Thursday 14 August 2014

Everything You Need To Know About Choosing An Automatic Gate


The decision to install an automated gate is generally triggered by a desire to upgrade the security of your home, not just by restricting access to the property but also by creating an effective screen from the outside world. As well as delivering a feeling of enhanced privacy, certain styles of automated gate will make it very difficult for an opportunist thief to catch a glimpse of the house and any valuable assets. And if you have young children, or pets, an automated gate will also guard against the risk of any unplanned and unaccompanied exits from the family home!

Automatic Gate Checklist!


If you are considering investing in an automatic gate, here are some important pointers to bear in mind:
  • Make sure that the gate you purchase is CE marked and is supplied with a Declaration of Conformity. All automated gates are legally required to carry a CE mark to show that they comply with the EU Machinery Directive.
  • Automatic gates are actually classed as a machine, and as such, should only be installed (and maintained) by someone that is suitably qualified and therefore familiar with the knowledge necessary to deliver a safe and legally compliant gate. Gate Safe is a charity (supported by RoSPA and the UK Police Initiative ‘Secured by Design’), which was set up to improve standards in automated gate safety. The charity has rolled out an approved training course especially for installers (the course is accredited by IOSH, the world’s biggest health and safety membership organization). Check out your nearest Gate Safe Aware installer by visiting www.gate-safe.org.
  • Don’t be tempted to skimp on the safety features which any suitably qualified installer should recommend for your gate. You may not be aware, but since 2010, there have been 15 accidents including six fatalities involving automated gates. The installer is likely to recommend photo cells and safety edges for the gate – you may feel they detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the gate but what matters more, having a great looking gate or having a safe gate?
  • Check that the gate you are purchasing will offer a long life service. Timber gates should be suitably treated to offer protection against rot and wood boring pests, Jacksons timber gates come supplied with a 25-year guarantee as standard. Metal gates should be supplied with a galvanized finish to provide added protection against rust. All Jacksons metal gates are galvanized as standard and are supported by a 25-year service life guarantee.
  • Look carefully and check that you also have some kind of warranty for the automation equipment that is required to power the gate. All automation products supplied and installed by Jacksons are covered by a 25 month parts and labour guarantee, subject to a service contract being taken out in the second year.
  • When you receive a quote for the automated gate, be sure to confirm that this includes a 12-month fully inclusive maintenance agreement, as it is essential that all automated gates are reviewed every six months as a minimum. The quote should also include a gratis training visit for the users of the gate.
For more helpful advice on automated gates visit Gate Safe.

Ask an expert! If you have any questions about choosing and installing an automated gate our team can help! Use the comments box below.

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