A Guide To Installing Electric Driveway Gates

An increasing number of homeowners are seeing the benefits of having electric driveway gates installed.

And it is easy to understand why.

They provide additional security and convenience, and their stunning looks add kerb appeal - potentially increasing the value of your property.

Automated gates are also durable and, provided they are cared for properly according to a recommended service schedule, will operate for years.

How Much Do Electric Driveway Gates Cost?

As a guide, aluminium gates we supply range in cost from a few hundred pounds for pedestrian gates up to between £2,000 and £4,000 for bespoke, contemporary, or classically-designed driveway gates.

Meanwhile, gate motors range in price from a few hundred pounds for a low-intensity articulated arm motor (for lightweight gates) up to an average of £1,000 for a pair of domestic swing gate underground motors and their foundation boxes.

If you intend to add automation to existing gates, then there are still considerations to make.

While you won’t be paying for new gates, there could be additional costs associated with preparing an existing gate for automation.

For example, you might need to include the building of pillars strong enough to mount gate motors.

You should factor in installation costs too.

They are largely determined by groundworks, and the type of gates.

Groundworks include pillars, posts and, if you have opted for swing gates, underground motor installation and drainage provision, plus the cost of providing a certified electrical supply.

A thorough site survey by a qualified installer will identify potential issues, and what solving them would add to the cost.

Electric Gate Designs

There are so many different styles and types of electric gates to choose from.

Our range includes a variety of colours, designs and infill patterns.

Increasingly, aluminium is the material of choice for automated gates because of its combination of strength and comparative lightness.

This means that not only are they cheaper to operate, they also put less strain on fittings and require a less powerful motor.

There is no shortage of gate design possibilities either; from contemporary to classic, simple to elaborate.

Take some time to explore the range available.

If you don’t see something you like, then bespoke options can be created that meet your specific desires.

What’s The Best Electric Gate System?

The best electric gate system for your project will be the one that meets your specific requirements, is cost-effective, and long-lasting.

Before deciding which is the best choice for you, it’s important to take a look at what electric gate systems include and what they are required to do.

All gate automation kits systems will be comprised of the minimum basic elements:

1. One or more electromechanical or hydraulic motors to move each gate leaf
2. A control system
3. Safety photocells
4. Remote controls for opening and closing the gates

A range of extras may be included in some kits, but can also be added:

1. A manual override in case the automation breaks down, or there’s a power cut
2. Flashing warning lights when the gate is in operation
3. Safety edges which detect contact with objects when the gates are opening and closing
4. Safety notices to warn people of their operation. These are particularly useful in commercial settings
5. A loop cable system that’s embedded into driveways that detects vehicles passing over it and operates the gates
6. Access control systems, including intercoms, keypads, proximity readers and audio or video communication with the gate

We have a wide range of electric gate kits to choose from at Gate Automation Supplies.

Here’s a sample of some of our most popular:

The NICE TOONA5024-DKIT is a popular choice for swing gates.

This third-generation model is suitable for swing gates up to 5m and is a 24V system with built-in safety.

The NICE RUNKIT 2 230VAC GATE MOTOR KIT is compatible with Opera System, which makes programming, management and maintenance of your automation system easy, and can work with sliding gates up to 1800kg in weight. The kit contains an irreversible electromechanical gear gate motor, with incorporated control unit and an electromechanical limit switch. The kit also contains two transmitters, photocells, and a receiver.

Reducing costs further and keeping things simple, we supply two very popular kit and gate bundles.

The Life Aluminium Sliding Gate Automation Bundle contains everything you need to install an automated sliding gate at your property. 

If swing gates are more suitable, then our Life Swing Aluminium Gate Automation Bundle has everything covered.

Both kits include aluminium flat-top, fully boarded gates in anthracite grey. These are 1.8m in height and are suitable for drives with openings up to 4m.

The sliding gate kit includes the popular Life ACER230Vac gate motor kit, which is suitable for sliding gates with a weight up to 400kg. The swing gate kit offers you a choice of two different automation kits. Both kits also contain external photocells and a pair of rolling code transmitters.

The swing gate kit also includes a separate control unit.

Both these kits represent excellent value, and are relatively simple to set up and programme once installed.

Which Gate Material Is Best?

Driveway gates come in a variety of materials, and all of them can be automated.

In the past, the two most common materials used for driveway gates were wood and wrought iron.

Both remain popular, particularly at period properties.

Wooden Gates

Wooden gates are reassuringly solid and sturdy, and have an aesthetic appeal that many people find difficult to beat.

If they’re well looked after, they can be hard-wearing and long-lasting too.

When it comes to automation, however, they do have some disadvantages.

One of these is their weight.

Wooden gates can be heavy, and during wet weather will become more so when they absorb water.

A motor attached to the gates will need to be powerful enough to move them.

Another factor to consider with wooden gates is the amount of maintenance required.

Even with staining and varnishing, the surface coating will eventually blister or flake, water will get into the wood and it will crack and slowly rot.

Iron Gates

Wrought iron gates can be beautiful.

Often built to order by skilled craftspeople, their designs can be ornate and highly detailed.

Iron gates are often automated when already in situ and the homeowner doesn’t want to replace them.

Some of the challenges that present themselves with wooden gates are the same when it comes to wrought iron.

They will need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they look their best.

They’re also heavy, so a powerful motor will be required to operate them safely and efficiently.

It doesn’t pay to cut corners with a motor on wooden and wrought iron gates, because it’s likely the extra wear will result in them needing to be replaced. 

Aluminium Gates

Increasingly, aluminium is a very popular choice when it comes to new electric gate installations.

As a material for automated gates, it’s about as good as it gets; light, but incredibly durable too.

There’s less wear and tear on the motor and the fittings, compared to wood or iron gates, which also means it’s cheaper to operate.

With advances in the manufacture and design of aluminium gates, they look almost exactly like the alternatives, with a huge range of styles and finishes available.

For example, wood-effect finishes on aluminium gates, styled to look like wooden gates, provide a rot-free alternative to the real thing.

Swing Or Sliding Electric Gates?

Whether you opt for swing or sliding gates will depend on the layout of your driveway, and how much space you have available.

Swing gates can be quieter, and suitable for narrow driveways.

Swing gates require space on your property for them to swing into safely

If they going to open outwards, you will need to ensure that they don’t open onto public land, such as pavements.

However, swing gates can be affected by strong winds, so they might not be the best option if you live somewhere exposed.

Swing gates are also inappropriate if your driveway slopes upwards onto your property so that opening gates ground onto the rising drive.

Sliding gates do not open onto your drive, so you don’t need to leave space free for the gates to swing into.

However, sliding gates need a space to run into that is longer than the gate, in line with the driveway entrance and to one side of the gate pillars or posts.

How To Install Electric Driveway Gates

Anyone who wants to install electric driveway gates should be qualified and experienced with knowledge of the safety issues involved.

Unless you have previous electric gate installation experience, it’s recommended you use the services of a professional.

The site should be properly surveyed, and a safety audit completed to identify potential issues that require attention before an installation takes place.

At Gate Automation Supplies, we work with experienced electric driveway gate installers.

With many years of troubleshooting experience, we can suggest a viable solution to any potential problems.

We have a thorough knowledge of what’s available, and how it can help you achieve your goals.

Why not get in touch with our experienced team for advice about your project?