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Retrofitting Older Gates With Electric Openers

Residential - Commercial - Industrial

Upgrade Your Old Gates With Electric Openers For Effortless Convenience And Enhanced Security. Discover The Benefits Of Retrofitting In Our Latest Article

Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in the Stone Age every time you have to manually open and close your older gate? Well, fret not, because we have the perfect solution for you. Retrofitting your older gate with an electric opener is like giving it a new lease on life, transforming it into a sleek and modern marvel.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of retrofitting your gate, ensuring that you choose the right electric opener and hire a professional installation service to get the job done efficiently and effectively. We’ll also show you how to test and adjust the opener so that your gate operates smoothly and effortlessly.

Once your gate is equipped with an electric opener, you’ll experience a whole new level of convenience and security. No more struggling with heavy gates or worrying about forgetting to lock them. So, join the ranks of the technologically advanced and enjoy the benefits of an electric gate opener. You’ll feel like you truly belong in the modern world.

Key Takeaways

Retrofitting older gates with electric openers provides enhanced security by deterring unauthorized access and reducing the risk of break-ins.
It offers convenience by allowing for easy entry and exit, saving time and effort, and eliminating the need for manual operation.
Retrofitting older gates with electric openers can result in cost savings by reducing the need for security personnel, minimizing maintenance and repair costs, and saving on energy consumption.
It improves access control by allowing for selective entry permissions, providing temporary access codes, integrating with intercom systems, enabling visitor tracking, and supporting multiple user profiles.

Assess the Condition of Your Gate

Before you start retrofitting your older gate with an electric opener, it’s crucial to assess the condition of your gate to ensure a smooth installation process. Evaluating gate compatibility and considering budget constraints are essential steps in this process.

First, evaluate the compatibility of your gate with an electric opener. Older gates may have structural limitations that could affect the installation. Check if your gate is sturdy enough to support the weight and movement of an opener. Look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage that may impact the installation process. It’s important to address these issues before proceeding to avoid any complications later on.

Next, consider your budget constraints. Retrofitting an older gate can be a cost-effective solution compared to replacing the entire gate. However, it’s crucial to determine how much you’re willing to spend on the electric opener and any necessary repairs or modifications. Take into account the long-term maintenance costs as well.

Once you have evaluated the condition of your gate and considered your budget constraints, you can proceed to choose the right electric opener for your needs. This involves selecting an opener that is compatible with your gate’s specifications and meets your desired functionality.

Choose the Right Electric Opener

When it comes to selecting the perfect opener for your gate, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right one to seamlessly upgrade your entrance. Safety should be your utmost priority when considering electric openers for older gates. Look for openers that have advanced safety features such as auto-reverse, which stops the gate from closing if it detects an obstruction. Additionally, opt for openers that have a secure code system to prevent unauthorized access.

Maintenance is also crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of your electric opener. Regularly inspect the opener for any signs of wear and tear, and promptly replace any damaged parts. Lubricate the moving parts to prevent friction and ensure optimal performance. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and schedule periodic professional inspections.

When it comes to retrofitting your older gate with an electric opener, it is recommended to hire a professional installation service. They have the expertise and experience to properly install the opener and ensure it is aligned and functioning correctly. Additionally, they can provide valuable advice on maintenance and safety precautions to keep your gate operating smoothly and securely.

Transitioning into the next section about hiring a professional installation service, it is essential to entrust this task to professionals for a hassle-free and reliable upgrade.

Hire a Professional Installation Service

When hiring a professional installation service for your electric gate opener, it’s crucial to find a reputable and experienced installer. This ensures that the installation is done correctly and safely.

By entrusting the task to an expert, you can have peace of mind knowing that your gate opener will be installed with precision and attention to detail.

Find a reputable and experienced installer

To find a reputable and experienced installer, you should definitely consider looking for someone who has a proven track record in retrofitting older gates with electric openers. It is crucial to choose an installer who understands the intricacies of older gate systems and can ensure a seamless integration of the electric opener. Here are three qualities to look for in an installer:

Extensive Experience: Opt for an installer who has years of experience specifically in retrofitting older gates with electric openers. Their expertise will guarantee a smooth and efficient installation process.
Attention to Detail: The installer should have a keen eye for detail and be meticulous in their work. This ensures that every aspect of the installation is done accurately and precisely.
Excellent Reputation: Look for an installer with a strong reputation in the industry. Positive reviews and recommendations from past clients demonstrate their reliability and professionalism.

By finding an installer who possesses these qualities, you can ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely, providing you with a functional and reliable electric gate opener.

Ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely

By choosing an experienced and reputable installer, you can be confident that the installation of your electric gate opener will be carried out correctly and safely. This ensures a smooth and efficient integration into your existing gate system.

Gate opener safety is paramount during the installation process, as it involves working with electrical components and moving parts. An experienced installer will have the knowledge and expertise to avoid common installation mistakes that could compromise the safety and functionality of your gate opener.

They will carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that all connections are secure, and that the opener is properly aligned and adjusted. Once the installation is complete, the installer will test and adjust the opener to ensure it operates smoothly and safely.

This thorough approach will give you peace of mind knowing that your gate opener is installed correctly and will function reliably.

Test and Adjust the Opener

Although it may seem challenging at first, it’s crucial to test and adjust the opener when retrofitting older gates with electric openers. This step ensures that the installation is done correctly and guarantees the safety of both the gate and its users.

To effectively test and adjust the opener, follow these steps:

Test Accuracy: Begin by checking the accuracy of the opener’s movement. Open and close the gate multiple times, observing if it reaches the desired positions accurately. If any inaccuracies are found, make adjustments to ensure precise operation.
Adjust Tension: Next, focus on adjusting the tension of the gate opener. This is important to ensure that the gate moves smoothly and without any strain on the opener mechanism. By making necessary adjustments to the tension, you can optimize the gate’s performance and prolong the lifespan of the opener.
Fine-tune Settings: Lastly, take the time to fine-tune the settings of the opener. This includes adjusting the opening and closing speeds, sensitivity to obstacles, and any additional features provided by the opener. Customize these settings to personalize the gate’s operation to fit your specific needs.

With the opener properly tested and adjusted, you can now enjoy the benefits of an electric gate opener. It provides convenience, security, and adds a touch of modernity to your older gate.

Enjoy the Benefits of an Electric Gate Opener

Experience the convenience, security, and modern touch that an electric gate opener brings to your existing gate.

With an electric gate opener, you can enhance the security of your property, providing you with peace of mind. No more manually opening and closing the gate, as the electric opener takes care of it for you. Imagine the convenience and ease of use that comes with a simple push of a button. Whether you are arriving home after a long day or welcoming guests, you can effortlessly open and close your gate without stepping out of your vehicle.

But the benefits don’t stop there. An electric gate opener can also save you money in the long run. By automating the opening and closing process, you can avoid costly repairs caused by manual mishandling. Additionally, an electric gate opener can deter potential intruders, increasing the security of your property and potentially reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.

Investing in an electric gate opener not only adds a modern touch to your existing gate but also provides you with increased security, convenience, and potential cost savings. Don’t miss out on the advantages that come with this technological upgrade.

Upgrade your gate today and enjoy the benefits that an electric gate opener brings.

Conclusion

Congratulations on successfully retrofitting your older gate with an electric opener! You’ve made a wise decision that will greatly enhance the convenience and security of your property.

By assessing the condition of your gate, choosing the right opener, and hiring a professional installation service, you’ve ensured a seamless and efficient process.

Now, as you test and adjust the opener, you’ll experience the smooth operation it provides.

So sit back, relax, and let your gate open with the ease of a well-oiled machine, bringing a touch of modernity to your property.

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Alpha Gate & Door Co.
3622 Lakeridge Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051-4627

Retrofitting Older Gates With Electric Openers

Retrofitting Older Gates With Electric Openers FAQ's

How much does it cost to retrofit an older gate with an electric opener?

Retrofitting your older gate with an electric opener offers a world of convenience and security. Let’s dive into the cost considerations.

Prices can vary depending on factors like gate size, material, and installation complexity, but generally range from $500 to $2,000.

However, the benefits are worth it. You’ll enjoy effortless gate operation, increased property value, and enhanced curb appeal.

Join the league of modern gate owners and experience the belonging that comes with it.

Can I install an electric opener on my own, or is it recommended to hire a professional?

Installing an electric opener on your own for an older gate has its pros and cons. The advantages of DIY installation include cost savings and the satisfaction of completing the project yourself. However, it requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming.

Hiring a professional has its advantages as well. They have the expertise to ensure proper installation, saving you time and potential frustration. Additionally, they can provide recommendations for the best opener suited for your gate.

Are there any safety considerations or precautions that need to be taken when retrofitting an older gate with an electric opener?

When retrofitting an older gate with an electric opener, there are several safety considerations and precautions you should keep in mind.

First, ensure that the gate is in proper working condition and free from any damage or obstructions.

Additionally, make sure to follow all manufacturer instructions and guidelines for installation.

It is crucial to properly secure and reinforce the gate to prevent accidents or injuries.

Regular maintenance and inspections are also necessary to ensure ongoing safety and functionality.

Can I use the existing gate or do I need to replace it with a new one for the electric opener to work properly?

To determine if your existing gate is compatible with an electric opener, you may need to assess its condition and functionality. Consider factors such as the size, weight, and construction of the gate. Additionally, check if there is enough clearance and space for the opener to be installed properly. If your gate meets these requirements, you may be able to use the existing gate and retrofit it with the electric opener.

However, in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the gate entirely to ensure proper functioning of the electric opener. This could be due to factors such as structural integrity, age, or design limitations. Replacing the gate may involve additional costs, but it can provide peace of mind knowing that your gate and opener are compatible and will work seamlessly together.

Ultimately, the decision to use the existing gate or replace it with a new one depends on various factors. Consulting with a professional installer or gate specialist can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Are there any maintenance requirements or regular checks that need to be done after the installation of an electric gate opener?

After installing an electric gate opener, you’ll be relieved to know that there are minimal maintenance requirements and regular checks needed. It’s as if the gate magically takes care of itself!

Just make sure to keep an eye on the hinges and lubricate them occasionally to keep things running smoothly.

Additionally, check the sensors and safety features regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.

With these simple tasks, your gate will continue to provide you with convenience and security.

Author Bio

Terry Wooten

Terry Wooten is a distinguished professional in the realm of automated gate systems, renowned for his expertise as a Certified Automated Gate Systems Designer and Automated Gate Operator Installer. With a passion for innovative technology and a keen eye for detail, Terry has carved a niche for himself in the industry, ensuring the seamless integration of cutting-edge gate automation solutions.

A dedicated member of the International Door Association and the Institute of Door Dealers, Terry is committed to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. His involvement in these esteemed organizations reflects his unwavering dedication to professional development and the highest standards of excellence in the field.

Drawing on years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of automated gate systems, Terry Wooten has become a trusted name in the industry. His commitment to delivering top-notch services and staying abreast of the latest industry trends positions him as a leading authority in the design and installation of automated gate systems. Through his work, Terry continues to contribute to the evolution of the industry, ensuring secure and efficient access solutions for a wide range of clients.

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Alpha Gate & Door Co.

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Randy Rutledge

23:18 02 Apr 25

Great to work with a supplier that actually bids a job, completes it on time and on budget. Terry and his crew were a pleasure to deal with and installed a great product on a very challenging area. Would definitely recommend and use again

Eric Welman

15:51 02 Apr 25

The gate replacement work was performed professionally and to my complete satisfaction. They also did the work at a very fair price. Very happy with them.

Lynn Davoudian

12:49 18 Mar 25

Fantastic company & services ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rita Egeland

00:58 16 Mar 25

The service and the work that was done was exceptional. We needed to replace three very old (and very heavy) garage doors in a home that was built in 1960. There were a number of challenges along the way and each one was met professionally and in a timely manner. Lisa was an excellent communicator and highly responsive. Kevin did an extraordinary job with a fairly involved installation. His 'can do' attitude was very refreshing and reassuring. As noted, the final result was terrific. The pricing was VERY reasonable and very fair. The install was completed two days ago and I have already received compliments from the neighbors!

Gordon Crow

01:49 01 Mar 25

Easy to schedule. Fair & competitive pricing for a quick gate opener repair

Barrett Campbell

23:46 15 Jan 25

I called Terry to help with a damaged gate and masonry column. He came out the same day to help diagnose the issue and offered a sensible solution. He got the gate system repaired quickly and I was back up and running. I will definitely be calling Terry in the future. Thank you,

Scott Kirscht

18:41 15 Dec 24

Excellent door and gate company. I would give them 10 stars. I had extremely tight tolerances and Terry and his crew engineered the gate down to the inch. Top of the line materials and great service. Highly recommend.

E Yaeger

16:35 11 Dec 24

On Oct. 31 my electric gate stopped working and I called Alpha Gate and Door and talked to Lisa. She was great and based on my symptoms said she thought it was the battery and she would send Kealan out the next day. He came and replaced the battery with a 12 v 55ah battery. I asked him to rehang my reflector light on my neighbors new fence so the motion sensor would work. It had worked fine prior to that being taken down. He did that and it worked for a minute and then stopped. He rewired it and it worked once and he left. The next day I noticed the sensor was not working but I didn’t really care because my dog is too small to trigger it. I was charged $448 -$169 for the service call, $249 for the battery and $30 to rewire the sensor. I work exclusively from home as an attorney and never even use the gate during the week. A few weeks later the gate stopped operation completely and I called on Dec. 6. Lisa said she would send Kealan out. He called me and I said the gate would not open at all, the sensor was not working and the sensor was making a nonstop buzzing noise. He arrived fairly late in the day and I saw him pull into my driveway but he did not come to my door and went straight to the gate. I immediately went out there and I saw when he opened the cover that the battery charger lights were not on. He was in a very bad mood and starting ripping the battery out and said I needed a new battery. I said I guess it was because the battery charger wasn’t plugged in. I was not mad about it because that can happen to anyone. He got really mad at that point, I guess because I knew what had happened. He demanded to know whether I had unplugged it, grabbed a huge battery that would not even fit in my unit, then declared the charger had “allegedly” not been plugged in. As he was trying to force the battery in and was slamming everything around, I asked him if he had a smaller battery. He said no, it was whomever installed my gate opener’s fault because the antenna was on the left and they were usually on the right. He continued to try to force it but could not get the cover on. So he gave up and said he would come back Monday with a smaller battery. I assumed the sensor was not working because the battery had died. I heard nothing from anyone the following Monday and had had it so I called Lisa and yelled and told her the way Kealan had behaved and when was the battery actually going to be installed. She said she would talk to Kealan and I said do you have anybody else who is not a jackass who could come instead. She said she would investigate and call me back. She never called me back and apparently the next day around lunch Kealan snuck onto my property, did not tell me he was there, and put in another battery and texted me the gate was now working. I went outside to try it and the remote was not working at all. I have programmed remotes many times (I have done a lot of products liability work and handled cases with complex machinery failures and deposed a lot of engineers so I am not unfamiliar with this type of equipment) and checked it and the receiver was getting the signal from the transmitter but the control board was not opening the gate.So I called Lisa, explained he had come but not told me he was there, and that the remote was not opening the gate. I also apologized for yelling at her the day before because it was not her fault. She said she would tell him. After that call I remembered there is a reset button on the Patriot control board so I went out and pushed it and that caused the remote to work so I called Lisa and said it was working. The new battery is smaller than the one he had originally put in and retails for about $95. The motion sensor still does not work, I have done jumping jacks in front of of it to know avail. I am not bothering to call again about that because Kealan would probably get really mad again. He does NOT like his competence put into question. You decide if $249 is a fair markup on a $95 battery.

Julie Bealke

00:55 09 Nov 24

We are very happy with the service we received from Alpha Gate & Door. We had a 20-year old gate that stopped working. Upon our first call, they were quick to respond, provide an estimate & schedule the work. The tech was very thorough and at the end explained all of the updates. I know that if I ever need anything else, I will call them.

Carl Robertson

13:52 26 Sep 24

I highly recommend Alpha Gate and Door. Lisa was very helpful and honest and answered all of my questions.

Jim Wallin

20:37 25 Sep 24

I am extremely happy with the installation and operation of the our new Alpha Gate / gate opener. Their tech was very thorough and gave me an excellent walk through of the installed hardware and operation of the system. The installation of our new gate opener was completed on time and on the agreed to day of installation. I believe that I really got my moneys worth on this on this home upgrade.

Rahim Fancy

14:12 10 Sep 24

Excellent service on both a gate and a garage door motor update. Needed help, got it immediately, price was great, technicians were very well versed, and explained everything to me. I felt very comfortable and satisfied. Highly recommend.

Greg Pressly

20:35 11 Aug 24

Great Service from Alpha Gate & Door! We have used them for almost 20 years. They are professional, honest, and reasonable. Lisa is always easy to deal with and very efficient in getting us scheduled for a service call. She is so helpful in trying to solve the problem before sending someone out - how great is that! Kealan is AMAZING as our Service Tech. He is very knowledgeable & professional and provides great tips on how to care for and maintain our gate. Kealan makes for a perfect customer experience!

David

21:42 02 Jun 24

Excellent service from arrival time to departure. Very knowledgeable and had a lot of good suggestions for improving my gates performance.

GregB

15:47 29 Apr 24

I was having issues with a noisy garage door. I called alpha gate and doors and they came out in no time and fixed the issue. I highly recommend this company

Phillip Staggs

18:43 19 Apr 24

Priyank Desai

18:06 19 Mar 24

Had to have the hinges on my gate replaced. Alpha Gate was knowledgeable and fairly priced. They conducted the repair the next day and my gate is whisper quiet now. I highly recommend them!

joe valencia

00:14 19 Mar 24

Alpha Gate &Door Co. , The owners are amazing I had several questions and they where quick to respond, and got me the info. I will always call them as they made me feel like family, and had me fixed up in no time. Thanks for such an amazing experience!

Brian G

00:24 11 Nov 23

I highly recommend Alpha Gate & Door Company! The entire process was incredibly quick and professional! I spoke with Lisa (she’s amazing and extremely knowledgeable) on Tuesday and she came out Wednesday with a recommendation to replace the gate opener that was faulty and couldn’t handle the weight of my gate. I received the reasonable quote the same day and their technician, Keelan, was at my house on Friday of the SAME WEEK to install. Keelan was just as courteous and professional as Lisa and did an amazing job! The install was perfect and pristine! I’ve tried working with other companies and honestly they are hands down the best! If there were 10 stars available, I would give them 10!Thank you Alpha team!

Greg McAllister

22:31 06 Sep 23

Mark Wilgus

22:02 18 Jul 23

I highly recommend Alpha Gate & Door Co.for your gate repair or installation needs. We were in need of a replacement system for or driveway gate. Lisa immediately understood my situation and had a perfect recommendation for a replacement. She emailed me a detailed proposal and followed up with a visit to our site. In a timely manner the technician, Kealin and his assistant George, professionally installed a complete Patriot 1 system that looks great and works perfectly. I am very pleased with all aspects of their service.

B WBURG

14:47 20 Apr 23

Alpha Gate & Door recently replaced our 3-gate system thats used by over 250 residents and visitors on a daily basis.Terry was excellent in guiding us from the first visit to the final inspection, including his experiences on what to expect and where any likely issues would occur. With a large property, that was critical to avoiding problems that could pop up.The crews, clean up and invoicing were all done professionally.We would strongly recommend Alpha Gate & Door for your gate access needs.

Bobby Broyles

14:52 21 Mar 23

These folks were great! They could have charged me for a new garage door opener, but instead they fix the one I had. Way to go!

Craig DeMoss

21:32 11 Feb 23

We were having some issues with our gate opener and contacted Alpha while looking for a company to take care of it. From the first call to explain what was going on it was great. Very friendly folks! Kealan came out and has us fixed up in no time at all. Fair pricing and great service!

Bradford Gardner

14:18 30 Jan 23

Called on a Saturday morning around 0800 and left a message about issue I was having. I received a call back a few minutes later and was ask to send some pictures of the gate. Once I sent over the pictures, I got another call around 1200, asking if they could come by today as a crew was finished early and could swing by to fix. The gate was fixed by 3:00 same day. Thanks for the quick response and repair. I wasn't expecting that on a Saturday morning. So far so good.

John Hopkins

23:20 21 Nov 22

Great service. They were truly experts at install. Understanding what we needed. Highly recommend. Will use them again.

richard arini

21:19 16 Nov 22

The workmanship was very well done. Price was reasonable, the new bracket on our electric gate is an improvement from what was the original part. I highly recommend Alpha Gate and Door.

Justin Huffman

19:17 09 Aug 22

Alpha gate was incredible to work with. From beginning to end, they were responsive, flexible and provided quality work to go along with great service. We will definitely recommend!

Grant Good

13:15 29 Nov 21

Alpha Gate & Door installed a gate at my home. My wife and are more than pleased with the quality and workmanship of our get. The gate is heavy gauge steel with highest quality. The actuator works very well and is also highest quality. Service was great and can't recommend them enough!

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