When choosing the right gate for your home or business, you have a lot of options. Many factors—like the overall design to the materials you use—depends on the main function of the gate. Whether you want it for security, curb appeal, or both, one of the first decisions to make is how you want the gate to open. There are two main categories: manual or automatic operation. Here are some pros and cons of automatic gate design to help you narrow down your options.

Automatic Gate Design

Whether it slides across a track, lifts a barrier bar, or rolls up accordion-style, having a gate automatically open can be both convenient and high maintenance. Automatic gates are designed for privacy, security, and opulence using sturdy materials and state-of-the-art features. All of this comes with its own set of pluses and minuses.

The Pros

When you think of something happening automatically, what do you automatically think of? Ease? Convenience? Oh, that’s fancy? Here are some positive aspects of automatic gate design.

1. Hands-free Accessibility. Think of a dark and stormy night. Would you rather run out in the rain to open and close a gate? Or have it automatically open, let you glide through, and then close again. Plus, if you own a business, an automatic gate helps regulate the flow of traffic around the facility.
2. Security. Ever wish you had a bouncer for your house or office? Only the ones on the list get in? Add a literal gatekeeper at the entrance to your property with an automated system that requires a special key card or passcode to gain access. Make it even more high-tech when you add a camera at the front so you can see who’s there before letting them pass through. An automatic gate can also help keep children or pets within the confines of the property since they can’t simply manipulate the latch.
3. Increase Property Value. Not only does an automatic gate help fulfill your needs, but it’s a unique feature that sets your property apart when it comes time to sell.
4. Durability. Because of its unique features and functionality, an automatic gate needs to be designed to last. From the sturdy materials used to withstand weather to the required upkeep to ensure proper functionality, these gates should be built for the long haul.

The Cons

Because automatic gates need to be built to last, this comes with its list of concerns.

1. Cost. Convenience doesn’t come cheap. From the sturdy materials to the operating system, you get what you pay for with an automatic gate. There are also electricity bills and repair costs to consider.
2. Maintenance. Speaking of repairs, maintaining an automatic gate is vital to proper function. You’ll have to do more than quickly greasing a squeaky hinge. If it doesn’t work properly, you could get stuck inside or out of the property.
3. Power. Automatic gates need electricity to work. Sure, you could supplement with solar or battery power, but even these options are not foolproof. If the power goes out, what’s your plan B?
4. Dangers. It’s not unheard of for gates to cause damage, especially if any malfunction occurs. Objects and people could be harmed by the impact of an automatic gate. This is also why it’s extremely important to have the gate properly installed and maintained.

Professional Automatic Gate Installation

While designing and installing a manual gate may be fine for a DIY project, an automatic gate needs to be handled by a pro. From the early stages of design to the regular maintenance checks, enlist the help of a company familiar with automatic gate function to effectively protect your people, property, and investment.

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