This is an official guide on how to correctly install automatic gates for Your home in the UK.

Correctly Installing a new driveway gate for your home can enhance security, add value to your home, increase privacy, and aesthetic appeal. However, it is crucial to consider various factors to ensure you make the right choice and select a reputable and accredited drive way gate installer. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting the best long-term solution, understanding the added value of a driveway gate, considering maintenance and servicing, and finding a reliable gate installer.

It’s a good idea to think about what your non-negotiable factors are when getting a gate installed correctly. Is your primary goal security, privacy, increasing curb appeal and value to your home or all three of these? This will help to guide yourself and the installer to an appropriate solution.

You will also want to present a rough size and available space for the driveway gates (images will really help) to determine whether your budget will align with the costs required for the installation. You will also need to consider a preferred gate style, material or brand of gate and what kind of automation and access control you may require.

Nobody wants to pay a large bill, to only get 3-5 years out of a gate! Make sure you consider the most cost-effective solution over the lifespan of your gate. Make sure you opt for durable materials such as Aluminium. This will ensure you have a solution that will stand the test of time. Our gates for example come with a 10-year guarantee, only requiring an occasional wash.

Manual or Automated?

Please consider Gate Automation: Automated driveway gates provide convenience and added security. Choose between sliding gates, swinging gates, or rising bollards based on your preferences and available space.

Evaluate Security and Safety Features: Look for drive way gates with robust locking mechanisms, access control systems, and safety features like obstacle detection sensors.

Do some research on search engines for local reputable companies, ask any neighbours who have automated gates who they would recommend, check if the companies follow industry guidelines and regulations. The two main accreditations to look out for would be the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and the GateSafe, which guide drive way gate installers with safety and compliance training.

Once you have decided on some reputable drive way Gate Installers to work with, reach out to them for a quotation and site survey. This will be a great opportunity to compare the level of service at your disposal and what you will receive upon completion of the works involved. It’s good idea to see what warranty, service and maintenance schemes they offer to keep your gates in working order.

Please Note: Please keep an eye out for cost cutting measures and things missed from the quotation, two quotations are rarely the same and the price difference could be something that is required under UK legislation. This may protect you in the event of an accident on the gate and ensure you are not liable in a court of law.

If you are ready to go ahead, make sure to obtain a written contract to finalise the agreement, ensuring the deliverables are clearly stated in the contract, along with the payment terms.

After your project is complete, there will usually be a hand over to discuss correct operation, what to do in the event of a power outage, and who to contact in the event of an emergency. There should also be a label on the control panel box detailing who to contact for future enquiries. Overall if you decide upon a low-maintenance solution like an Aluminium gate, it will only require an occasional wash with standard water. For the gate motors it is usually recommended you undergo an annual service to keep them in working order.

Like any moving and mechanical parts, they will need regular maintenance and servicing. It is a good idea once the gates are installed to set up an annual service of the motors for the gates. Manual Gates in a durable material like Aluminium Gates will require occasional wash with plain water to wash off any dirt and debris.

In Summary:

– Assess your needs and requirements

– Take some measurements or arrange for a gate installer to come and measure up

– Receive a quotation for all of the works involved

– Go ahead with the project!

– After completion consider maintenance and servicing to keep the gates in working order

We hope that this detailed blogpost will guide you to the correct and safe solution. Please consider Horizal Aluminium gates for the most high quality, long lasting and stylish solution.