The Secret to Seamless Security: Automatic Entry Gates Explained

Jake Bunston
6 days ago
7 min read

Why Automatic Entry Gates Are Worth the Investment

Automatic entry gates offer a powerful blend of security, convenience, and style for Melbourne properties. They provide controlled access for peace of mind, the convenience of opening your gate from your car, and a boost to your home's resale appeal. With proper maintenance, these durable systems can last for a decade or more.

The beauty of an automated gate is creating a seamless entry experience that suits your lifestyle. Whether you're arriving home after a long day or managing visitor access from inside, automation makes it effortless.

There are two main types: swing gates that open like a traditional door, and sliding gates that glide horizontally. The best choice depends on your driveway layout, available space, and terrain. Modern systems also come with smart features like smartphone control, wireless keypads, safety beams, and battery backup for power outages.

I'm Jake Bunston, director of Make Fencing. For over a decade, my team and I have helped Melbourne homeowners and businesses install the right automatic gates. We handle everything from design to installation and support, ensuring your system works flawlessly from day one. Let's explore how these systems work and what to consider for your property.

Understanding Your Automatic Entry Gate System

When considering automatic entry gates for your Melbourne property, it’s important to understand the different types and how they work. This helps us tailor the perfect solution for your security, aesthetic, and convenience needs.

Types of Automatic Gates: Swing vs. Sliding

The first major decision is the gate's opening mechanism. The two most popular types are swing gates and sliding gates, each suited to different Melbourne properties.

Swing Gates

Swing gates pivot open like a regular door, offering a classic, grand entrance perfect for period homes in areas like Brighton or Balwyn. They can be designed as single or dual gates.

Best for: Properties with a traditional aesthetic and ample space.
Space Needs: Requires a large, clear, and relatively flat area for the gate to swing open.
Limitations: Not ideal for steep slopes or driveways with limited space.

For a deeper dive, you can find More info about swing gate installation.

Sliding Gates

Sliding gates are a practical, modern solution that glide horizontally along a track or cantilever system. They are highly space-efficient and versatile.

Best for: Shorter driveways, sloped entrances, and properties where space is tight.
Space Needs: Requires clear space along the fence line for the gate to slide into.
Advantages: Excellent for uneven terrain and often provide better wind resistance. Cantilever systems are a great option as they don't require a ground track, avoiding issues with debris.

If you're considering a sliding solution, you can Learn about sliding gate systems in more detail.

Our team conducts thorough site inspections to recommend the best fit for your property's functionality, safety, and style.

The Brains and Brawn: How an Automatic Gate System Works

At the heart of every automated gate is the gate operator—the motor that moves your gate. Understanding the core components helps you appreciate the system's reliability.

An automatic gate system includes:

The Gate Operator (Motor): This is the driving force. Most residential automatic entry gates in Melbourne use quiet and reliable electric motors. For heavier commercial gates with high usage, more powerful hydraulic systems are sometimes used.
The Control Panel: This is the central processing unit. It receives signals from your remote or keypad and instructs the motor, managing the gate's speed, stopping points, and safety features.
Access Controls: These are the devices you use to open the gate, such as remotes, keypads, and sensors.

When designing your system, we carefully match the motor's power to the gate weight and its expected usage (duty cycle). This ensures smooth, quiet, and long-lasting operation, whether for a family home or a busy commercial site in Preston.

To learn more about how we integrate these systems, you can explore our gate automation services.

Access Granted: Choosing Your Control Method

One of the best parts of automatic entry gates is the convenience of controlling access. We offer a wide range of methods to customise a system that fits your lifestyle.

Popular options include:

Remote Controls: The classic handheld clicker for opening the gate from your car.
Keypads: Allow entry via a programmable code, perfect for family or trusted visitors. Wireless options are available for simple installation.
Intercom Systems: Audio or video intercoms let you speak to and see visitors before granting access, adding a significant layer of security.
Smartphone Integration: Control and monitor your gate from anywhere using a dedicated app. Many systems integrate with smart home platforms like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Vehicle Detection Loops: These sensors are buried in your driveway and automatically open the gate when a vehicle approaches, often used for free exit.

We can help you choose the right combination for a seamless and secure entry experience. To explore the possibilities, discover our automated gate systems.

Powering Your Gate & Ensuring Safety

A complete system needs reliable power and robust safety features to ensure your automatic entry gates operate safely and consistently.

Power Options

Mains Power: The most common and reliable source. We coordinate with qualified electricians if new wiring is needed.
Solar Power: An eco-friendly alternative for remote properties or where running mains power is difficult. Its reliability can depend on the weather and usage.
Battery Backup: A crucial feature that keeps your gate operational during a power outage. All our installations also include a manual release key.

Safety: Our Top Priority

Safety is paramount. We adhere to Australian safety guidelines to protect people, pets, and vehicles.

Safety Beams (Photocells): These infrared sensors detect any obstruction in the gate's path, causing it to stop and reverse to prevent crushing.
Obstruction Sensors: Pressure-sensitive edges on the gate provide an extra layer of protection, stopping or reversing the gate on contact.
Professional Installation: DIY automation kits pose significant risks. The complexities of wiring, motor sizing, and safety device integration require expert knowledge. We ensure your system is installed correctly and safely.

For official guidance, refer to the Guide to managing risks of powered gates. Learn more about our safe electric gate motor installation process.

Making the Right Choice for Your Property

Selecting the perfect automatic entry gates for your Melbourne home or business involves a thoughtful consideration of your property's unique characteristics, your specific needs, and long-term maintenance. We're here to guide you through every step, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Key Considerations for Your Automatic Entry Gates

Choosing the right automated gate involves considering your property's unique needs. During a site visit, whether for a home in Kew or a business in Dandenong, we assess these key factors:

Gate Size and Weight: The gate's dimensions and material determine the required motor power. A heavy wrought iron gate needs a more robust operator than a lightweight aluminium one to prevent premature failure.
Gate Material: This affects aesthetics, weight, and maintenance. Popular choices include durable Steel, lightweight and corrosion-resistant Aluminium, classic Wood, and neat Wrought Iron.
Usage: A residential gate in Glen Waverley has different demands than a high-traffic commercial gate in Sunshine West, which needs a higher duty cycle and more advanced security.
Terrain and Slopes: Sliding gates are best for sloped or uneven driveways, while swing gates require a relatively flat area.
Aesthetics: Your automatic entry gates should complement your property's style. We offer custom designs to improve curb appeal. View our custom entry gates for inspiration.
Budget and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Consider long-term value. A basic automatic sliding gate system can range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000+, with custom options costing more. Investing in durable materials like aluminium can reduce long-term maintenance costs. For an accurate quote, contact us directly.

Automating an Existing Gate & Long-Term Care

Many Melbourne homeowners ask if their manual gate can be automated. Often, the answer is yes, provided the gate is in good structural condition, well-balanced, and suitable for automation. Our team can assess your existing gate to determine if it's a candidate for a modern upgrade.

To ensure your automatic entry gates last for a decade or more, regular maintenance is key. A well-maintained system is not only more reliable but also safer.

Lifespan: A high-quality, professionally installed operator can last over ten years with proper care.
User Checks: Regularly clear debris from tracks and ensure safety beams are unobstructed.
Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts like hinges and chains every six months to reduce wear.
Professional Servicing: We recommend an annual service to inspect all mechanical and electronic components, test safety features, and catch minor issues before they become major repairs.

Should you encounter any issues, our team is ready to assist. You can Learn about electric gate repair on our website.

At Make Fencing, we deliver high-quality, custom automatic entry gates that blend security, convenience, and style. From consultation to installation and support, we ensure your complete satisfaction. We MAKE Fencing Solutions To Your Satisfaction.

Ready to upgrade your Melbourne property? Contact us today for a personalised consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do automatic entry gates typically last in Melbourne's climate? A: With proper installation and regular maintenance, automatic gate operators and systems can last a decade or even longer. Melbourne's varied weather means choosing durable materials and ensuring consistent lubrication and annual professional servicing are key to longevity.

Q: Can I integrate my automatic gate with my smart home system in Melbourne? A: Absolutely! Many modern automatic gate systems we install offer seamless integration with popular smart home platforms like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control and monitor your gate via smartphone apps or voice commands.

Q: Are automatic gates safe for families with children and pets? A: Yes, safety is a top priority. Our automatic gate installations include essential safety features like infrared safety beams (photocells) and obstruction sensors that detect people, pets, or vehicles in the gate's path, stopping and reversing the gate to prevent accidents.

Q: How much does it cost to install automatic entry gates in Melbourne? A: The cost varies widely depending on the gate type (swing vs. sliding), material, size, complexity of automation, and site conditions.

Basic automatic sliding gates in Melbourne can start from AUD 2,000-5,000, with custom or commercial options going significantly higher. For a precise quote custom to your specific property in Melbourne, we recommend a consultation with our team.

Q: What happens to my automatic gate during a power outage? A: All our automatic gate installations come with a manual release key, allowing you to operate the gate manually during a power failure.

We also offer battery backup systems as an optional extra, which ensure your gate remains fully functional for a period even without mains power.