What Are Automatic Gates and How Do They Work?
Automatic garage gates make it easier for you to get in and out of your home. These gates generally use a remote control or a smartphone app to open and close your garage door. When you leave your car parked inside a garage, the automatic gate will lock so that others cannot access the vehicle. You will only be able to open the garage door manually with your keys. Let’s take a look at what automatic garage doors are and how they work.
What is an Automatic Gate?
If you have an automatic garage door, it means that the door is controlled by a remote control or a smartphone app. When you park your car inside a garage, the garage door will automatically close to protect the vehicle from curious intruders. Depending on the type of gate you’re looking for, you can choose between electric or manual garage doors. Manual gates are controlled with a remote and need to be opened manually. Electric gates are controlled with a remote and do not require any manual effort. Automatic garage doors are a great way to keep your car safe and secure. They allow you to park your car inside a garage when you don’t need it there and then open it when you need to get in. This can be especially handy if you work from home and don’t want to leave your car on the street for long periods of time. Automatic garage doors also come in handy for homeowners who store their vehicles inside a garage. They allow you to keep your vehicle out of sight while still being able to get to it when necessary.
How Do Automatic Garages Work?
Most automatic garage door systems use a series of sensors and a controller to operate a garage door’s motor and garage door hardware. Sensors typically include a motion sensor, proximity sensor, and a magnetic switch to detect when someone approaches the garage door and when someone walks by it. In addition, an infrared sensor is often integrated to detect whether a person is close to the garage door. When you start your car and park it inside your garage, the sensors detect that the garage door is not in use and close the gate automatically. If you walk toward the gate, the magnetic switch will activate and open the gate so you can enter the garage. When you leave the car, the proximity sensor detects that the garage door is not being used, so the gate closes again. You can leave the gate open while you are inside the house, so you don’t have to remember to close it when you leave the garage.
Benefits of an Automatic Gate
An automatic garage door can certainly be convenient. For example, you don’t have to remember to close the gate when you leave the house, and you don’t have to remember to open it when you return. However, automatic garage doors also come with a set of benefits that you should consider before making the purchase. Some of these benefits are listed below. - Convenience - When you have an automatic garage door, you no longer have to close the garage door or remember to open it. Once it’s inside the garage and the gate is closed, the door is automatically closed and locked. The only thing that you need to remember is to remember to open the gate when you need to get in the car. - Safety - Automatic garage doors can also be a big safety benefit. If your child or pet happens to get near the garage door while it is open, they won’t be able to open it themselves. This protects against injury and accidents that could result in costly repairs or replacement of your vehicle. - Energy Efficiency - Garage doors are an energy-intensive piece of hardware, and automatic doors can help you save money on your energy bill. Even if you don’t have the door close fully, it will close less frequently, which can result in savings of energy. In addition, automatic doors are designed to open only when someone steps within range of the door, so only the amount of air passing over the door is reduced.
Types of Automatic Gates
- Spring-Assist Gate - A spring-assist gate is a popular option for homeowners who don’t want to install an additional opener. These gates include a spring that retracts as soon as you open the gate with your remote control. A latch holds the gate in the open position until the remote is taken away. - Remote-Operated Gate - These gates are controlled with a remote from the outside of the house, while the interior portions are controlled by an interior door or a remote. - Remote-Controller-Operated Gate - This type of gate is controlled by a remote and includes a motor to drive the gate. It is often referred to as a “belt-drive” gate. - Chain-Drive Gate - These gates are controlled with a chain that runs through the gate and is controlled from the outside of the house.
Final Words: Should You Get an Automated Garage Door?
Automatic garage doors can certainly be convenient and help save some time. However, you also need to consider their costs and benefits before making the purchase. If you don’t have the space to install a remote-controlled gate, or you don’t have the available electricity, you might want to consider a spring-assist gate. If you are not sure if an automated door is right for you, you might want to talk to your local garage door company. They can help you make an informed decision on whether to get an automated door. They can also help you determine what type of gate is best for your specific needs and space. Automatic gates can be a great investment, especially if you have a large or high-value vehicle that you don’t want to leave outside for long periods of time. However, before purchasing an automatic gate, it’s important to understand its costs and benefits.