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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.

6 Things to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Gate

Thinking of having a new driveway gate installed to your home or business property? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right gate option for your property.

  1. The size of the opening: Knowing what size gate you want and need is crucial in deciding what type of gate is ideal for your home or business. Typically, the wider the gate opening, the more the gate will cost.
  2. Knowing how much space you have available: You must be aware of how much space you have on all sides of the gate. If you are getting a gate on a large, rural site with tons of space, then you can pretty much use any gate. However, if you are getting an automatic gate for your home, then you are probably limited on space and will want to figure out just how much space you have and what type of gate is appropriate.
  3. The weight of the gate: The weight of the gate will determine the type of gate operating system you need. Gates that are about the same size will weigh differently depending on what they are made of, such as steel, aluminum or wood.
  4. Speed when it opens and closes: Gates that open too slow can delay traffic flow and cause frustration. If you have a large corporation, we recommend getting a fast-opening gate.
  5. Know how many times it will be used: This is helpful, because you want to be able to choose a gate that can withstand being opened and closed all day long if need be. If you just need a gate for your residence that won’t be used but maybe a few times a day, then any gate should be fine. But, if you need a gate for a business where people come in and out constantly, then you will want to make sure the gate you get is equipped to handle that.
  6. Consider the location: If you are installing a gate in a residential area where kids might be playing or running in the street, you should follow the best safety practices to make sure there is not risk of injury. This could mean buying the gate that features safety cautious features.

Contact our Orange County gate experts today for a free quote on new gate installation & driveway gate repair services.

Is There A Return On Investment For A New Automatic Gate?

One of the many questions people ask when considering new automatic gate installation, is will it increase the value of my property? The answer is yes.

The average person in the market for a home spends less than ten seconds forming a first impression. That’s why investing in what you need to make a great first impression should be a priority. Everything that is visible to a potential homebuyer should work together to let them know you care about how your property looks.

Experts in residential real estate say that curb appeal is most important visual factor when selling a home. If a potential homebuyer doesn’t like a photo or the look of your property when they drive past, the opportunity is likely gone. Part of curb appeal is not only aesthetics, but how safe a home looks from the outside. Windows, doors, garage doors are all considered when deciding if a home looks secure. Another important feature is an automatic gate which also gives a sense of safety and security. The more barriers between them and the outside world, the safer a homebuyer will feel.

Adding an a secure electronic gate to your property’s entry point can add significantly to its value and make it sell faster.

Investing in a new automatic gate prior to putting your home on the market can bring as much as an 88-percent return on your investment and add as much as 5 percent to the value to your home. It also gives a homebuyer a sense of security which is very important especially if they have small children. Another advantage to having an automatic gate is that it lowers insurance rates which can also attract buyers.

Home buyers often compare surrounding properties to see what makes a house special.

Adding a new electronic front entrance gate adds look of class to your home letting people know that whoever lives there, values their property.

If you’re a homeowner searching for ways to increase property value in order to sell or if you just want to add a look of distinction while increasing security, then a new electronic gate is a great choice. Call OC Gates to at (888) 325-7040 or (949) 444-5933 today.

Lower Your Bill With Solar Powered Gates

Business owners are constantly looking for ways to save money. The good news is you can shrink your energy bill by simply installing solar powered gates! Solar powered automatic gate installation is a huge cost-effective way to keep your employees safe and your bills lower. Commercial gates not only keep employees safe, but they also keep your property safe. If you already have a commercial gate, look into solar powered gates. If your business does not have a gate, but you are thinking about installing one, consider installing a solar powered gate.

OC Gates can offer you a free consultation and answer any questions you may have.

Installing a solar powered gate in Orange County is a great idea because the sun is shining nearly every day of the year. However, if there is a rainy day, or a day when the sun is not shining, don’t fret. The gate will still operate because of the ‘off grid’ solar system. This system produces electricity from solar energy and stores it for when it is required, which means it can operate even when the sun is not shining. There are also ‘on grid’ systems. The ‘on grid’ system is linked in to the local power company. Any unused energy accumulated by a commercial or residential solar system will be routed back to the power company. Then, a credit value will be placed on this energy.

As you can see, solar powered gates in both commercial and residential properties are a great way to save money on electrical bills. If you want more information about ‘on grid’ and ‘off grid’ systems or help deciding which one would benefit you the most, please reach out to OC Gates. We have the knowledge and experience needed to offer you the best results at the best price in Orange County & Los Angeles.

Commercial & Residential Gate Reliability

Often times people assume that gates are less reliable than garage doors. While this may seem like the case, this is not necessarily true. You may hear about more automatic gate problems than garage door problems simply because the routine gate maintenance is not getting performed as it should be, thus causing the gate to malfunction. There are some simple routine maintenance that can be done to help your gate function as efficiently and properly as possible.

Things like heat or humidity can affect the way your gate operates.

Some gates have a screw drive that need to be lubricated from time to time. Find some garage door opener lubrication spray at your local handyman store. You will want to research what type of gate you have and properly lubricate the the screws. If you do not know where you should be applying lubricant, you can always reach out to the experts at OC Gates. We would be happy to assist or give you information about where to apply the spray. Often times, several areas need lubricant. The screws, hinges and other overlooked areas. That is why it is important that you know which type of gate you have, and how it functions.

Maintenance not only helps your gate operate smoothly, but it also helps extend the life of your gate.

A simple lubrication application a couple times a year can make all the difference. If you do not want to maintain your gate yourself, simply call over an expert from OC Gates. We service and maintain gates yearly, for a reasonable price. This simple step will keep your gate from malfunctioning when you least expect it, so consider it worth it!

If you have any other questions or need a new gate installed in Orange County, call OC Gates today!

4 Easy Steps to Removing Rust from Your Iron Driveway Gate

It’s a fact of life for a wrought iron gate: it will eventually rust. Unfortunately, iron rusts easily.

Your automatic gate is one feature of your house that offers both security and beauty, so you’ll want to keep working and looking its best. When rust appears on the surface, you want to know how to remove and restore your electronic gate as soon as possible.

Steps to removing rust from your iron driveway gate:

First, you’ll need to remove any rust and old paint in the affected area. Use a wire brush to scrape off the rust and paint. Be sure to scrub the tight places where rust can’t easily be seen. If you have heavy rust, call the experts at OC Gates.

Next, sand the affected area with coarse-grade sandpaper. When the rust is gone, go over the area with a medium-grade sandpaper to smooth it out. Then, buff the area down with steel wool, then wash it off with soapy water.

The next step is to neutralize the rust. Tiny rust particles can be left behind and can be removed with a commercial rust neutralizer or you can use a vinegar and lemon juice mixture.

Next, paint over the area with a rust-inhibiting primer for metal surfaces and allow it to fully dry. Then apply two coats of rust-resistant paint over the primer.

Regular maintenance to help prevent rust is important. Wash your gate with soapy water a few times a year. Oil all latches and springs, and use steel wool to stay on top of any rust that develops, followed with a vinegar and lemon juice mixture to neutralize.

If you’re looking for automatic gate repair, installation or replacement on Orange County call OC Gates today.

We are based in Fountain Valley and serve Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine Laguna Niguel, Santa Ana and Anaheim Hills. Call us today at 888-325-7040.

Get the Best Driveway Security Gate Installed by OC Gates

Automatic driveway gates in Orange County will make you feel safer at home. With so many options to choose from, driveway gates also add aesthetic appeal to homes. Get the best driveway security gate installed by OC Gates. We not only offer superior results, but we also guarantee our work. Give us a call today at 949-444-5933 or 888-325-7040.

Variety of Gate Types

One of the best things about home security gates is the variety of options available. Whether you fancy modern wrought iron, traditional wood gates, or a combination of the two, rest assured that you will find one you like. If you home does not have enough room for full movement of a slide gate and its counterbalance, then you can get swing gates installed. Or, if you have a high traffic area with inadequate space outside the gate opening for an overhead gate to retract, then there is a vertical lift gate option. In addition, there are several other varieties of driveway security gates available in the Los Angeles area.

Wide Selection of Design Options

Once you pick what type of gate you want, you will want to decide on the design. With everything from a customized design, to an already manufactured one, there are several different options. If you choose a picket design, there is an internal picket which features a picket that is flush with the top bar. In comparison, there is also compound picket which features varying lengths of pickets that increase then decrease in height for added aesthetic appeal. Please reach out to an OC Gates team member for more options and styles.

Affordable Pricing Options for Security Gates

Obviously, depending on the style, design and size of your gate, the costs of home security gates widely vary. An OC Gate technician is always readily available to assist with helping you find the perfect gate solution. We feature several years’ experience and guarantee the job will be done right every time.

Call us today for a free consultation & quote on having a driveway or security gate installed to your Orange County home or business property.

7 Tips for Automatic Driveway Gate Safety & Injury Prevention

Although automatic gates are much safer than they were years ago, they are still large pieces of machinery that require safety measures to operate especially when children are around. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to automatic gate safety.

  • When the gate is in operation, stand clear. Do not attempt to squeeze through while the gate is closing. Stay clear until the gate has stopped moving.
  • Before you purchase your gate, check to see if it has a listing mark. It should comply with the UL 235 Standard for safety. OC Gates knows and complies with all safety regulations. Feel free to ask any questions regarding safety.
  • It is highly recommended to not reach through the gate while in operation. Also, never reach through the gate to operate the controls.
  • Never touch the gate while operating the controls. Place the controls at least 10 feet away from the gate. If you controls are closer than they need to be, OC Gates can move them to a safer distance for you.
  • Always keep an eye on your children when near the automatic gate. It is also important to explain to children how to be safe around the gate not touch the gate controls.
  • Make sure your automatic gate has a built-in reversal system. This feature senses an object or person during movement and the reverses its path. The feature should work no matter which direction the gate is going.
  • Your automatic gate rollers should have guards or covers to protect hands and feet that may get caught. If your gate does not have protective covers, call OC Gates for information on installing them.

OC Gates is the leader in electronic gate repair, installation and replacement in Orange County. We are serious about the safety of our products and will do everything we can to ensure you and your family have peace of mind when using your electronic gate. Call OC Gates today at 888-325-7040.

How to Properly Protect Your Security Gate From Power Surges

Power surges can cause damage to electrical equipment. Whether it is from the summer heat, or booming thunderstorms, security gates can be damaged during these types of events. It is a good idea to know how to protect your gate opener from power surges.

Power Surges and Security Gates

Lightning or power surges can damage your security gate opener because the gate is similar to any other type of electrical equipment. Power from electrical storms can severely damage your gate to the point where it may be inoperable. In most cases, the power surge will blow out on of the gate operator’s circuit boards. Once the board gets a spike in electricity, it undergoes significant damage that causes it to stop working. To get the gate opener properly running again, the damaged circuit board must be replaced by an electrical professional.

In an instance where the electrical equipment has been damaged, some people will simply replace the circuit board. However, to correctly fix the issue, you must reduce the risk caused by the power surge in the first place. All security gate openers come with built-in surge protection, but to in order to provide complete protection from power surges, you should have professional surge protection equipment installed. This includes a protection plan with safety equipment.

Driveway Gate Surge Protection Plans

There are several options for security gate and gate opener surge protection plans. OC Gates prides itself in our ability to quickly address a problem and solve it promptly. Our team of trained technicians can answer any questions you may have, as well as provide you with excellent customer service. If you have a gate that needs proper surge protection in Los Angeles, please do not hesitate to call us. We offer free consultations and are here to help you.