Pros and Cons of Automatic Gates

These days privacy and security are even more important than ever before. 

With recent government reports of 23,492 burglaries reported on dwellings in Perth, it’s not surprising that many homeowners are stepping up security to protect their homes. 

But what about electric gates? Are they worth it, are they good for security? Are there any downsides? In our helpful article, we will discover the pros and cons of automatic gates so you can make the best decision. 

Let’s begin with the mini takeaway first, so you can get started. 

Automated gates offer a high level of durability, security and innovation. Programmable devices ensure that you have complete control over who enters your property, providing protection alongside ease of access. Power outages and the cost could be downsides. Some have solar or battery backups and they are a long term investment. 

Ok so with the brief nailed, so we can better understand the pros and cons of electric gates, here’s a quick summary of exactly what they are. 

What are automatic gates?

An electric gate is an entrance gate that can be opened and closed via an electrically powered mechanism.

There are essentially two types of automatic gates.

1. Sliding: Driveway gate openers can be the rollback (sliding) type that retracts the gate along the fence or wall on wheels or bearing,

2. Swing: swing type that draws the gate open or closed on hinges.

They are usually operated by a remote controller or a sensor.

Custom-built

A high-quality automatic gate supplier in Perth and indeed anywhere will be able to offer a choice of both sliding and swing designs and also offer bespoke designs to match the exterior of your property, including colour and materials.

Most of the best automatic gates designers in Perth, and across the globe will be able to custom build gates to suit your property.

Pros of automatic gates

Ok so now we’ve got a brief overview of exactly what an electric gate is, we can start to investigate some of the main benefits.

Let’s find out why many people are looking for automatic gates in Perth and indeed anywhere else in Australia!

We will start with one of the most obvious reasons our customers tell us why they are looking for top-quality automated gates.

Security

Security is probably the main reason why many people want to install an automatic gate.

All types of security gates whether the sliding or swinging type has security codes programmed in to help control access to a home or office.

It’s fairly obvious that this will help keep your home secure and protected and give you peace of mind that your home, office and your loved ones are safeguarded.

One of the other top benefits of an automated gate is that you are able to safely monitor who enters and exits your property.

Easy to access

With our daily lives ever busier, it can be time-consuming having to stop your car, open your gate and step back in to enter your home.

With many members of the family leaving and coming home, traditional gates can take up valuable time.

With an automatic gate, you and your loved ones will be able to enter and leave your property securely and simply.

A top advantage of using an automatic gate is also protection from weather conditions. Opening the gate with a push of a button on the approach to your home means you don’t have to step outside into any kind of extreme weather.

Control your entrance from 20 to 30 metres away and have multiple remotes to give your family.

Durability

Automatic gates crafted and designed by experts means durability won’t ever be a problem.

Almost all of the manufactured automatic gates are made of customisable and durable materials that are designed to withstand harsh environments.

Provided that your automatic gate is installed by experts and has original parts and accessories, they can also be considered as great investments.

A property with an automatic gate has a greater resale value.

Innovative design

Here at Mackson, we are proud to be a licensed Perth retailer for Centsys automatic motors and BFT motors.

Centsys is one of the most innovative suppliers of automatic motors in the industry.

Their versatile base motors can be enhanced with various features and upgraded as required.

This kind of technology brings a bespoke touch to your automatic gate’s design and can offer such benefits as:

Programming your motor to accommodate pedestrian access

– Voice control

– GPS integration

– Obstacle sensors

– Timed movements

– much more.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ok, so that’s some great reasons to purchase the best automatic gates in Perth and anywhere else in the world!

But are there any downsides?

Read on to find out more.

Cons of automatic gates

Cost

Automatic gates can be quite pricey. Average consumers or business owners may find that installing an automatic gate might find an automated gate more pricey than a traditional gate.

Some sophisticated automatic gate systems could set you back up to $12,000 based on the size of your property.

However, the average cost does compare fairly well with a traditional gate mechanism of between
$1,500 and $3,000 supply only.

For many people this is more of a long term investment as a well designed and expertly fitted electric gate will increase the cost of your property.

Dangerous

Poorly installed or substandard automatic gates can cause physical damage to people and property.

With a few horror stories in the news that automatic gates can trap and crush individuals, a child or visitor who doesn’t know how the gates work could be particularly vulnerable.

However, it’s comforting to know that many of the best-automated gates have built-in obstacle detection that prevents crushing while the gate is operating.

Power failure

Power outages are also one of the concerns for those who have automatic gates. This can, however, be resolved by using a backup power supply.

Many automatic gates work with a battery pack or a solar panel to ensure that the automatic gate will still function if there is a power failure.

Should you decide on getting an automatic gate installed in your property, always make sure that you source them from a reliable company with many years of experience in both automated gates design and installation, and also offer second to none after-sales care.

So now we’ve covered some of the main pros and cons of automated gates. Let’s finish with a bit of help on what to do if you are having a problem with your automated gates.

Automated gates keep opening and closing

Elements such as rain or wind can have an effect on your electric gate’s performance.

This is quite normal and can happen to any automatic gate. You may find it opening and shutting erratically when it’s not been programmed.

These are the four main reasons why your electric gates keep opening and closing:

1. The limit switches are faulty.

2. The DIP switches are not working properly.

3. There is an interference with the gate’s radio frequency.

4. The loop detector isn’t working.

We offer repair and a regular service plans for our own motor installs so don’t forget to speak to us here at Mackson to keep your automated gates in perfect working order.

And finally…

As we’ve found out in our helpful article, you have greater control over who enters your premises with an automatic gate.

Here Mackson, a Perth based family business, we pride ourselves in offering high-quality automatic gates.

Based at our workshop at Maddington, our expert first and second-generation fabricators offer a first-class and professional solution for all your metal products.

Do get in touch for a quote for custom made gates for your property or speak to one of our friendly team to find out more.