An automatic gate is a good choice for any residential property, as it can keep out pesky salespersons and other unwanted visitors, while also keeping your pets and children safe in the yard. An automatic gate is also more difficult for an intruder to force open than a standard gate, as a potential thief needs to work against the resistance offered by a motor when trying to pry open an automatic gate. When you are in the market for a rolling or swinging gate for your residential property, note a few important questions to ask the manufacturer or installer so you know you get the right choice for your needs.
Ask about power backup
An automatic gate will need to operate with some type of power source, and most gates will have buried electric lines that supply the power they need. Gates might also have a backup battery that will keep them operational in case of a power failure, but note how long this battery power lasts or how many times you can operate a gate before the battery fails. If the battery is small and underpowered, you might then want to keep the gate open if you suspect you'll be without power for an extended time period.
Ask how the gate is operated manually
While you might want a residential gate to keep children and pets inside, you might also want to allow a child or someone else to open and close the gate without a key, remote and the like. For example, if you have a teenager who comes home from school before you arrive or a housekeeper who needs to get into your empty home, you'll want to choose a gate that can be operated manually with relative ease. Be sure you discuss this with an installer or manufacturer so you find a gate that opens with a keypad or other such option.
Ask about overall maintenance
A hinged gate will usually need a good spray of lubricant every year or so to keep the hinges moving freely. Rolling gates may also need a wipe down and a lubricating spray of the chains that operate the gate. However, your maintenance may not stop there! A wooden gate might require regular sanding, painting and sealing, and metal gates may also need a power washing on a regular basis, to remove dirt, mud and developing rust. Whatever the case, be sure you ask about this so you choose a gate that you can easily maintain over the years.
Share23 August 2018
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