Electric Gates
Electric gates (or electronic gates) are rapidly becoming a popular security measure. They are now being fitted by architects and builders automatically into new-build apartments and houses. If security gates are appropriate for your property you should consider having them installed. They are powered by electricity and controlled by an electronic remote control.
A great advantage of electric security gates is that they deny the potential burglar the opportunity to casually wander on to your property to check it out as a potential target.
A second is that they prevent the easy removal of parked cars and other property from the house.
And of course there is the convenience aspect of being able to open your gates from the comfort of your car.
A few years ago the gates available were traditional forged steel gates and these were handmade by a blacksmith. They were very expensive to produce and as such were only available to the wealthiest home owners.
Nowadays new welding technology means that you can have welded gates made and installed for a fraction of the price of a handmade pair. You can buy off-the-shelf ornamentation for welded steel gates and simply weld all the steel components together into a design of your choice.
Wooden security gates are an alternative to welded steel and these can also be powered by electricity and controlled by electronics.
The modernisation of the security gate business has led to a huge growth in the domestic electric gate market. Previously anyone was able to set up as an installer of electronic security gates and many gates were fitted incorrectly. Naturally cowboy installers became a problem but recently the installation of electronic gates has been regulated by the government and installers should now possess proficiency certificates.
The Automatic Electronic Systems Installers Federation (AESIF) is a trade body that was formed three years ago and now has 200 members.
A good set of fully installed welded gates will cost from £3,000. This price can rise to around £20,000, according to the type of gate, the ornamentation and gateposts. Wooden gates are cheaper and even those made from solid hardwood should not cost much more than £2,500 to install. A traditional pair of gates, made by a blacksmith and forged together using rivets, could cost tens of thousands of pounds.
If you live in a rural community electronic gates could be particulary useful. Many people now believe they have the right to roam anywhere in the countryside including on private property. A 'Private Property' notice is no longer enough and latched gates are simply opened, passed through and sometimes left open.
Farmers are now using electric gates to prevent unauthorised access e.g. travellers invading their land and to prevent vehicles using their paths.
A side benefit of electronic security gates is that they make properties more appealing to buyers. They are becoming an important part of a house's fixture and fittings like a granite kitchen worktop.
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