Tag: automatic security gate openers

Winter Care For Your Driveway Gate Operators

Folks in the north have already been experiencing some super cold winter temperatures this year. With colder temperatures comes the need to take special care of outside electrical systems. The cold weather is an obstacle for electronics. Most are rated for all weather conditions but when those conditions turn extreme as they have been in past years it is important to take special care to ensure that they remain unscathed by the frosty temperatures.

Gate operators that make it possible to remotely enter your community or driveway are one of the pieces of equipment that require special care when winter approaches. In order to ensure that the electronic entrance gate continues to work properly winter preparations need to be taken to prepare the gate operator. Here are some tips on how to properly prepare your electronic driveway gate for the northern winter climate.

5 Tips For Proper Gate Operator Care In The Winter

Before you have your gate operator installed be sure to ask questions related to how well the operators performs in inclement weather. Purchase an operator that is specifically made for the most extreme conditions your area has experienced. Purchasing a gate operator that is specifically built for your weather will help to ensure it remains functional throughout even the harshest winter conditions.

Inspect the belts that are used throughout the gate operator. If you see any signs of wear the belts should be replaced. Check the belt for divots, cracks and stress fractures. If any wear or the belts alignment is questionable it is time to replace the belt. Don’t have the wait until it breaks mentality. Prevention is the key element to avoid costly repairs later on. Also, working on gate operators is more favorable in weather that is not bone chilling.

In the late fall grease the hinges on the electronic entry gate. This is true of both swing gates and sliding gates. All fittings should be greases using sufficient lubricant. Check out the owner’s manual on both the gate and operator to be sure you have not missed any area that should be greased. If the gate sticks or is left to freeze this adds additional stress on the opening and closing mechanism. The gate operator will try to open the gate even when it is frozen. This will create a great deal of stress on the operator and the gate.

Inspect gears internally on the gate operator. Be sure to check the type of grease you are using to ensure it is the proper type for your operator. There are special lubricants that are created with your gate in mind.

The last tip should be fairly simple to achieve; use your gate frequently especially when temperatures are cold. When a gate sits it is likely to be prone to breaking. Using the gate keeps the hinges moving, the operator running and the inner gears stay flexible.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

Establish Security With An Electronic Entrance Gate

One of the most effective methods to establish security and inaccessibility to your home is to install an electronic driveway gate.  Depending on your needs and the amount of money you have budgeted there are arrays of options when it comes to driveway gates.  While assessing the selection in electronic entry gates for your home and driveway consider the size, strength and special features that are offered while keeping in mind special requirements set forth by your home owners association.

  • Determine The Size Of The Driveway Gate You Need: When purchasing a driveway gate one of the considerations needed to be considered is the size of the gate you need.  It is important not to base the size of the gate solely on your own vehicles but to also think about the emergency vehicles that may need to enter.  Leave additional space around the gate area to avoid any accidents having to do with driveway gates.
  • Automatic or Manual Gate Operators: One of the greatest benefits that come along with driveway entry gates is the ability for it to open with the touch of a button.  Manual driveway gates need to be opened and closed the way you would any standard gate system.  An automatic gate operates using a gate operator that is powered with electricity or using solar power.  Using a remote or entry pad you can open and shut the gate at will.  This is what makes electronic gates such a popular addition to your driveway.
  • Gate Designs Including Sliding and Swinging Gates: When choosing a driveway gate design you will be considering one of two options a slide or swing gate.  Just as their names apply the gate will either slide or swing open.  Take into consideration your property layout.  Swing gates are usually less expensive than sliding gates however they require additional space to open and close.  Evaluate the space that you have and purchase a gate design that fits your need.
  • Material Options For Your Driveway Gate: The driveway gate that you choose needs to be made from a durable material.  Gate options come in a variety of different materials including wrought iron, steel, wood, vinyl and aluminum driveway gates.  Choose a material that fits the style of your home and landscape as well as one that is strong enough to last a lifetime.

It is important to consider all of the options involved with purchasing an electronic driveway gate.  Online you will find a variety of options in gate designs, gate materials and gate operating systems to choose from.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from. You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

Understanding Gate Operators

Gate operators create convenience in home security.  A gate operator is a mechanical device that is powered by solar energy, electricity or a combination of both to open and shut the homes electronic driveway gate.  Gate operators can be easily installed on both sliding and swing gates to allow remote entry into the homes driveway.

Gate operators are controlled in many different manners including the two most common remote control and card reader entry.  With the use of a gate operator in both residential and commercial applications you achieve a higher degree of security, convenient access and egress control.  They can be configured in a number of ways depending on what is most suitable for your gate type, the size of the gate and how often the gate will be cycled.  For commercial gate operators it is important to purchase an industrial grade operator to support the number of times it will be opening and closing each and every day.

Four main gate operators are sold today and are each specific to different applications.  The lift gate operator is a simple device that moves the obstruction out of the way.  Lift gate operators are most often used in access and egress points within parking slots.  Slide gate operators are most often used in large residential complexes and residential driveways.  A slide operator simply moves the game in one direction to allow for entry.  Swing gate operators are used in gates that have two side by side pieces.  A swing gate operator uses two separate motors top open the gates, one for each side. A trolley gate operator is often seen in parking garages and works on the premise that the gate is pulled up allowing access.  All gate operators are installed using sensitive sensors that offer safety while using the gate.  The sensors set limitations for the gate when opening and closing.

When it comes to protecting your home or business commercial and residential electronic entry gates offer a superior choice in protection.  Gates have become less expensive and more readily available throughout the consumer market making electronic entry gates more commonly seen in residential areas such as driveways and entry into exclusive communities.  Electronic entry gates are popular in parking garages to create a safe and secure place to park your vehicle.  This is an option that is often seen in large cities and helps to secure vehicles as well as creating safety for the people using the parking garage. Gate operators with the assistance of electronic gates keep people out that don’t belong which helps to protect those that do.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

The Significance Of Automatic Gate Entry Systems

With changes in society there has been a shift in thinking about automatic gate entry systems.  What once was a luxury is now becoming mainstream for the multitude of benefits provided to homeowners and business alike.  With the advancements in technology and the need for greater security people are relying on electronic entrance gates and fences more than ever.

The purchase of automatic gate system is a major investment.  Before purchasing and installing an electronic gate homeowners should look into the systems available as well as the space it is to be installed.  Consider the following questions when looking into the purchase of a new automatic gate.

Why should homeowners consider purchasing and installing gates?

When it comes to deterring trespasser and thief’s gate and fence systems are effective.  Not only do they help to keep unwanted visitors out but also work well to keep small children and pets in the boundaries of your yard. A gate is perfect for homes with extra-long driveways as well.  Even though it may be easily bi-passed without a fence attached, a closed automatic gate gives the subliminal message to keep out where as an open fence says “welcome”.

Many people question why an automatic gate is any better than a manual gate.  The answer to me is clear.  With a manual gate you have the inconvenience of exiting the car each and every time you wish to close the gate.  Naturally this inconvenience will leave many homeowners leaving their gate open therefore losing the security that the gate is to provide. An automatic gate and the ease of use it provides will lead to better security for your home and family. Also, automatic gates lock immediately upon closing.

To power your automatic gate you have a few options.  You can choose to use pure solar energy, a combination of solar and electrical power or straight electricity.  The power supply is located within the same vicinity as the fence and should only be installed by a gate contractor that is knowledgeable and trained in installation techniques.

The choice in how the gate opens is another thing to consider.  This most often comes down to the property in which the gate is to be installed.  Sliding gate work well on most driveways whereas swing gates need a flat driveway to work.  Overall sliding gates, in my opinion, tend to be the better option as far as function, ease of use and safety.  Swing gates however are most often a more attractive option.

Another thing to consider is the access control entry system you would like for your gate. Remote entry is the most convenient however not practical for visitors and people wishing to gain access.  There are several ways around this.  A key code pad can be installed and known visitors can have their own codes to enter the property.  This will help you keep track of who is on the property when you are not home. Another option is a call box in which visitors must be let in by the homeowners using remote access. There are several options to consider in regards to access control systems to choose from.

Overall you can see the many benefits for having an automatic gate installed.  Obviously top priority is the safety and security of your family.  A gate and fence system keep wanted people and pets in and unwanted visitors out.

Advantages Of Choosing Aluminum Fencing For Your Home and Landscape

There are a variety of materials to choose from when you are considering a fence for your home.  With any material you choose there will be advantages and disadvantages that come with it.  When it comes down to it you need to weigh the importance of each type of fencing and match it with the look and feel you desire for your home. It is easy to see why aluminum fencing has become such a popular option amongst homeowners.

When it comes to aluminum fencing one benefit is the cost.  Aluminum fencing has many of the same qualities of wrought iron without the expense.  Wrought iron fencing is ultra expensive because of the way the fencing is fabricated and the type of metal that is needed to create it.  Aluminum fencing is less expensive because the metal to create the fence is cheaper and is able to be mass manufactured.

Another large benefit to aluminum fencing is that it is free of rusting.  Wrought iron is a ferric metal that over time oxidizes and rusts.  Aluminum is not. In reality it takes aluminum fencing over ten thousand years to disintegrate and rot away.

If you are looking for a low maintenance material in fencing, aluminum is the way to go.  Materials such as wood need constant maintenance and upkeep to keep the fencing looking its best. Wood fencing needs to be power washed and sealed about once every two to three years. Aluminum fencing doesn’t require regular painting like wrought iron.  Fencing made from aluminum is covered in multiple protective coats including a power painted coat that eliminates the need for future painting.

The fence needs to compliment the home and landscaping.  Esthetics is one of the most important factors associated with fencing.  Aluminum fencing provides security around the premise of your home on top of looking beautiful, blending well with most any style of home and landscaping.

The security provided with aluminum fencing is superior to most other types of fencing.  Chain-link and wood are easily scaled and cut through.  Aluminum provides a strong, secure fence that would be incredibly difficult to scale because of the picket design.  There really aren’t any good places for a foot or hand hold to lift you over. The picket design is also secure in keeping pets and children in the yard or out of trouble.  Aluminum fence and gates surrounding an in-ground pool is a popular because of just how secure it is.

Another reason aluminum fencing is such a popular option in fencing today is because it easily adjustable to the different slopes within the landscape.  When the fence is not able to be adjusted, such as wood, the gaps that are left are unsightly and are often big enough that children and pets could escape underneath.

Another terrific reason to choose fencing created from aluminum is the warranty.  Manufactures of aluminum fencing often offer a lifetime warranty on their fence and gate systems.  There are many options in material choices for the new fence in your yard.  Consider adding an aluminum fence with electronic gate for the most security for your home and family.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.