A lot of homeowners enjoy the additional benefits that come with aluminium gate automation, but it can sometimes be difficult to know what is the best choice for your situation.
Indeed, there is plenty to consider before you buy.
The first type of automated aluminium gate is a swing gate.
When most people imagine gates, they think of ones that swing open and closed, usually mounted onto pillars.
These aren’t suitable for all properties because they can require a sizable amount of empty space to open into.
For example, if yours has a span of three metres then it’s going to need the same amount of room behind so that it can swing properly when opened and closed.
You also can’t have them swinging onto a rising driveway because they will hit the ground at the bottom.
Swing gates are also not an option if a homeowner is unable to move their car into and out of the space available with the gates open, or if the gates aren’t able to close once a vehicle is parked.
Alternatively, you could opt for a sliding aluminium gate.
They move exactly as you’d expect, sliding along a track installed in the driveway across the width of the entrance.
Usually, it will slide alongside a fence, hedge or wall that already exists.
Another factor that could influence the type of gate you choose is its width.
Automatic gate motors
You can also use a belt or chain drive.
For swing gates, motors have a harder job because they are mounted onto the gate posts or pillars, and push and pull the gates open and closed from a point on the gate that can be closer to the pivot point.
There is a range of different automated motors for swing gates, including articulated arm gate motors, ram gate motors, underground gate motors and wheel system gate motors.