Reliable, Secure, Electric Gates - What Spec ?

[V8RX7]

I was intending to leave gates until the end of the project depending upon what was left in the budget but as my wife pointed out - security is most needed whilst we're refurbing the house (nearest neighbours are 200m away)

So what do I need to ask for ?

I want reliability and security - IE the Ford Mondeo of the gate world.

I've been informed that sliding gates with a lower track are most secure.

What automation system do I want / want to avoid ?

I don't want anything fancy but galvanised steel which is then painted / powdercoated appeals.

A quick look around shows similar looking gates from £1-6k

I talked to a local specialist who started at "around £6k" and ended up at

6'x 12' arch top gate £1k
3 Posts £250
Automation £1000
Install £1000 (after I've provided elec to the gate)

So £3250 all in.

The install and automation look expensive to me BUT I do want decent stuff - is that what it costs ?

[V8RX7]

This was the style of gate I was considering - but welded up to convert it into a slider

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160683242461

[V8RX7]

Thanks

His price was based on him supplying and fitting steel posts (I'd probably build brick ones)

And included ME supplying the electricity to the gate.

[V8RX7]

Thanks

So does everyone agree on the principal of a slider with a lower rail being the best for reliability / security ?

I prefer the look of openers but I'm told that unless you pay a fortune they can by forced open quite easily

[V8RX7]

Thanks for all the replies

I'm aware you could probably ram a car through any of them, I just don't want a couple of guys to be able to lean on them to get in.

My local fabricator hot galvanizes his - which seems sensible or are the cheaper powdercoated ones up to the job ?

[V8RX7]

Watcha said:

Where are you based?

House is near Kenilworth (Coventry / Warwick)

[V8RX7]

Watcha said:

In that case, try Midland Control Systems, ask for Mike.

As for finish, I would never touch just powder coat. Its a swine to touch up and has no anti-corrosion quality. It will just chalk, bubble and flake after 5-7 years. I would always go with a galv then epoxy paint. So long as the Galv is prepared properly before painting (i.e T-washed) it will last for 40 years.

Thanks

Great, that's what I thought.

[V8RX7]

bungle said:

OP, just wondered who you went with in the end, as I'm also after some gates and am near Kenilworth. Thanks.

I was told that the first Co. had reliability issues by locals, after getting another two quotes that were almost double the first I decided to re look at it at the end of my project.

As a temporary measure I fitted a 5 bar gate and manually lock it each night.