Category: SAC Fence - page 8

Gate Operator: Understanding the Mechanics of Gates

A gate operator is a motorized piece of equipment that is used to release and secure an entry/exit gate.  Gates are common at parking garage, at the end of driveways and industrial business centers.  Basically if you want an added bit of security at your home or business an entry/exit gate is used. Often gates are used with attendants in order to collect tolls or to monitor traffic in and out of a structure.

There are two different types of gate operators in use today, automatic and electric.  Automatic gate operators offer the convenience of having a gate without using a high voltage power source.  Automatic gate operators work using solar energy.  This is important for many clients who do not have a power supply readily available.  A good example of this would be a long, remote driveway.  For some automatic gate owners it is all about using natural resources that provide renewable energy and are cleaner for the environment.

Electric gate operators are motorized by a mechanical arm that is used to open and close the gate.  A circuit is used that sends signals to the gate from an access control which tell it to open or close.  Access control systems can come in many different forms.  An access control can consist of a remote control, and intercom system, an entry keypad or even sensors.

Gate operators are used on many different styles of gates.  Two of the most popular types are swing gates and slide gates.  The style that you choose will depend on personal preference and the space it is intended for.  Swing gates tend to be more intricate and stylish but require a lot of space to extend open.  Where as a sliding gate opens horizontally along the fence using only the space that is currently occupies.

In understanding gate operators it is important to know how the technology has advanced.  In previous years installing gate operators took a good amount of time.  This coupled with their large and unattractive presence often made automatic gates too industrial looking for most homes.  Today most gate operators are installed so inconspicuously.  They can be mounted either above or below the actual fence.

Some models even allow for underground installation.  Underground installation of gate operators is a nice option because it allows the gate to function as a piece of landscaping without having the systems operating it in full view.  It adds the mystery element of how the gate is actually opening and closing.

One thing to remember when having a gate system installed is that the gate operator system needs to be made of weatherproof materials.  It also needs to be free of any materials that could corrode with your areas different elements.  Different temperate climates make it necessary to research gate operators that function well in your area.

The United States varies greatly in climate from rain, wind, heat and cold so it is important to know that a top gate operator system in Michigan might not be the best bet for a system in Arizona.  Your gate installer will be able to provide detailed information to make sure the product meets your areas requirements.

Gates are becoming an ever popular trend among home owners and home owner associations.  It provides security and allows the owner to have control over the people who are able to access the homes.  They also are an attractive piece of landscaping that can be used to increase the value of your property and decrease insurance rates.

Automatic Gates: Improving the Safety of your Home

It is common in our community to come upon a community where there is a gated entrance.  They are becoming more and more common.  Another place that automatic gates have become common place is among owners of homes on long secluded driveways.  Why you ask?  There are many reasons for this.  First automatic gates give a sense of safety, protection and style to your home or neighborhood.

In an environment where crime is rising due to the down economy, it is nice to know that an added step of protection and an extra detour to crime can be added in a weekend.  Automatic gate suppliers can install a fully operational automatic gate in less than a weekend.  New materials are making them a more affordable option than ever before.  Insurance providers are also now offering a discount to those who choose to install electric gates.

Safety: Automatic gates give their owners an extra sense of safety and security to their homes. They provide the safety of knowing your children and pets are able to run freely and not escape through the driveway.  With automatic gates you are able to close the gate and secure the yard so that they can run free without worry of running into the road or having someone enter into the space that should not be there.

Protection: Automatic gates offer a great degree of protection.  You are able to determine who is allowed in.  Many communities offer residents a card to swipe or a code.  You then are able as residents of this community to enter at your own free will.  The nice part of this is that you are able to control the gate access to outsiders.  Many subdivisions will have a call box where visitors can call the resident they wish to visit and the resident can let them in through the gate.  This offers protection from outsiders who do not belong in the area from entering.

Style: Automatic gates add style and give a luxurious feel to a home or subdivision.  This notion adds value to your home and property.  Gates are becoming more a part of landscaping design than the eye sore they used to be.  Materials such as wrought iron and aluminum make the automatic gates more beautiful than ever before.  Swing gates are grand and elegant and appeal to the masses.  You can choose designs that are styled after picket fences, modern fences, gothic style fences and so many more.   Whatever feeling you want for your property the style of the gate can be designed to match.

Even though gates look expensive, ad style, safety and protection they are still very affordable for consumers.  Automatic gates are now more convenient than ever.  They can be controlled through keypads, remote controls and some even with scanning devices.  How nice would it be every night when you get home from a long day at work to drive up has the gates open for you and enter into your kingdom that has been protected from outsiders all day?