Category: SAC Fence - page 7

Homeowners are choosing to purchase automatic gates more frequently than ever before.  This is because of the security and extra protection for their families and because they have become an affordable, convenient option in home security.  The variety of automatic fences available makes it easy for all homeowners to find a style that works with their landscape and homes style.

Options start right out of gate with an automatic gate purchase.  The first decision to be made is whether a swing gate or a slide gate is best for the driveway and space provided.  Both options offer the security of an access controlled system which restricts entry and exit to the premises.  One great feature with automatic gates is that strangers don’t get in and little kid and pets don’t get out.  Both also offer options in regards to power also.  Homeowner’s can choose solar panels, batteries and hard wiring options.

Automatic gates offer up three major home advantages; seclusion, safety and convenience.

1)      Seclusion:  This is such an important piece to an automatic gate.  Controlling who is able to gain access into your home space.  Fences and gate systems keep undesirable people out.  Another piece of the puzzle is the importance of the intercom system.  This allows the homeowner to identify visitors before entry is granted.

2)      Safety:  As mentioned before automatic gates allow homeowners to control entry and exit.  This is so important in helping children and pets learn boundaries without the severe consequences surrounding traffic and other elements of danger that can create beyond repairable harm.  Another great thing about fencing and gate systems is the variety of options.  This being said the taller the fence the less likely someone is to climb over it to gain access to the home.

3)      Convenience:  Automatic gates offer the solution to who will be the responsible person to open the gate in a rain storm.  Electric gates use a variety of methods to allow entrance.  Some of the many are access control systems such as key pads, card readers, remote control and sensors that read sensors placed within vehicles that send signals for entry.

Another feature that is great is the ability to keep unauthorized vehicles from using the driveway as a turn around.  As well as the advantage of keeping out pesky critters that live in the wild or those right in the neighborhood.  It sure would help with that neighbor dog that is never watched and allowed to roam around the neighborhood without guidance or a watchful eye.  That dog inevitably is the one to spew the trash from one end of the sub to the other.

Another thing many homeowners don’t think about is the decrease in insurance rates that a home fence and gate system allow for.  That’s an extra bonus.  The fence may eventually pay for itself.  Although truth be told it will pay for itself from the very beginning with extra piece of mind, increased value to the property and the convenience the automatic gate offers.

As a society I think we are always concerned about the security surrounding our loved ones.  How does your home space protect the family you love and care about?  One way that is becoming ever more popular in landscaping design as well as a security feature is fencing that has access control system capabilities.  This feature allows the homeowner to regulate who is allowed to enter and exit the property using an access control system, such as a keypad or remote control.

This system of accessing space is not new.  It has been used in apartments, hospitals, office building and many more public spaces for a long time.  Just recently the expense of the technology involved has made it a more affordable option in home security as well.  This option is more feasible now for the average homeowner.  The first thing that needs to be in place is a fence around the perimeter of the yard.

Access control system fencing has changes a lot from the days of chain link.  Now day’s homeowners can erect fences in a variety of styles and designs to blend in with their homes naturally aesthetic landscape.  Homeowners can choose between fencing that offers complete privacy so no one can view the property.  The only issue this causes is that the homeowner also cannot see out.  A way around this is by using mirrors strategically placed that allow the property outside of the gate to be viewed.  Another option in fencing that offers height is palisade fence which also offers spaces to see through.

On top of the fencing that supports security around the perimeter of the property homeowner’s need to decide on a gate option.  Gate style options vary greatly as well as how they function.  Homeowners can choose between a swing gate and a sliding gate.  Both options have pros and cons.  Design wise they both are incredibly attractive options.  Sliding gates require less space to enter and exit and they do not swing out into the space that will be driven through.  This is a better option for driveways where space is minimal.

How homeowners choose to gain access through the gate in many different ways.  Some like the options of a key pad entry.  The down fall of this method is that each time you enter the space you need to roll down the window and push in the code.  The upside is that visitors to your home can gain access without having to gain your attention to buzz them in.  Each visitor can be set up with an individualized code so that the homeowner can monitor who has had access into their space.  The most preferable method is remote control.  This allows access with the touch of a button from inside a car or inside the home.

An option to add to the access controlled fence and gate system is security cameras.  This is often a strategy utilized by people with small children who play in the yard or for homeowners who travel a lot and are in need of visual piece of mind.  Security cameras can be set up to be viewed via the internet.  Technology is ever changing and is helping to ease the minds of homeowners that are interested in different types of security options available.

When making a purchase that is not common and ordinary but requires a larger than normal outlay of money the best option is to research first, buy later.  This is true when it comes to homeowners and the purchase of automatic gates operated with the use of a gate operator controlled by an access control system.  First it is not something an individual can run out and abstractly purchase.  There needs to be much thought given to the homes style to determine the fence style and the occupants needs in security and convenience.

Important questions need to be asked before purchasing the fence and gate system will save frustration later.  If a fence and automatic gate systems has never been in need of purchase before it is important that some guidelines are laid out to help them.  Here are some things to think about when the prospect awaits of an automatic gate.

1)      How many entrance and exits points are there to the property?

• This is important because systems can be sold in packages that involve single gates or a pair of gates.

2)      Is a swing gate or sliding gate the best option for the property?

• This will be based upon the length and widths of the driveway and of course the homeowner’s personal preference.

3)      If a swing gate, is it better to open in or out?

• Most commonly gates will swing inwards.  However, not all driveways work with this option.  If a homeowner has an increased slope in the driveway they may only be able to have it swing out.

4)      What is the width of the gate and how heavy will it be?

• This question is more geared when the fence and gate choices have been narrowed down as this deals more with the type of gate operator needed to operate the fence.  Gate operator manuals will give you specs on what weight a gate can cope with over the width of the gate.

5)      Is there enough room for the installation of the gate and gate operating system?

• Many of these questions are better suited to be answered by the company that is selling the gate to the homeowner.  It is important that adequate space is available for the installation of the post and pivot point in relation to the opener and hinges.

6)      How will access be gained through the gate?

• Will the homeowner want a key pad, a remote controlled system or automatic sensors?  This is decided based upon the ease and convenience the gate is to offer for the family.  It is also important to decide how visitors are gaining access to the home and how the homeowner wants visitors to be allowed to enter into the space.

Installing an automatic gate is a challenge for the average do-it-yourselfer.  It is recommended that homeowners seek out a contractor or company that specializes in automatic gates and their installation.  They can provide answers and support to the situations facing each homeowner on an individual basis.

Electrical gate operators are essential in operating any type of mechanical gate.  Gate operators are necessary when adding a gate and fence system to your home.  To get the true benefits of a gate you must research the different systems available to fit within your needs and landscape.  Gates are becoming a popular feature within the landscapes of homes.  Not only are they aesthetically beautiful they also add security to the home and reduce the speed at which cars enter your home space.

Gate operators are a mechanical device that is used to simplify life.  With the touch of a button or a key code added the gate opens. This saves your time and energy allowing you controlled access in to and out of your home. Ornate gates are often heavy and awkward to close by hand.  Gate operators alleviate that problem all together.

There are two primary operating systems you can purchase for use with your gate; mechanical and hydraulic.  Mechanical gate operators run off of power that is sent from the homes chief supply of electricity.  Electricity is sent using underground cabling to the operator and the gate is told to open or close.  Mechanical operating systems can be used on either swing gates or sliding gates.  They are also able to be programmed to use a remote device or control device of your liking.  With the eco friendly society we live in you will rest assured that your electrical bills will not sky rocket either.  Solar panels added to the control center will help to offset the need for an abundance of electricity.  Battery backups are also used to ensure your gate will open or close whenever you need it to.

Hydraulic operators have less moving parts in comparison to their mechanical counterpart.  They also run off of hydraulic fluids that help create the movement within the system instead of using electricity.  When installing a gate that is heavier than normal and that will require a large amount of power to be generated when opening and closing it you will want to look into a hydraulic system to use for your gates operating system.  Hydraulic gate operators are more capable of handling the excess load.

The type of gate you choose to purchase and install will help to determine the gate operator you are in need of.  It is wise to note however that some gate systems require the use of both mechanical and hydraulic operators.  A swing gate is a gate that opens towards or away from you.  With a swing gate you will notice that the extended arm on the gate is run on electricity where as the ram arm on the gate is hydraulic.

The access control system you choose for you gate is strictly based on convenience.  Now that you don’t have to get out of car to open and close the gate anything will seem convenient but there are plenty of options to choose from.  You can choose to use a remote control, a card reader, key pad entry or even entry controlled via phone.  The gate and fence system you choose for your home and driveway should accentuate the vibe of your home.

Security is a large issue for many families.  The feeling of safety within ones home is of the utmost importance.  How do you go about creating a safe environment for your family and home?  One way that people are finding security and peace is through the use of automatic gates and fences.

When thinking about installing an automatic gate and metal fence around your yard there are a few questions to ask yourself.  It is true that steel fences and automatic gates have gone down in price relative to previous decades however still is a major home renovation that needs thought given to it.  Before signing the papers and having fence companies out to give you a quote there are a few things to think about.

First thing is why would you think your home is better off having a gate?  This answer can vary greatly.  One reason is for the extra sense of security it gives in keeping unwanted visitors out.  It also helps to restrict the boundaries for animals and small children.  Automatic fences that are closed send a strong signal to keep out.  You make yourself less of a target for thieves.

Another thing to ask yourself is if you need a gate that is automatic or can you live with a manual gate?  How often do you anticipate the gate being closed?  If the answer is every time someone enters or exists the answer is clear.  Although if you are only going to close the gate when the kids are in the yard or when you are on vacation the answer is going to need some more thought.  Automatic gates are much pricier than manual gates because the access system used to control them are expensive.

Another thing to think about is the space the fence will be used in.  Are you looking at a fence that will slide or swing?  Sliding fences take up less space and give full access to the yard when coming in and out.  Swing fences take up space within the yard and need room to swing open and closed.  A lot of what you choose will be determined on the layout of your driveway.  If you are on a large slope a sliding gate is obviously more practical then a swing gate.

With your fence and gate what type of style do you desire?  Ultimate privacy is given using a paneled fence while ultimate aesthetic beauty comes from ornate steel fences.  This will depend a lot upon the look, feel and what you wish the fence to accomplish.

Another thing you will want to look into is if you want a fence that works on hydraulics which offers owners a quiet entrance and exit. This of course comes with an expense. A cheaper more sound defiant system is one in which an electro mechanical system is used.

What controlled access system is appropriate for your gate?  Will you choose something that automatically recognizes your voice, remote control or keypad?  The options are endless and really require you to think about how easy you want the access to be.

Another thing to take into consideration is the little ones you are trying to protect.  Do you need a fence that offers special safety features?  If so what cameras or sensors?  Automatic gate options have grown.  With technology advancing so rapidly you are sure to find one that fits your budget and need.

Whether your business is large, small or something in between or you are looking to add a bit of security to your community or home access control systems such as gates can be useful.  In order to be certain that the only people entering your business or home are people you have authorized it is pertinent to create some type of substantial material boundary. Many business and homeowners find the best way to do this is using an automatic gate system.

Automatic gates include a combination of physical parameters along with an access control system which dictates who has met the requirements set forth to enter.  In basic terms a computer (access control system) has been programmed with a criterion that authorizes entry. This can be something as simple as a keyless remote that unlocks the gate and allows it to freely open.

Access control points come in many shapes and sizes. They differ based on need.  Here are a list of different option in access points and where you may find them.

• Turnstiles – Turnstiles are found in several places that need to control how many people have access to a space at any given time.  One example of this is amusement parks.  People tend to crowd on platforms and spaces designed only for an allotted amount.  Turnstiles give the ride assistant control over the number of people allowed into the space.  This then allows them to freely load the ride and then return to the turnstile allowing a controlled number of guests in at a time.
• Doors – Doors are commonly used in hospitals to control where the public is allowed to enter verse where nurses, doctors and hospital personal can go.  Many times you will see a door locked and either a buzzer is placed so that you can buzz to be allowed in and out.  This is common in maternity wards where visitors come and go but nurses need control to eliminate the possibility of babies leaving in the wrong hands.  Other areas are accessed through the use of card readers.  Each hospital employee allowed access in the area will have the code for that card reader programmed onto the magnetic strip on their hospital ID.
• Security Gates – Gates can be found in several different forms and basically anywhere you can imagine access needs to be controlled and monitored.  Driveways, business lots, parking structures and gated communities are just a few of the many places security gates can be found.  Access can be controlled using many different methods of controls such as remotes, card readers, scanners or transponder systems.

Access control points allow admittance based on information and signal given by the person seeking entry to a reader who then continues to verify the information based on preset criteria.  If all of the criteria are met then the computer will send a signal to open and allow entry.  If the information is entered and does not match or is incorrect a signal the control point will ignore the signal and stay shut.  Often after access information is entered incorrectly after a certain number of times the machine will need to be reset by an authorized administrator.  This is for the safety and security of the people or information that is being secured by the access control point.

The access control system you need will be determined on the level of security needed.  Homes are often secured with simple automatic gates while business lots may use simple swing arm gates.  Office buildings may have simple card readers or may require biometric readers to match fingerprints for entry.  You will see the higher security the more credentials will need to be met to gain access.  A combination of them may be used for instance in government or medical situations.

Access control systems are basically the system that holds the authority over access to a general location or resource.  The term refers to not only physical access but also technological access.  For instance, if you are looking for security around a structure such as a pool you will only provide access control information to those allowed in the area through the automatic gate.  If the security is for a technologically based system access controls systems are referring to the program that blocks certain unauthorized users while allowing access to those who are allowed to have it.

Access controls systems surround our everyday life.  At airports personal are only allowed access into parts of the airport that passengers are not.  They obtain access through a card reader which is just one type of access control systems.  Think about your daily routine.  When you access your ATM or enter your vehicle though a key pad or remote control your life is become more convenient because of access control systems that surround our daily lives.

Computer technology in doctor’s office is just one area where security and access controls are imperative.  The office must maintain confidentiality between the doctor and the patient and records cannot be accessed by just anyone. This is why you will find that information a nurse or physician enters in about you is only accessed with a swipe of a card which allows permission to access the files or a code that is entered to access information.

There are two different types of access control systems physical and electronic.  Physical access is granted because of who you are, when you need access, and where you need access too.  Devices such as keys and locks allow physical access.  As technology increases physical access is dimensioning and moving towards electronic systems.  These systems help alleviate the problems that exist with physical access such as the loss of a key and that it is hard to place restriction on the key holders access.  Electronic access allows access based on a number of criteria that if met allows access to that person.  It also helps stop people from accessing information or facilities.

This is true of our cottage association in the winter months.  Access to the cottages is only granted to administrators of the association with the correct code pressed in the access box.  You have to contact them if you need to go to your cottage within that time.  The facility is protected by a gate access system that will not grant permission to those who are not allowed to be there.  However during the spring, fall and summer we all have our own code to enter the facility.  This allows the association to keep track of who is coming and going at all times.  I love the automatic gate and access control system because I can let my kids play freely on bikes and with others without the worry of strangers entering the association.

Our world is changing and because information is becoming of a more and more sensitive it is important that we guard access to our records and physical spaces.  I never leave home without locking the doors and I never sign into my computer at work and walk away.  They are safety measures I am willing to take to ensure that my personal space and information are kept that way.  How has a control device saved you from exposing too much of yourself?

How do you go about making a choice between gate operators?  What criteria are important and what does it really matter how the gates open and close?  Automatic gates and gate operators are examples of technological advances made to better improve the quality of live surrounding us.  Whether the gate is used for home, commercial or industrial use you can guarantee that the main function of the gate is to speed up entering and exiting, improve safety and provide a record of traffic.

The first question you need to answer is what type of gate are you looking for?  Are you looking for a gate that slides open, one that swings, a vertical opening gate or are you looking for a simple barrier gate.  The gate operator that you need will be different depending on the type of gate you choose.

It is also important when evaluating your need for a gate operator unit to determine if you are going to replace your gate or are you adding the automatic gate operator onto and existing unit?  If you are using an existing unit you will want to make sure the gate is operational.  A gate operator can do many things but it cannot fix a faulty gate.

A gate operator needs to be chosen in regards to the gates size also.  Make sure that you know the height and weight of the gate you are intending to operate.  It is not possible to buy a gate operator that is intended for a lightweight barrier gate and use it to operate a full wrought iron swing gate.  The weight will cause damage within the system because of the added stress the weight will put on the inner components.

What direction do you need the gate to open to?  You will need to determine that ahead of time to make sure that the gate operator is purchased to be installed on the intended side.  Obviously if you are looking to have the gate open on the right side you cannot order a gate operator with a right opening arm.

Also, determine the flow of traffic that will enter and exit through the gate.  Are you using the gate in a residential area, for commercial business or industrial commerce?  This will help you when looking at durability and the longevity of the operators you are looking at. The traffic amount will also help you narrow down the type of safety and the amount of security needed.

Another point to determine before you purchase a gate operator will open and close. Do you want to use a card reader or are you most interested in a remote control set up?  The same questions will need to be addressed with closing the gate.  Should it close automatically or do you want it to be closed in the same manner it was open?  For instance, I open my garage door with a remote control and close it with a unit that is wired in to the house.  I need to keep control over the closing of the door in this instance. It is also important to decide if you are going to have to have controlled access upon leaving also.  Some places require you to again access the exit like you did the entrance but others allow for automatic exit based on sensors “seeing” your car.

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you determine exactly what type of gate, gate operator and access control system will fit your need.  Once you determine this your selections will be narrowed down making the shopping and decision a lot less aggravating.

Why are automatic gates important?  The popularity of living within a gated community is increasing but why?  Are people concerned with status or safety?

Automatic gates are gates that open and close without the assistance of a person when the conditions are presented and fulfilled.  For instance, in Oscoda where we vacation we have an automatic slide gate.  In order to exit or enter the facility we must press in a code, a different number for each resident.  We enter this code into a small access control system that sits to the side of the gate. When we key in the correct code we are then allowed to enter or exit. Emergency vehicles such as police and fire trucks are given an emergency response code to access the gate in case of an emergency with in the cabin association.

There are many positives and negatives associated with gated communities.  I love the freedom it allows us on our family trips to the cabin.  We know everyone in the association and traffic is always minimal so you feel very safe letting your kids play with other kids in the area without the worry of outsiders entering.  The safety I feel on vacation is worth every dime we paid to have the automatic gate.  It also gives us a greater sense of security with the cabin when we are not around.  I am not as worried about someone entering the cabin and removing our belongings.

The gate is also a wonderful addition to keep the kids from traveling outside of the allotted area. A busy road is right outside the gate.  I don’t worry at all about my children accidentally riding their bikes out into the traffic causing a potential deadly situation.  The gate holds two purposes keeping people out and keeping people in.

I also really like the class status it gives to our cabin association.  It defiantly makes the grounds and landscaping richer.  I am sure when people drive pass they are thinking about the level of people that live within.  Not realizing it is really just us, cabin dwellers.  It is funny how something like an automatic gate can change the status of an establishment.

Many people consider automatic gates and inconvenience.  My girlfriend hates that when she visits us at the condo she has to call us and we have to buzz her in.  I never give my code out to anyone.  Personal information such as that is meant to stay within the family and that is it.  If someone uses the cabin they are given a temporary code that the association assigns and is only viable during the dates we give them access to the cabin. I know the resale value of our cabin went up once the gate was installed and operating.  Of course I see this is a benefit but potential home buyers may not.  Gated communities tend to be a bit more pricy than there non- gated counterparts.

Before you decide on living full time in a gated community way the options available to you which will help you make a more educated decision.  I know or home is not located within a gated community and I feel equal as safe allowing the kids to play and stay home alone.  I have spent time making friends with the neighbors; I choose to live on the end of a private dirt road with minimal traffic and installed motion lights around the house for the evening hours.   This and the knowledge that I keep very good tabs on the where about of my family at all times makes me feel like I have made the right choice for both our cabin and residence.

It is important as a business owner that we know who is coming and going from our facility at all times.  Tracking this is often a difficult task.  We do this for safety and security reasons.  It is expensive to hire a security company to watch the flow of traffic and track it for you.  That is where access control systems come into play.  An access control system allows you to monitor when people enter and exit access control systems help to keep unauthorized people out, while providing flawless access to those who are authorized to be there.

Access control systems have three main mechanisms.  They include a controller, locks and the device that enables and disables the lock.  The controller is a multi level device that is programmed with software from a computer that manages the system. This is where your control access, create accounts and look at the logs of entry and exit.  Cost is usually a factor with how in depth the reporting from the controller.  The more detailed the options and flexibility in programs the more expensive the system.

The locks are enabled and disabled per a command from the central control system, computer.  There are two different types of locking systems available electric and magnetic.  Magnetic locks tend to be chosen more over electric locks.  They tend to be a bit more costly but are advantageous because of their strength, ease of installation and power.

The access device is the key to the access control system.  There are several different options available in the area of access devices.  It is often determined by the level of security needed for a facility.  A high tech government facility may be interested in doing a biometric scan instead of a pass code entry because it is possible to pass along a code but is nearly impossible to pass on the information needed for a biometric scan.  If you are however just giving access to your companies parking garage something simpler like a magnetic card reader is all you need.

I was recently at a gated community up in Oscoda where in order to access the cabin you needed to enter through a sliding electric gate.  It is nice because every visitor has a unique id that tracks when they arrive and exit. The code was then deactivated after our stay at the facility.  I felt incredibly safe letting the kids play more freely than on other vacation I had been on because I knew that people entering through gate were supposed to be there.

The technologies available within the access device systems themselves are incredible.  I think it is crazy that you can range in access from a number code, a magnetic reader, a key fob, scanning systems all the way to biometric devices. Fingerprints and hand scanners are, in my opinion, the most secure systems.  It is incredibly hard to lose or duplicate a part of you.  Whereas it is easy to misplace a magnetic card reader or forget an access code.

Whatever business you are in and whatever system you need whether an exit and entrance gate access system or a door access system make sure to research the options available to you.  It is important that your system be able to allow you the insurance needed to fell that your business is as secure as it possibly can be.