“I love our new gates, the neighbours have shown a lot of interest and we are really proud of our new driveway entrance.
Mrs Tillinghurst, Tonbridge, Kent
“I had a style idea in mind that I thought would be difficult to fabricate, but the finished installation is amazing, so pleased with my new gates.
Mr Jackman, Solihull, Birmingham
Hinged Swinging Gates are the most popular choice of driveway gates in the UK. Swing gates are hinged to gate posts and swing open through ninety degrees or slightly more. If you are planning to install a pair of swinging, electric driveway gates there are a few important factors that you should consider:
Gate size
The majority of cars, including 4×4’s, are less than 2100mm wide including the mirrors, so a comfortable entrance width for all cars and light commercial vehicles is 3600mm, assuming a reasonably straight approach is available. Your electric gate operators need to control your swing gates safely and hold them securely in the open and closed positions in all weather conditions. The gate operator is fixed at the post, next to the hinge, to carry out this job. Consider which end of a manual gate you would grab if you were trying to hold it closed or open it. Try and do this at the other end of the gate and you will appreciate what the gate operator has to do. This is the constant force put upon the motor and brackets.
Bearing the above in mind you will appreciate that keeping your gate size, weight and wind resistance to a minimum will have a large effect on the stresses put upon your electric gate system.
Gate Pattern
An open pattern metal gate or timber gate will allow a majority of the wind to blow through it with little resistance. A close boarded gate will have a sail affect and require much more force to move it in windy conditions. It is important to consider this when gates and operators are to be fitted in exposed positions. An experienced gate fitter will give advice on the electric gate operators best suited to your choice of gates. A more powerful operator will often be specified for wind affected gates.
Gate Choice
A wide choice of beautiful gates including handmade ornate iron gates, modern aluminium gates and hardwood timber gates, crafted by experienced joiners are available from our network of registered gate installers.
Gate Operators
Electric swinging gates can be automated using either post mounted or underground gate operators. If new gates are being installed it is important that they are hinged to suit the specific mounting dimensions of the type of gate operator to be used. If you install new gates and then ask a contractor to automate them you may find that the gates need to be removed and re-hung, so it is wise to involve a specialist gate installer from the outset. Our registered installers will guide you throughout the process from survey to handover and ensure that you avoid common mistakes experienced by non-specialist contractors.
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