existing gates. Similarly, if you are replacing an existing gate with a new gate of a similar size, you will generally not need any planning permission to do so.

Our team will always work efficiently, but with a constant eye for precision and detail. Most domestic jobs will take a total of 3 – 5 days depending on the complexity of the project and what is included.

This mostly depends on whether you choose above or below ground automation. Below ground automation will require excavation of the ground, and so will generally be more disruptive. However, our professional team are able to carry out installations with a minimal amount of disruption, and usually traffic will still be able to flow in and out of your property.

Every gate installation will enable manual operation of the mechanism, so you don’t need to worry about being locked in or out of your property during a power cut.

The gates themselves will last longer if they are properly maintained. Wooden gates require more frequent care than metal gates, but generally the costs of repairs will be lower. Hardwood lasts much longer than softwood, (around 30 years if cared for properly), but it is more expensive. Metal, on the other hand, requires much less maintenance and lasts considerably longer. Iron gates can last decades, even upwards of 60 years.

Much like the materials of the gates themselves, the mechanisms of automated gates require a level of maintenance to ensure longevity. As a general rule, how often the gate is used will affect how often it should be maintained – with infrequent usage requiring an average once-a-year check-up, and more frequent usage requiring twice or more a year. As well as longevity, it is important to maintain your automation system for safety reasons. We provide comprehensive maintenance visits to ensure your mechanism is in full working order. If it is kept in good condition, an automated gate system can last up to 20 years.

We will carry out a number of checks and services on your gates. This may include checking for structural issues, checking and testing the safety components, inspecting the mechanism and making sure it works properly, lubricating hinges and other mechanical parts, and checking the function any intercom systems or key fobs that you may have. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and depending on your gate's needs, further checks may be necessary.

Modern automated systems are not distinctly noisy. Noise levels are generally less, however, in under ground automated systems, as the ground masks most sound. This may be a good choice if you live in a residential location, or will be using your gates during unsociable hours. Problems with noise are another important reason for maintaining your gates properly. For example, rusting iron gates will cause more noise than frequently cleaned and lubricated iron gates.

You will not see much of an increase in your electricity bills if you have an electric gate installed. While operating, gates use roughly 700W for 20-30 seconds in each direction, and 100W when in standby mode. Rounded up, the average cost of electricity per kwh is 15p, which, for the average household, will amount to around £15 a year to run. The price will vary depending on the frequency of use, but it should not deviate too much from this average.

We offer a one-year warranty on all work carried out, including on the equipment fitted.

All the gates we install will withstand most stormy weather. However, if your property is in a particularly exposed location, your gates may be susceptible to considerable wind forces. If this is the case, then it is advisable that you choose a stronger material, such as iron, and use a sliding mechanism, which tends to be less vulnerable to force than a swing mechanism.