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Tag Archives: driveway gate features


The Difference Between a Dual and Solo Iron Gate

When choosing a security gate for installation to your property, most people decide they want it to be iron. Where people struggle is knowing whether or not they want a solo gate or a dual gate. A solo gate is a single moving frame and a dual gate features two frames that move oppositely. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to better help you decide which gate is the best option for you.

Dual Frame Swinging Gates

The advantages of dual frame swinging gates is that they require less swing distance and they are relatively easy to install since the gate’s weight is distributed across two individual frames. Double gates offer a more balanced and traditional look, some would even say they give a more elegant look as well. They also open faster because they have dual operated motors.

The cons of dual frame swinging gates are that you will need dual operates which makes them more expensive and they tend to need more maintenance over time.

Solo Frame Swinging Gates

For these types of gates, you only need one operator, so they are less expensive than dual frame swinging gates. They are easier to open since only one frame needs to be opened. On the other hand, solo frame gates need twice as much distance to open since there is only one long gate. They are also more challenging to install because of their weight.

Either way you choose, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and secure with a residential security gates.

Having a gate offers so much protection, as well as aesthetic appeal to your home. Iron gates are the most popular because people favor the look of them. But, there are also wooden gates and several other types to choose from. Reach out to a gate specialist at OC Gates today for more information.

4 Easy Residential Automatic Gate Maintenance Tips

Having an automatic gate at your home is a great investment. It helps keep your property safe and also adds aesthetic appeal. Homeowners with automatic gates should keep their gates properly maintained. Manual gates do not require as much maintenance as automatic gates. Automatic gates feature mechanical components, such as motors that operate the gate, and that is why they need more maintenance. OC Gates encourages all if it’s clients to follow the maintenance procedures below for automatic gates on their home.

Keep It Clean!

Cleaning your gate not only keeps it looking its best, but it also keeps it from rusting and getting debris build up stuck in its electrical operating parts.

Keep The Pests Away

Part of keeping your gate clean includes making sure small vermin and rodents don’t get into parts of your gate or its operating system. Snails and slugs and spider webs can destroy circuit boards and bee’s nests and ant hills can corrode gate opener circuitry.

Check It For Safety

To make sure your gate is functioning properly, check that it is operating properly. In all areas it is supposed to function, such as sensing when to open and close, make sure it is working as it should. If there is an early-on detection, it could prevent future problems.

Lubricate Its Parts

Keep your gate operating smoothly by periodically lubricating it. The wheels, hinges and bearings all need lubricant to function properly.

Maintaining your residential gate keeps you and visitors safe. It also extends the life of the gate.

OC Gates offers several more maintenance tips and gate maintenance service options. Simply give us a call today and we would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Importance of Functioning Safety Devices in Automatic Driveway Gates

We all know that gates offer an extended level of security, but there are actually safety devices working inside the system. In all automated security gates there are different safety devices. Typically there are two devices (depending on the model) that provide a response to the gate opener to keep it from injuring people and destruction. A correctly working safety device can not only prevent damage, but it can also prevent injuries. That is why testing and keeping your gate opener’s safety devices in working order is extremely important. Below are some simple ways you can test your security gate opener’s safety devices.

Photo Eye

A photo eye works by scanning the area in the path of the security gate to make sure nothing is blocking the way. You can make sure the photo eye is working by simply blocking the photo eye as the gate is closing. You can put any object in the path of the photo eye. Try to close the gate next, and if the photo eye can sense the object then it will not close. If the gate does in fact close when there is an object in it’s path, then you know your photo eye is not functioning properly.

Detector Loops

First, locate the vehicle detector loop by looking for sensors embedded into the pavement or asphalt in front of the gate. Next, park a vehicle on the detector loop sensors and attempt to close it. Be cautious when administering this test, because if your vehicle detector loops are broken, the gate will close and your vehicle could be at risk of getting damaged. We suggest having someone sit in the vehicle in case they need to move it right away.

Hit a Small Object

Today’s modern security gates have options that allow them to sense when an object is hit. Allow the gate to hit an object you put in its path. If the gate touches the object and is working properly, it should reverse its closing action as to not hit or crush the object. If the gate continues to close when an object is put in its path, then the sensor may be broke or may have gone bad.

If your gate fails any of the above tests, we recommend you get an expert out to help repair the issue immediately. For your safety and those around you, please test your gate’s safety devices frequently. OC Gates is available to assist with any maintenance or gate repairs you might need.

Driveway Gate Openers & Features

New Gate Installation Experts Costa MesaOne of the main reasons homeowners chose to install a driveway gate opener is for the convenience, and security. Having a garage door usually makes individuals feel a little safer. An automatic gate typically comes with a keypad and an opener. Each opener comes with a certain box that is installed near the garage or gate it is synced up to. The keypad typically is programmed with a four digit code which allows you to open the door from it. Most come with two gate (or garage) remotes that open it, adding to the convenience of the gate, or garage.

Installing an automatic gate and opener also increases the value of your home. Here are a few of its features below:

  • Easy sliding or swing motion gate all at the touch of your remote button or keypad entry
  • Automatic driveway gates feature anti-crushing and infra-red beam protectors. They are built with sensors that prevent the door from closing on a person or item that might be under the door when it is closing.
  • Most automatic garage door or gate door openers feature setting that allow you to only open the gate part-way if someone needs to slip in or out real quick!
  • There is typically a button near the door in the garage that leads to your house where you can simply touch that to open it if the driver outside forgot his or her remote and doesn’t want to get out to enter the code on the keypad.
  • Many automated driveway gate operators come with backup batteries, and some even have solar panels. This means that if there is a power failure, your driveway gate will still be able to function normally.

Call OG Gates today for all your gate repair or gate installation needs!