Fundamental Considerations To Bear In Mind Before Installing Automated Gates
While automated gates were previously associated with mansions and commercial premises, these gates have steadily made their way into Australian residences. The ease of use that these gates offer coupled with the effortless beauty that they inject to a property's kerb appeal is making them a must-have for many an Australian homeowner. Thus, if you are looking to upgrade your entryway, then you could be intent on purchasing automated gates for your property. However, before you buy the first automated gates that you come across, you need to have a few things in mind, as these will dictate several elements regarding the new gates. Read on for four fundamental considerations to bear in mind before installing automated gates.
Establish your preferred weight for the gates
A mistake some homeowners make is simply buying an automated gate and assuming it will function with any type of opener. This, however, is untrue. The weight of the automated gates is what determines if an opener will be capable of operating it or not. For instance, if you want decorative gates in the form of wrought iron, ornamental gates, then you should know that these tend to be quite heavy. Alternatively, materials such as aluminium or steel will be a lightweight option for your property and will provide you with smooth operation with most openers.
Inquire about the local council or HOA regulations
Depending on where you live, some regulations could impact the type of automated gates that you can install on your property. If you reside, generally speaking, in a location that is prone to bush fires, the regulations will probably require your automated gates to be fire-resistant. In addition to this, some council regulations may dictate that before any gates are installed, there should be a predetermined amount of clearance from the gate to facilitate easy exit in the event of an emergency. Lastly, installing automated gates is not a DIY job. Both the installation of the gates as well as the wiring of the electrical system should be performed by licensed professionals.
Determine the orientation that will suit your property
The third thing that you need to consider before you have automated gates installed on your property is the orientation of these structures. The most common option that people choose is having their gates swing open. While this is commonplace, your property may not be able to accommodate this, more so if your gates are going to be on an incline. In this case, you could opt for a lift-up orientation or automated gates that slide horizontally.
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