You know you want an electric gate, but how do electric sliding gates work? Before you decide which electric gate systems are right for your Arkansas property, you should know how each type of sliding gate opens and closes.
Automated gates are convenient, attractive ways to secure your property and elevate its appearance. Of course, sliding gates come in many styles, so it is important to pick the right type of track and gate for your particular needs. To help you decide which electric gate systems are right for you, take a look at the most common types of sliding gates – and how they actually work.
Telescopic Gates
Telescopic gates are made up of two or more separate gate pieces, which stack in front of one another as they roll open. In the closed position, one piece sits slightly farther back, on a guide rail that only extends halfway into the opening. The other gate piece sits along a rail that spans the entire opening. When you open a telescopic sliding gate, one half will slide in front of the other, following the longer rail. Together, both gates then disappear past the post.
If you have a driveway that slopes from side to side, making the left gate post a different height than the right one, telescopic sliding gates are a great option. These sliding gates can be customized to match your sloping fence line, or to follow the line of your land. If your driveway slopes upward or downward, the back gate can also be shortened or lengthened to keep the heights of both gates consistent.
V-Track Sliding Gates
In areas where snow and ice is not likely to build up beneath a gate, V-track sliding gates are popular options. V-track sliding gates have wheels that move along a track which can be imbedded in the ground. These tracks are called “v-tracks” because they have a slightly raised upside-down “v” shape which fits into a groove in the wheels and allows them to stay in place. Because of this, they must be kept clear of debris to avoid catching the wheels on foreign objects. V-track sliding gates are therefore a good option for paved, regularly-maintained areas.
Rolling Gates
Unlike V-track sliding gates, rolling gates have rubber or gas-filled wheels that simply slide along the ground. A positive aspect of rolling gates is that they do not need the bulky counterbalance that weighs down swinging gates and cantilever sliding gates. This makes a rolling gate a good option for residences or commercial areas looking to keep a sleek look; pair your rolling gate with a minimalist access control system for a discreet entrance.
Cantilever Sliding Gates
Because cantilever gates do not have any wheels that touch the ground, they are ideal for snowy, icy conditions. Of course, even in warmer climates, but there are other conditions that make this is a good choice. For example, if your driveway is unpaved or prone to debris build-up (like rocks or fallen leaves), a cantilever sliding gate is a good option because you do not have to worry about keeping a guide rail or wheel track clear.
Are you interested in installing one of these electric sliding gates on your Arkansas property? It is time to start exploring your options and planning the perfect custom gate for your property. Contact the experts at United Fence & Construction Co. at 501-222-1503 for more information about our sliding electric gate systems.
