If you’re thinking about installing a driveway gate, you may be wondering if you will be able to install it yourself or if you will need to call a professional.
Driveway gate installation involves several steps, some specific equipment, and a little know-how.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at this process in a step-by-step tutorial so you know how to install a driveway gate.
Benefits Of An Automated Gate
There are many reasons why an automatic driveway gate is for you. Firstly, they offer a lot of convenience. When you drive up to your gate, all you have to do is press a button on a remote and the gate will open for you. No more getting out in the wind and rain in order to open the gate.
Plus, having an automated gate means your home is more secure than ever. No one can get through your gate unless they have the right opener, so you can feel more secure whenever you leave your home. Having an automated sliding gate is a real boon to your home.
How to Install a Driveway Gate
Now that you know some of the benefits automatic driveway gates offer you as a homeowner or business, let’s take a look at driveway gate installation.
This process requires several steps, so it is in your best interest to call a professional driveway gate professional for help.
Here’s how to install automatic driveway gate …
1. Select The Right Gate
There is a wide range of driveway gates available today, each of which offers different functionality and power sources.
Take your time in selecting the right gate for you. You want one that’s going to give you the right size opening that you’re looking for, and that will fit nicely on your lot.
There are three types of driveway gates – sliding gates, swing gates, and lift gates. Sliding gates require space on either side of the entrance in order for the gate to slide open and closed. If you don’t have space on either side of the entrance, you may want to consider a swing gate. Swing gates are designed to open inward or outward, thereby don’t require space on either side of the gate. If, however, you’re installing a gate at a commercial property, like a parking garage, you may need a lift gate. Lift gates are simple barriers designed to save as much space as possible.
2. Decide How Your Gate Will Be Powered
In order to fully understand how to install a driveway gate at your home or office, you first need to consider how you want to power the gate.
You have two different options – main power and solar-powered gates. Both come with their own benefits. A mains powered gate will run off your home’s power grid, so once it’s installed you won’t have to worry about it again. A solar-powered gate will only need a panel that’s placed in the right position to get enough power and will work even in the event of a power outage.
If you connect the gate opener to the mains, be aware that you will need to dig up at least a portion of your driveway, in order to connect it up. If you go for the solar option you won’t have to do this, but you will need to perform more maintenance on it over time. Pick the version that works best for you.
3. Preparation
Before you start installing your gate, you need to prepare the area.
Firstly, you need to ensure that the ground is totally level, both where the gate will be, and where it’ll roll to when it’s opened. If there is a slope, your gate will still work if it’s consistent across the whole surface.
You’ll also need to install gate posts for your gate to sit on. These posts are vital for your gate, as many problems with automatic gates come from improperly installed posts. Ensure they’re in the right place by placing them in line with the current fence, and dig holes for them to be concreted into.
Remember, the holes need to be dug deep to be properly braced and held in place.
4. Fixing The Track In Place
Now that your prep is all done, you can start on the gate. The first thing to do will be to get the track into the right position. This is vital, or your gate won’t be able to roll across properly. Lay it out on the ground, and check that it lies straight across the area it needs to be installed in. If there are any inconsistencies in the ground, you can pack the ground under it so the track lies level.
Place it into position, and affix it to the concrete. Use a few screws to put the track in place, then check that the gate will roll correctly across it. If it does, finish screwing the track down to confirm its position.
5. Install The Gate
It’s time to install the gate itself. You’ll need to affix the wheels onto the gate, usually around 25% of the way in from where the gate opens.
Next, the guide bracket needs to be affixed to the post behind the opener’s motor, and will stop the gate from falling over when it opens. Install your gate stopper last, to keep the gate in place when it’s fully opened. Now everything is in place, you’ll be able to finish automating the gate.
6. Automating The Gate
Now comes the installation of the automating equipment.
The motor will need to sit below the guide bracket, fixed into the ground. Again, you need to ensure that the ground is level so this will work. Next, the gear rack needs to be affixed above the motor. Ensure that it rolls smoothly with your gate before you move on.
Finally, the gate will need to be powered. Whichever style you pick, it’s best to talk to an electrician or gate installation engineer to get this part done. Once it’s hooked up to power, the gate needs to be tested several times to ensure it’s working. Use your remote to open and close the gate, ensuring everything moves as it should. If there are any issues, correct them now before the gate comes into use.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to install a driveway gate, you can decide whether or not you will need a professional.
We always recommend contacting a professional due to the heavy equipment, mechanics, and electrical aspects involved in installing a new gate. It’s safer and you can rest assured your gate will be installed correctly and quickly.
If you need help, please consider giving us a call.