Gate Tips: Decorating For The Holidays đŸŠƒđŸŽ„đŸŽ…đŸ»

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!

 

Buying A New Home With An Automated Gate?

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]

What Separates Us: Quarterly Service Agreement

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!

What Separates Us: A Quality Gate

Our Philosophy.

We are an award-winning custom gate and powder coating business located in Panama City, FL. At Quality Gates, we specialize in the highest quality gate fabrication and craftsmanship. All our technicians and members of our installation and design teams are certified by IDEA (Institute of Door Education and Accreditation,) which surpasses UL 325 and ASTM F-2200 qualifications. Our team has the most up-to-date training and knowledge to ensure a properly designed and installed automated quality gate and opener system.

We offer access control, custom fabrication and powder-coating, including a full one-year warranty on labor and quarterly service agreements to help ensure the longevity of your quality gate.

We proudly service all areas of Northwest Florida, from Cape San Blas to Pensacola and everywhere in between and as far north as Headland, AL. It is our pleasure to provide the best quality gate installations, service, and powder coating around.

Meet our Team

Chris Harris –President/Owner

Brandi Bickford—VP of Finance/Human Resources

Chuck Bunch—Service Manager

Brice Parry–Sales Manager

Rebecca Eckles—Manager of Customer Relationships and Marketing

Chuck (Charles) Wyzard–Manager of Powder Coating

Angel McDonald—Office Assistant

Dakota DeBusk—Lead Installer

Michael Johnson—Service Technician/Powder Coater/Shop Assistance

Joshua Daniels—Service Technician

Bryce Hall—Service Technician

Zippy Pace— Fabricator

Zach Revis— Installation

Brandon Geldert— Shop Help

Mason Langston–Shop Apprentice

We are Essential.

We are deemed an “essential business” by the US Department of Homeland Security and are continuing to work hard through these trying times. We assure you all members of our team have been trained on how to interact with customers using proper social distancing procedures and are ready to serve you. Request a quote today!

Have you already had a positive experience with our team? Leave us a review!