Frequently Asked Questions :: Gates, Automation & Access Control Equipment

Register here to receive product updates and special promotions

Your Full Name

E-Mail

Check All That Apply

Product Updates
Promotions
Site Updates

Privacy Statement

The Village Blacksmith
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Questions & Answers

Feeling a little fuzzy on the subject? Don't worry, you're not alone.

Below you will find some commonly asked questions, along with their respective answers. We hope you'll find them helpful, however if your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

1. What is included in a complete gate system?
2. Which operator do I need?
3. How will I operate my gates?
4. What about safety features. Do I need them?
5. How long will it take to install my gate system?
6. What happens if the power goes out?
7. How do I choose between a swing and a slide gate?
8. Will I save money by installing a solar powered operator?
9. Why are your gates made from wrought iron instead of aluminum?
10. What is powder coating?
11. How do I select a gate style?
12. Can my automatic gate be mounted on an existing brick column?
13. Do you offer any other wrought iron products?

What is included in a complete gate system?
Custom made wrought iron gates, posts, the operator(s), access controls and the photo eye.

Which operator do I need?
Gate dimensions and weight, open/closing speed, amount of traffic, access to power, and your budget are all factors that determine which operator is required for your gate system. Operators may be electric (with or without DC battery backup) or solar powered.

[back to top]

How will I operate my gates?
There are several options available, which are briefly explained below:

Remote Controls – Hand held remote controls are radio transmitters that are similar to garage door openers. The standard opener attaches to the sun visor in your vehicle. Also available is a miniature remote that attaches to your key chain.
Keypad – A keypad allows visitors to enter your property using a numeric code. These units are designed to hold several codes so you can assign different codes to family members, friends, employees or other service personnel such as mail carriers, UPS, etc. These devices are easily programmed, allowing you to add or delete codes as often as necessary.
Intercom – An intercom allows voice communication and the ability to open the gate for visitors from inside the house. An intercom has a gate station and a single indoor station.
Telephone Entry System – This is the most popular choice by our customers because it offers increased flexibility to the keypad or the single intercom with its advanced features. It works with your home telephone line and does not require a dedicated line. When the call button at the gate is pushed, it rings all the phones in the house with a distinctive ring and the visitor can be granted entry with the push of a telephone button. It also has an entry keypad and includes call forwarding, code lockout, time zone memory and other features.
Exit Sensors – This device offers easy and convenient exit from your property. It is a sensor wand buried alongside your driveway and will detect moving metal and open the gate automatically for exit. Because this sensor will detect cars, motorcycles, bicycles lawn mowers, and possibly even some children’s toys, it may not be the best choice in every circumstance.

[back to top]

What about safety features. Do I need them?
Our minimum safety standard includes a photo eye and a key switch. Both offer their own type of protection as explained below:

Photo Eye – The photo eye is designed to prevent the gate from closing if someone or something is in its way. It shoots a beam of light across the gate opening, if the light beam is broken, it will prevent the gate from closing, or if the gate has begun its closing cycle, it will stop the gate and reverse its motion.
There are other safety features available for your gate system that we strongly recommend, however they are optional.
Key Switch – The key switch is a master key, accessible only to your local fire department, which allows them to open your gate in a fire or medical emergency. If your local fire department participates in this program, GatesUnlimited will require one be installed as part of the gate system.

While the key switch in not an actual “safety” device for the gate's operation, it does provide added protection in an emergency by allowing emergency personnel immediate access to your home and family, when time is critical.

For more information on gate operator safety, please see Automatic Gate Operator Safety Tips

[back to top]

How long will it take to install my gate system?
Because each job is truly unique, there can be no "set" time frame for installation. Generally, a standard full system installation will require between 3-6 visits to your job site and will typically be completed within 7-10 weeks. Our ironwork is not stamped out in a factory. It is custom hand-made, and this process does require time to meet our strict standard of quality. But rest assured, the time necessary to complete your new gate is well worth the wait! In most instances, when time is of the essense, we will make special arrangements to accommodate your needs.

So, if you're not in a big hurry, and you'd like to get on our Spring 2004 schedule, now would be the optimal time to take advantage of our $500 OFF Special! [more details]

What happens if the power goes out?
The gates will remain in whichever position they were in when the power went out. You can open the gates manually by removing the gate pin, remembering to replace it when the power is restored.

You can avoid this inconvenience by choosing the “battery back up” option when purchasing your operator, especially in regions (like Michigan) where power outages are commonly caused by weather conditions. Utilizing battery backup will allow the gates to continue operating for several hours, until the battery runs low.

[back to top]

How do I choose between a swing and a slide gate?
Swing gates are most popular because they look better while opening, they’re easier to install and are typically less expensive and safer than a sliding gate. A slide gate is required when there is a steep grade uphill in the direction that the gate must swing or when there is limited maneuvering room inside the property for vehicles.

Will I save money by installing a solar powered operator?
Depending on the area you live in, solar power may be a good option for you. If you are considering using solar panels with your operators, please contact us first for solar requirements in your area.

Why are your gates made from wrought iron instead of aluminum?
We can accommodate either material requests, though we do recommend wrought iron. It is versatile in design as well as function. It’s strong enough to defy vandals, the elements and the test of time, yet graceful enough for even the finest, most intricate detail. And all our gates come standard with a heavy-duty powder coated finish which will provide long lasting carefree-maintenance. Aluminum is known for its corrosion inhibiting properties but lacks the strength and versatility of iron, the gates are expensive to build, somewhat brittle, and difficult to re-paint.

[back to top]

What is powder coating?
Many of the items you use every day are powder coated. For example, kitchen appliances, patio furniture, mailboxes and garden tools are just a few of many.

Powder Coating is an advanced yet simple way of spray-painting very fine, dry plastic powder paint onto a metal surface. As the powder paint cloud gently leaves the front of the spray gun, it is charged with static electricity. The charge attracts the powder paint to the part that requires coating. The part is then placed in an oven, where it bakes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. While in the oven, the powder paint melts and flows into a beautiful and durable finish. Primers are not necessary. And there are no unsightly runs or drips, as often results with the use of wet paint. Prior to baking, powder coating is very forgiving of coating mistakes. Because it is powder, the paint can be blown with a low-pressure air nozzle, quickly and easily covering up the mistake. The result is an attractive, durable, high-quality finish. Its tough, looks great and lasts a long, long time.

The powder coating process itself offers yet another advantage – it is environmentally friendly. The over-spray is reused, and with no solvents, powder paint does not pollute the air.

How do I select a gate style?
You can choose from the many pre-selected styles we offer, design your own or have us design one especially for you.

[back to top]

Can my automatic gate be mounted on an existing brick column?
To properly hang a gate on a brick column would require incorporating a steel post into the construction of the column itself. For this reason we would not recommend hanging a gate on an existing pillar. In this instance, we would install the gates on their own posts and add matching extensions giving the appearance that the gates are "mounted" to the pillar.

Do you offer any other wrought iron products?
YES! We offer custom made ornamental railings, grilles, posts, etc. We also offer a complete line of furnishings and accents for your home, office and patio.

[back to top]