Can Existing Manual Gates Be Automated?
If you have watched others enjoy the improved security and convenience that an automated gate offers - like not having to get out of your car to open the driveway gate - you must have come to a point where you have wanted one for your property.
Whether it is possible to automate that manual gate. The short answer is, yes, you can automate an existing manual gate.
But often you may already have a very good driveway gate, albeit one that you have to operate manually. Generally, it is far cheaper to simply automate an existing gate than installing a whole new automated gate. Here are the questions to ask as you consider the upgrade:
What Type Of Gate Do You Wish To Automate?
The type of gate controller you choose depends on a few factors. The most important of these is the type of gate. Is yours a swinging or sliding gate? These two types of driveway gates use different gate controllers. So the type of gate is an important consideration, but it isn’t the only one:
How Much Will It Cost To Automate An Existing Gate?
The first cost you have to budget for is the gate controller. Remember, you have quite a few choices where the type of gate controller you choose is concerned, beyond that which is determined by the type of gate you are automating.
For one, you can choose between an underground motor and one that sits above ground.
An underground motor is slightly more expensive to install as there is a fair bit of groundworks to consider. Despite that, their discrete nature is one of their most desirable features.
To automate an existing gate, you may have to upgrade on the gate posts as well. Automated gates need the support of sturdy, well aligned posts.
Don’t forget, too, that automated gates need electrical power to run. You have to budget for the cost, but the electricity consumption of automated gates is fairly minimal, especially for gates that aren’t used that frequently.
Where power supply isn’t reliable or where you cannot easily connect to the grid, the most practical option will be to install a solar system, whose cost you also have to budget for.
There are several options available but most gate openers are designed to plug into your main electricity line.
Again, some gates are heavier than others, which raises issues of motor power. To supplement the AC power, most gate opener kits will include a backup battery for the times when the electricity supply is cut.
Hire A Properly Qualified And Experienced Gate Automation Contractor
Gate automation is an important and costly undertaking that you shouldn’t entrust to chancers. There is a lot that goes into preparing and modifying your existing manual gate for automation, all of which requires an experienced installer.
An experienced installer will do a proper evaluation
Safety-wise, automated gates aren’t as forgiving as manual gates. An experienced installer will do a proper evaluation to make sure there are no obstructions that may prevent the safe operation of your newly automated gate.
Choosing a properly qualified gate automation technician will save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Yes, you can automate an existing manual gate, but only a certified installer can do it right, and safely, the first time.
Jay 360 has built a strong reputation as an installer of solid manual and automated driveway gates.
We would like to help automate your manual gate. Contact us for a consultation today.
