10 Questions To Ask An Automated Gate Fabricator

If you are thinking about having an automated gate installed, or if you already have one and are considering having it replaced or repaired, here are 10 important questions to ask your gate designer or installer:

What experience do they have?
Are they accredited by Gate Safe?
Do they have liability insurance?
What guarantee do they offer on their work?
What safety features do they recommend for your gate?
How will they make sure that your gate complies with all the relevant safety standards?
What maintenance schedule do they recommend for your gate?
What are their maintenance and repair policies?
What are their charges for design, installation and maintenance?
Are they a reputable company and can they prove it?

Gate Safe aware installer featured image

What experience do they have in installing automated gates?

If you're looking for a company to install an automated gate or fence system, it's important to choose one with the necessary experience. A reputable company will have a track record of successful installations and will be able to provide references from satisfied customers.

An experienced installer will be familiar with the different types of automated gates available and will be able to recommend the best option for your needs. They will also be aware of the latest safety features and will ensure that your gate complies with all the relevant safety standards.

Are they accredited by Gate Safe?

Gate Safe is the UK’s leading independent accreditation scheme for automated gate installers.

Gate Safe provides comprehensive training and assessment to ensure that all its accredited installers have the knowledge and experience necessary to design, install, maintain and repair automated gates safely.

Gate Safe installers have undergone thorough training and assessments to ensure they are competent in the design, installation and maintenance of automated gates, they are also required to adhere to a strict code of conduct. This means that you can be confident that they will install your gates correctly and safely.

Ensuring that your installer is accredited by Gate Safe will give you peace of mind that your automated gate will be installed to the highest safety standards.

Do they have liability insurance?

When you're hiring a contractor, one of the things you should always ask about is whether they have liability insurance. This type of insurance protects both the contractor and you, the homeowner, in case of any accidents that occur during the job. If the contractor doesn't have insurance and something goes wrong, you could be on the hook for damages. That's why it's so important to make sure that your contractor is properly insured before work begins.

Fortunately, most reputable contractors will have no problem providing proof of insurance. So if your contractor isn't able to provide proof of insurance, it's best to look elsewhere.

What guarantee do they offer on their work?

Guarantees on workmanship are important to consider when hiring a contractor. Generally, the longer the guarantee, the better. A guarantee of one year or more is ideal. This shows that the company is confident in its work and is willing to stand behind it. Make sure to read the fine print, as some guarantees may be limited. For example, they may only cover certain types of damage or may require you to pay a deductible. Also, be sure to ask about any labour warranties, as these can be separate from the warranty on materials. By taking the time to understand the terms of the guarantee, you can be sure that you are hiring a company that stands behind its work.

What safety features do they recommend for your gate?

Regarding safety, there are a few things you should keep in mind for your gate. First, make sure the gate is well-lit so that people can see it at night. Second, install a motion sensor so the gate automatically opens when someone approaches.

Some other safety features that your installer might recommend include:

A safety stop, which will stop the gate from closing if someone is in the way
A safety edge, which will stop the gate from closing if it comes into contact with something
A safety beam, which will stop the gate from closing if it doesn't detect an object in its path

Finally, use a code lock or keypad so that only authorized people can enter. By following these simple recommendations, you can help to keep your home or business safe and secure.

How will they make sure that your gate complies with all the relevant safety standards?

To ensure that your gate complies with all the relevant safety standards, your installer should carry out a thorough risk assessment in order to ensure that your gate complies with all the relevant safety standards. This involves looking at things like size and location of the gate, type of installation, surrounding environment, level of access required, and any other potential hazards.

Once all these factors have been taken into account, your installer can then recommend the best type of gate and any additional safety features that may be required. This could include things like safety edges, sensors, and warning signs.

The installer should also explain the different safety standards that must be met for your gate to be compliant. This includes regulations from both local authorities and international organizations such as BSI (British Standards Institution).

If your installer is accredited by Gate Safe or another organization, they should also have a thorough understanding of the relevant safety standards and make sure that your gate meets them.

What maintenance schedule do they recommend for your gate?

When it comes to caring for your automatic gate, a little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way. Your installer should recommend a regular maintenance schedule that includes checking the gate for possible wear and tear, lubricating any moving parts, and testing safety features such as sensors. It's also important to check the power supply regularly to make sure it is operating properly

Your contractor may also suggest an annual inspection of your gate by an accredited technician or engineer. This will help to ensure that the gate is in good working order and meets all safety standards.

Finally, make sure to ask about any additional services that may be available. This could include emergency repair services or remote monitoring of the gate.

What are their maintenance and repair policies?

It's important to ask your installer about their repair policy and what steps to take in case of an emergency. If something goes wrong, it's essential to have someone who can come out and fix the problem quickly and safely.

It's also important to ask about their maintenance policies. Regular maintenance is key for keeping your gate in optimal condition and preventing any accidents or malfunctions. Ask your installer how often they recommend servicing the gate, what type of maintenance is required, and if there are any additional services (such as emergency repairs) that they offer.

Finally, make sure to ask if there is a warranty or guarantee on the work they do. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong and can give you peace of mind when investing in an automated gate.

What are their charges for design, installation and maintenance?

When it comes to pricing, there are several factors to consider when selecting a contractor. For example, you'll want to take into account the cost of materials, labour costs and any additional fees. Be sure to obtain a quote from each contractor so you can compare prices before making a decision. Also, some companies may offer discounts or other incentives if you sign up for ongoing maintenance services.

Finally, don't forget to ask about any hidden or additional costs that may apply. This will help you to avoid any surprises later on down the line.

Are they a reputable company and can they prove it?

It's always a good idea to research any company before you hire them. Make sure to check their website and read reviews from other customers. You can also ask for references from previous clients or even contact the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for more information

The best way to ensure that you're hiring a reliable and trustworthy contractor is to do your research. Check out their website and read customer reviews. If possible, try to find references from people who have worked with them before.

Make sure to ask specific questions about their experience with automated gates and inquire as to any certifications they may have. Finally, it's always a good idea to check that the company is insured and has the necessary licenses in place.

By taking these steps, you can be confident that you are hiring a reputable company that stands behind its work.

Conclusion

If you're thinking about having an automated gate installed, then there are some key questions that you need to ask the company that you're considering using.

Make sure that they have experience in installing automated gates, and that they are accredited by Gate Safe. It's also important to check that they have liability insurance and that they offer a guarantee on their work.

Ask them about the safety features that they recommend for your gate, and how they will make sure that it complies with all the relevant safety standards.

Find out what maintenance schedule they recommend for your gate, and what you should do if you have a problem with it.

Finally, make sure that you understand their charges for design, installation and maintenance, and take steps to ensure that they are a reputable company before allowing them to work on your property.