Author: Five Channels Media

Gate Tips: Decorating For The Holidays 🦃🎄🎅🏻

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With the holidays just around the corner, it’s that time of year to pull those beautiful decorations out of the attic and hang them around your property, even on your automated gate and fencing. Occasionally, this can cause a few issues, but knowing these do’s and don’t’s will help you have a less stressful time decorating during the holiday season:

 

  • Don’t block your photo-eye.

    • For all automated gates up to code and in compliance with the UL-325 code, your gate will have what is called a “photo eye”. It’s a device that allows the gate to stay open when the photo eye sensor is activated. And, if the photo eye is obstructed by a wreath or lights on your gate, it will cause the gate to “see” an obstacle and stay open until the issue is rectified.

 

  • Do check/replace batteries.

    • Regardless of whether your gate is AC powered, we always suggest checking the automated gate opener’s battery. Even if it’s brand new, it’s not unheard of to be a battery failure. Consider purchasing a voltmeter from your local hardware store or give us a call Quality Gates And Openers for a courtesy inspection.

 

  • Don’t leave your lights on.

    • While neighbors and passersby truly enjoy the festivity of Christmas lights, keep in mind that your power bill may be temporarily raised during the holiday season. Consider putting the lights on a timer to lessen the burden on your pocketbook.

 

  • Do clear debris/vegetation.

    • Check in and around your automated gate system for debris and vegetation that may inadvertently hinder the use of your gate. Many times during this time of year, you’ll want to keep an eye out for falling leaves. As it gets colder, freezing rain and snow can also cause obstructions. You may consider using Rain-X on your photo eye for weather-related issues.

 

And as always, if you have questions or concerns during this holiday season, contact Quality Gates And Openers immediately!

 

American Fence Association | Gate Automation Technical School [GATS]

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Quality Gates And Openers is proud to have two members of our amazing team, Michael Johnson and Bryce Hall, representing us at the American Fence Association’s Gate Automation Technician School this week in Arlington, Texas, continuing their education in preparation for the Gate Automation Technician Certification Examination administered by the Accreditation & Certification Institute. Recognized as the premier school for training safe and professional automated gate technicians, our installers are learning everything from the initial automated gate design to its final installation along with associated hazards, safety standards, and many other critical key points. At the conclusion of their classes, they’ll have the opportunity to complete the examination.

We wish them both well in their studies and know that we’re behind you all the way! 🎓

*Please note: some images are shared from the AFA Facebook page; others by our staff on-site.

Buying A New Home With An Automated Gate?

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Luxury Automated Gates by Quality Gates And Openers

Don’t Forget To Ask These Questions!

 

As you’re searching for a new home, you’ll find that many previous homeowners have found an automated gate system is beneficial – convenient, reliable, and secure. So, when you’re viewing the home with the realtor, be sure to ask these additional questions regarding the functions and condition of the automated gate:

 

Does the gate swing, slide or raise?

If the property you’re looking to purchase has an automated gate, the first thing should be to determine if it swings, slides or raises to open and close. Swing gates tend to be quieter and can have fewer moving parts which may enable you to save money on future maintenance. Slide gates can take up less space and tend to have no gaps under them. This may be an option for those with pets and are worried about potential venturing out of the yard. A vertical pivot gate opens and closes by raising up such as a railroad crossing arm offering considerable space-saving advantages.

 

What is the gate made out of?

Weathering and upkeep are dependent on the gate’s material – metal or wood. Metal gates require minimal upkeep and are very easy to maintain. Aluminum is a naturally rust-resistant material while iron and steel gates are finished with a powder coating to ensure they don’t peel or fade. Metal gates typically don’t give a lot of privacy as they allow the ability to view the property between the slats. Wood gates do create a wonderful sense of privacy and are able to withstand harsh weather conditions and effectively block the wind. However, they will need to be regularly re-stained, re-painted, or treated with a type of protective coating.

 

How is the gate powered?

Automated gates are powered in multiple ways such as alternating current (connected to the property’s power source) or solar-powered (assists during a power outage). Newer model openers can also come with battery back-up.

 

Are there any built-in safety features?

Many gates systems include a variety of built-in safety mechanisms: reversing sensors, guards, alarms, and even siren operated sensors. These beneficial features assist in preventing injuries and damage to your property. However, if not, you’ll be able to easily have them purchased and retrofitted to the existing system.

 

Is the gate still under warranty?

If the gate system is still under warranty, it will be a considerable advantage. This way if there is a manufacturing defect, the warranty will cover the repair and/or replacement costs. Also, it’s possible the warranty will protect against accidental damage as well.

 

Is the gate in need of any repairs?

 

And, last but not least, be sure to check the gate for visible damage: dents, cracks, scratches, splits, rust, etc. You want to ensure everything is in good working order. A slow, unresponsive gate will move irregularly against the track, drag against the ground or stop in the wrong position. Severe damage may require replacing the entire automated gate system and could be costly.

 

Once You’ve Purchased The Property,

Schedule A Courtesy Inspection Today!

Learn More About The Quality Difference At

 

Call 850-271-3617 or Email [email protected]

2nd Annual Veterans Day Gate Giveaway!

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We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Veterans Day Gate Giveaway this year. We will be giving a special veteran within our community a driveaway gate, fabricated by our team and a new gate operator system donated by our friends at Liftmaster and Access Distribution Center. This is just a small token of our appreciation and thanks to all the special veterans who have served our county.

Please see below for the terms and conditions:

The entry window will close Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 11:59p CDT. Only one entry per email address. Send nominations to [email protected] with the subject line “Nomination.” Please include your veteran’s name, address, and contact info (as well as your own.)

Value of Prize – The prize value will be approximately $12,000 depending on the type and size of gate system the winner requires. We will be providing a free year of QSA (quarterly service agreement) gate maintenance after the installation is complete, as well as a one-year warranty on gate labor and any additional warranties associated with the products given.

Eligibility – The nominee must be a United States veteran to be eligible to win. Candidates must be the owner of the property and live in Bay or Walton County. The site must be solar-compatible and gate-ready.

Selection Process – 5 finalists will be chosen via documented random process and treated to a dinner with our company on Friday, October 7th. All finalists that meet the criteria will be reviewed to ensure qualification in the days up to October 7th and a final winner will be selected at dinner. The goal is to have the gate up and running (weather permitting) on Veterans Day—November 11, 2022.

Property disqualification – The property must be located in one of the counties described above and the candidate must be the homeowner. The site must be solar compatible and have a “gate-ready” driveway.

Other – Winner agrees to allow Quality Gates to use their story (if provided though this is not mandatory,) images, and video without compensation or restrictions. The Quality Gates’ Veterans Day Gate Giveaway is a one-time gift. It does not include financial assistance for future replacement, repairs, maintenance, or operating costs. Depending on the actual work performed, the part may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or our one-year warranty on labor. No other warranties or guarantees apply.

No purchase is required to enter.

NEW: QGO Powder Coating in Panama City

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Powder Coating in Panama City

At Quality Gates, we powder coat more than just gates! As of 2021, we’re proud to announce we’ve launched our premier powder coating service at our shop in Panama City, Fl. We are open for business and looking for medium to large powder coating projects in the Panama City area.

This exciting development has been a long time coming for our company. For those of you who don’t know, Quality Gates began as just two guys in a pickup truck back in 2007 and has grown exponentially over the years. We are so grateful for all our wonderful clients!

Our Powder Coating Team at Quality Gates

Chuck Wyzard, Manager of Powder Coating at QG. Powder Coating in Panama City

Our brand new powder coating department is led by Mr. Chuck Wyzard, our Powder Coating Manager, and our on-site powder coater, Brandon Geldert. In addition to Brandon, we also have several other team members cross-trained on powder coating to help out where needed. Michael Johnson, Quality Gates veteran (and US veteran!) is among the powder coaters we have on our staff and we are actively working to build our internal powder coating team!

About Our Powder Shop in Panama City

We stock three colors in our Panama City powder coating shop–white, black, and oil-rubbed bronze but we also provide color-matching and can obtain custom colors, from something muted and conservative like grey or off-white to bright oranges, purples, greens… you name it! We can powder anything from pizza racks to large industrial parts.

How to Request a Quote

Reach out! Give our office a call at 850 271-3617 or visit our website to request a quote today! If you’re already one of our wonderful customers, please consider leaving us an online review about your experience with us!

Quality Gates | Access Control Applications

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At Quality Gates, we offer access control for most applications, including pedestrian gates, vehicular gates, exit doors, and more. We’ve compiled a product list for you here to describe the kinds of access control we provide at Quality Gates, as well as our recommended access control applications and favorite brands!

Basic Keypad

Keypads are ideal for any kind of gated entry–from residential applications to larger community and industrial sites, keypads are simple, tried-and-true methods for access control. Most notably used by Quality Gates for pedestrian gate access control and vehicular gate access control, keypads are available in wireless and hard-wired connections. They are typically compatible with solar as well as electrical applications and are available in standalone or tied into an access control system by way of Wiegand connection. This allows easy tracking of who comes in and out and which codes are used. Keypads work great for beach access gates and pool gates, as well.

Applications we recommend:

  • Pedestrian Gates (beach access gates, pool gates, residential pedestrian gates,)
  • Residential and Community Vehicular Gate Access
  • Secure facilities

Brands we love!

  • Essex, Linear, DoorKing, LiftMaster, Assa Abloy

Maglocks as a Locking Mechanism

Maglocks are great additions to pedestrian gates and in some cases vehicular gates to keep them closed tightly. A standard size maglock that Quality Gates would typically use on a gate is a 1200lb maglock–this means the resistance is equal to 1200lb. This works well for many breezy coastal sites or tropical locations. Quality Gates uses self-closing hinges on our pedestrian gates to ensure they close behind each guest further enhancing the security of your application.

Applications we recommend:

  • Pedestrian gates that require locks or tropical, breezy locations.
  • Vehicular swing gates

Brands we love!

  • Secolarm, Assa Abloy, DoorKing, Liftmaster, Locinox, Alarm Controls

Request to Exit Devices for Pedestrian Exit

Request to Exit (REX) buttons and Request to Exit hands-free devices are easy-to-use and typically used on access-controlled pedestrian gates or doors. Available in button-style (touch to exit) and hands-free styles (wave to exit), these make exiting a secure facility a breeze. These are also used with solenoid locks (door strikes) and include panic bar-style exit devices as well as motion-detection devices to automatically unlock a door upon approach.

Applications we recommend:

  • Access-controlled pedestrian gates (beach access gates, hotel pool gates, etc)
  • Access-controlled exit door for secure facilities

Brands we love!

  • Secolarm, Essex, Assa Abloy, Honeywell, Alarm Controls, Enforcer

Telephone Entry Systems for Large Communities and More

For larger communities (either residential or industrial), a telephone entry system can make more sense for guests and those who are not authorized to be on the property. These devices allow visitors to call in from the entrance gate and speak to someone for entry. There are many types ranging from very basic call boxes to fancy systems with video.

Applications we recommend

  • Apartment building gates
  • Residential gated communities

Brands we love!

  • DoorKing, Elika, Cell Gate, Maximum Controls, LiftMaster

Card Reader/Fob Reader for Access Control

Card/fob readers (HID and/or AWID) are popular choices for basic access control. Another great option for apartment complexes and larger community applications, card readers can be a great way to grant gate or door access to permanent residents in a community or employees in a secure facility. Like keypads, these devices can be tied into a database where the credentials for each card-holder or fob-holder can be tracked for better security.

Applications we recommend

  • Residential communities
  • Secure facilities

Brands we love!

  • DoorKing, Essex, LiftMaster, Linear

Are you in the market for an access control system? Visit our website to request a quote today! If you’re already one of our wonderful customers, please consider leaving us an online review about your experience with us!

Quality Gates’ Veterans Day Gate Giveaway

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The entry window will close Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 11:59p CDT. Only one entry per email address. Send nominations to [email protected] with the subject line “Nomination.” Please include your veteran’s name, address, and contact info (as well as your own.)

Value of Prize – The prize value will be approximately $10,000 depending on the type and size of gate system the winner requires. We will be providing a free year of QSA (quarterly service agreement) gate maintenance after the installation is complete, as well as a one-year warranty on gate labor and any additional warranties associated with the products given.

Eligibility – The nominee must be active US military or a United States veteran to be eligible to win. Candidates must be the owner of the property and live in Bay or Walton County. The site must be solar-compatible and gate-ready.

Selection Process – 5 finalists will be chosen via documented random process and treated to a catered lunch or dinner with our company on Friday, October 1. All finalists that meet the criteria will be reviewed to ensure qualification in the days up to October 1 and a final winner will be selected at dinner. The goal is to have the gate up and running (weather permitting) on Veterans Day—November 11, 2021.

Property disqualification – The property must be located in one of the counties described above and the candidate must be the homeowner. The site must be solar compatible and have a “gate-ready” driveway.

Other – Winner agrees to allow Quality Gates to use their story (if provided though this is not mandatory,) images, and video without compensation or restrictions. The Quality Gates’ Veterans Day Gate Giveaway is a one-time gift. It does not include financial assistance for future replacement, repairs, maintenance, or operating costs. Depending on the actual work performed, the part may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or our one-year warranty on labor. No other warranties or guarantees apply.

No purchase is required to enter.

Quality Powder Coating: Why We Choose to Use Powder

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Where Did Powder Coating Originate?

Powder coating has been around for several decades but has only recently been recognized as a better choice than paint for many projects spanning myriad industries. Originally founded by a German scientist in the 1950s, powder coating used to be a far more difficult and costly process. 70 years later, we’ve perfected this process and made it far more affordable than ever before. Today, powder coating is done all over the world in lieu of its more toxic and less-durable cousin, paint.

Benefits and Advantages to Powder Coating

  1. Durability. Powder coating has a finish similar to paint but can withstand harsher elements and circumstances than paint applications can.
  2. Non-toxic. Powder coating contains safe materials and components, whereas paint fumes are toxic if inhaled for long periods of time.
  3. Easy and efficient to apply. With the right equipment and materials, powder coating can be easier and more efficient to apply than paint.
  4. Timely process. Because of the powder oven, it takes far less time for the powder to “dry” than paint.
  5. Affordable. Powder coating is far more affordable today than ever before. With all of the above benefits and advantages, it seems too good to be true that powder is so accessible, but it is!

Why We Use Powder Coating at Quality Gates

Among the many positive things about powder coating, it is also recommended by the EPA for sustainability. At Quality Gates, we choose to use the best quality, most sustainable, and durable option for adding color and texture to our materials. The secret to a perfectly applied quality powder coating starts with the powder. We use reputable, consistent brands and colors that allow us to provide consistent quality powder coating for projects ranging from small residential projects to larger industrial powder coating jobs. We also provide a color matching service for those who need to match the powder to a particular paint color. At our powder coating shop in Panama City, FL, we happily stock black, bronze, and white, but the color possibilities are endless!

Are you in the market for a brand new gate, or maybe you have a powder coating project on the horizon? Visit our website to request a quote today! If you’re already one of our wonderful customers, please consider leaving us an online review.

What Separates Us: Quarterly Service Agreement

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When our customers are searching for gates or gate service, they tend to find out that we are different from most. We pride ourselves on what separates us from these other companies. Many of these companies will not return to provide maintenance, repairs, or warranty support after the initial installation. They may come from out of town to do so, and then unfortunately they expect you to fend for yourself.

Why is this a problem?

Most gate companies do not offer servicing of your gate after it has been installed. If you’ve ever owned a gate, you understand that gates are problematic by nature. They are often hit by vehicles, struck by lightning, damaged by storms (particularly here in Florida,) or a host of other issues that can go wrong with the operation of a gate.

How We’re Different

At Quality Gates, what separates us (among other things) is that we offer a fully-operational service team to respond within 24 hours (weather-permitting) of your service complaint. We pride ourselves on our quick response time and overt professionalism of our technicians and staff. We offer a default service warranty up to one year from installation at no charge, and after that if you’d like to subscribe to our Quarterly Service Agreement, you also have that option. Based on the myriad problems that gates are susceptible to, we certainly recommend it.

About our Quarterly Service Agreement:

If you choose to subscribe to our QSA, you’ll receive a full servicing of your gate four times per year. This means all operational parts will be inspected, the functionality of your gate will be tested, and we’ll also ensure that your gate has remained compliant with ASTM-F2200 and UL-325 standards (up to code.) In addition to testing all operational components of your gate, we will also clean your operators and apply pesticide, check and tighten bolts and anchors, lubricate moving parts, and more. It is well worth the investment!

For more information on our QSA please call our office. If you’d like to request a quote, please visit our website.

In the market for a brand new gate? Visit our website to request a quote today! If you’re already one of our amazing customers, please consider leaving an online review!

At Quality Gates and Openers, we are Certified Gate Installers!

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(What are ASTM and UL Certifications, and why do they matter?)

When you are ready to have a gate installed, you want it done correctly. Here at Quality Gates, we are certified gate installers and fabricators by the I.D.E.A. (Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation). This may not sound all that exciting, but in the world of gate safety it means everything.

What exactly does it mean?

This means our team is qualified to create and install the highest quality product possible to keep you and your family safe when operating your gate. Each member of our team has been trained to conform to ASTM and/or UL which combined follow all the code requirements for automated operator safety, design safety and more.

Why should this matter?

One main reason: safety. Gates are dangerous! There are many ways things can go wrong if a gate is improperly installed that can result in severe injury or even death. We install our gates correctly, efficiently and up to code. If something should ever happen to anyone involving your gate, you will be liable and the company who installed it will be liable. We make sure to do it right the first time, so you and your family can enjoy your gate knowing it has passed the certification standards for gate safety.

There are many codes that require the adherence to UL and ASTM, including building codes, fire codes, residential dwelling codes and property maintenance codes.

These certifications have been around for years, but alarmingly most people (including gate installers) either have not heard of them or do not adhere to them. We at Quality Gates are here to tell you that WE absolutely do, and pride ourselves on our certified gate installers and designers. It is in everyone’s best interest to conform to the UL and ASTM standards to keep your loved ones safe.

Ready to see our incredible fabrication and install teams in action? Visit our website to request a quote! If you’ve already had wonderful experience with our team, please consider leaving an online review!