Should I Install an Automatic or Manual Gate?
Homeowners are spoilt for choice when choosing a new gate, but one of the most important decisions they have to make is whether to go automatic.
Automatic gates promise increased security and convenience, but are they the right solution for your home?
Let's look at five things to consider before ordering your custom automatic gate in Wollongong for your property.
Budget
he first thing to think about is budget. While automatic gates sound fantastic, there is no doubt they are more expensive than manual gates.
It’s not just the gates themselves that are more expensive, you also need factor in the cost of the motor and installation, which can run to several thousand dollars.
So if you are on a limited budget, it would make more sense to purchase a good quality manual gate for your needs.
Nothing is stopping you from adding an automatic solution later on when your budget allows it. We stock a wide collection of gates that are suitable for both manual and automatic operation.
Convenience
Convenience is the biggest benefit of electric gates. There is nothing better than seeing your gate sweep open as you pull into the driveway.
However, there is a downside to this convenience, the postman, delivery drivers, family and friends will find it much harder to access your home when you are not there if you need them to.
So you need to weigh the convenience up against the possible downsides of not having access to the property for others that may need it.
Security
Home security is a major consideration for most homeowners. Although crime rates are falling across Australia, incidents of household crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft are on the rise.
Automatic gates can make your home more secure than manual gates because they stay locked when they are closed.
Of course, nothing is stopping you from installing a lock or keypad on a manual gate, but this will be significantly less convenient and it will rely on you remembering to lock the gate when you leave.
Style
While the latest automatic motors and sensors are small enough to be fitted to almost any style of gate, they may look out of place on smaller cottage-style homes. So you may want to consider whether your home is really suitable for automatic gates.
Automatic gates look best on large double-gated homes or properties with double-width sliding gates. They are less suitable for cottage style homes or those with traditional picket style fencing. You can install electric motors on any style gate if you really want to with some design adjustments.
Maintenance
Manual gates need little or no maintenance, while automatic gates require regular maintenance checks if they are to keep working safely and reliably.
While no legislation regulates the maintenance of automatic gates, homeowners do have a duty of care to make sure they are operating safely.
So you should always install safety devices on your automatic gates, and get them checked annually to ensure they are working properly. There is a small cost associated with this which you need to factor into your final decision.
Most automatic gate installers also provide maintenance packages that offer a simple solution to the problem.
Automatic gates are a convenient and secure solution for most homeowners, but as you can see, they are not right for every single situation.
You need to weigh up the pros and cons carefully before making a final decision on what you really need for your property.
If you need help choosing a manual or automatic gate design for your home, or are ready to order a custom gate in Wollongong for your property, give us a call today on 02 4261 9808 or complete the contact form on our contact page.