Driveway Gate Consumer Guide

What Type of Gate do you need?What Type of Gate do you need?

As soon as you decide that your property needs to be secured by a gate, the next question you should ask yourself is “What type of gate do I need?”. This article will discuss the different aspects to consider in order to get the right gate for you.

Choosing the Right Material

First, think about the material you'd like. Is it metal or wood?

Wood Wood is the material of choice if you want an affordable and equally beautiful gate. As for privacy, wooden gates gives you more privacy than metal gates because most of their designs have a closed façade.

Metal GatesMetal, on the other hand is preferred by those who are willing to pay a bit more in order to save on maintenance costs and hassles. However, keep in mind that metal is not that easy to work with, thus it is harder to install and customise. These are very durable and easy to clean.

Types of Gates

After choosing your preferred material, it's time to choose the type of gate you want to install. Available choices are: double swing gate, single swing gate, and sliding gates.

Swing gatesThese are gates that open either inwards our outwards the driveway. Hinges are attached at the side of the gate to connect it to the pillars or posts.

Double swing gates are commonly used for bigger driveways, especially if the gate is made of wood. Thus, single swing gates are ideal only for small driveways or less than 3.5 feet width.

This type of gate can be operated manually or electronically.


Sliding gatesThese are commonly used when there's a slope on the driveway. Since the gates will slide sidewards, it eliminates the need for leveling the ground.

A track and roller frame is installed, this is where the gate will slide through. This type of gate requires additional safety features to avoid it from trapping vehicles and pedestrians. These gates are commonly automated for easier access.

Features to look for in a GateFeatures to look for in a GateWhatever type of gate you will use, there are certain key features or parts that you really need to check on. These are the hinges, type of gate opener and the enhancement or safety features of the gate.

Gate HingesThe hinges serve as the primary support of your gate. They might seem small and insignificant enough. However, keep in mind that the hinge is the “link” that connects your gate and post to each other. You must make sure that your hinges are strong enough to support the gate and keep it in place.

Like any other hardware, hinges can have an aesthetic touch or remain purely functional. Get yourself familiarized with the different types of hinges and you’ll know which is best for you.

Strap hingeThese are also called as T-hinges. They are very ideal for garden gates. They can be asymmetrical, which means it has one leaf in a half diamond shape that’s connected to the gate panel. The size of the hinge is determined by the size and weight of the gate, which makes it to about 4-10 inches.

The plain versions of strap hinges are usually made with galvanized or plated steel. Wrought iron strap hinges are decorative but they cost more than the plain versions. If you want more affordable versions with ornamental touches, try getting black coated aluminum or stainless steel hinges.

Butt HingeButt Hinges are made of two even sized leaves connected with a pin. This hinge is the simplest and easiest to install. The good thing about butt hinges are they’re not restricted to being


mounted in one direction.

Some hinges would require you to attach a specific plate to the gate and the other to the post, this is not the case for butt hinges.

Barrel HingeThe Barrel Hinge is a heavy duty hinge. Use this type of hinge if the width to height ratio between the posts and panel is less than one.

This type of hinge consists mainly of the pivot pin, only the stubs of the plate are welded to it. The stubs of the hinge are designed to be welded directly to the gate and post.

Gate Design and FinishesGate Design and FinishesThis is where you will have the most number of options. The designs and finishes available for wooden or metal gates are too many to list down in this guide.

These are the three basic styles used in both metal and wooden gate construction:

What you should remember is to scrutinise how the manufacturer makes their gates and what type of materials and processes they use.

Do be careful with these:

Cheap metal vs. Stronger solid metalBeware of metal gates that are very affordable. Many times, the metal used is very thin and thus, it is prone to warping. Exposure to elements such as the wind and sea air will make the metal deteriorate faster. This will eventually lead to the gates scraping the ground or breaking altogether.

Also, inspect if the poles are solid steel. Some manufacturers sell hollow posts,which can easily bend especially if the gates are heavy. Lastly, make sure to ask where the gates where made and what type of metal was used.

Galvanized gates vs. Electroplated gatesBe very wary of manufacturers who sell affordable galvanized gates. Real galvanized gates are investments. Hence, they are not cheap. Some gate makers claim that their gates are galvanized, when in fact they're only electroplated.

Electroplating is similar to the process of applying paint: the solution only coats the metal. This results to a weak protection.

Galvanizing involves dipping the metal into a solution of hot molten zinc. This allows the solution to be absorbed by the metal. This forms a tougher protective barrier than electroplating.


Spray Paint vs. Powder CoatSalesmen will tell you that spray painted gates are a good bargain and they look good to.

Before falling into these tricks, consider the durability of spray painted gates. The metal is just covered by spray paint, that's pretty much it. The slightest scratch will cause the paint to tear and leave the metal

exposed to the elements. It requires reapplication after a year to maintain it's appearance, it may even look a bit grubby after a few months.

That being said, consider the option of powder coating your gates. They do cost a bit extra, but the powder coat that is applied and baked with the gate will serve as a tough protection from the elements- and from kids and pets who try to scratch and play with your gates.

Gate Opener (Automation)Gate openers or gate operators are automated equipment designed to open a gate. The two terms are commonly used interchangeably but technically speaking, gate openers are for light duty gates or residential use while the latter is for commercial use. In other words, if your gate isn’t accessed too many times; you would need a gate opener.

Automated Gates are available in different types, materials, sizes and styles. They can be made suitable to different applications. Furthermore, customers can choose from different access control systems and safety features, making electric driveway gates very versatile for residential, commercial and industrial use.

Automated gates are very convenient. They save you from the hassle of getting out of the car just to open the gates. This really helps especially if the weather is harsh or if you're using the gates at the middle of the night.

To avoid confusion, just tell your contractor that you need a residential or commercial automated system for your gate.


Gate Automation ManufacturersFor information and enquiries on gate automation, here are details on the best gate automation companies in the United Kingdom:

BFT Automation (UK) LimitedTelephone: 0161 456 0456

Website: http://www.gates.uk.com

BPT Fadini AutomationTelephone: (01442) 230 800 Website: http://www.bpt.co.uk

CAME (uk) & UrbacoTelephone: 0115 9210 430

Website: http://www.cameuk.com

FAAC AutomationTelephone: 01256 318100

Website: http://www.faac.co.uk

NICE automated systemsTelephone: 01895 232 626

Website: http://www.niceuk.net

Enhancement or safety featuresThis is needed mostly for electric gates. Manual gates will not have much risks for accidents as it is not operated by machines. There are so many kinds of safety features that you can install on your gate.

Each manufacturer has it's own array of enhancements, remember to choose carefully as these safety enhancements will protect you and your family from accidents. It's best to get safety features that will protect both the vehicles and pedestrians that enter and exit through your driveway.

Some of the common safety features are:

Miller switchesThese are required for sliding gates to avoid people from getting trapped.Safety Loops are buried beneath the ground or cut in the concrete in front and behind the gate. They are necessary to prevent the gates from closing in on a vehicle that has been sitting on the driveway past the set time. It's usually paired with Photo eyes.


Sensitive Safety EdgeThese are made from collapsible ABS material that help protect the leading edges of the gates. It triggers the gate to stop or reverse the operation once it collides with an obstruction. It is sensitive throughout its length so all types of obstructions will be “felt” by the gates to avoid accidents.

Some safety measures for electric driveway gates

Sliding Gates• Using a pressure-sensitive strip or a beam on the leading edge of each leaf.• Safety strips located on the leading edges of the inside and outside of the guide posts that are

hard-wired to the control box.• Mesh with apertures no bigger than 40mm inside and outside to protect the guide posts.• The run back line of the gate should be at least 1 meter from the external fence. Alternately, you

can also make sure that the fence is 200mm away and with extra mesh cladding through the length of the gate run-back to avoid hand/arm access.

• Secure the run-back area of the gate by putting a fence 1 meter away from the gate or using extra 40mm mesh infill that is at least 2 meters high.

Swing Gates• Removing of all gaps that exceed 2.25 inches• Making sure the controls are installed where the user can see the full operation of the gates• Installing the controls far enough from the gate so that people will not be near the gate while

operating the controls.• Removing of pinch points• Posting a warning sign at each side of the gate

Today, the gates available in the market are made to last longer than usual. Most of them are maintenance free or low maintenance. To ensure the peak performance and safety operation of your gates, it is recommended to have them serviced once a year or once every six months if they are heavily used.

Your gate installer is required to give you a certificate along with a schedule of services needed for your gate. Keep this for your reference. When your gate has been serviced, your installer will again give you a certificate that will mean your gates are compliant with the safety standards enforced by the government.

Ensuring Your Family's Safety with Electric Driveway GatesEnsuring Your Family's Safety with Electric Driveway Gates

Unfortunately, there were a few accidents involving automated gates, sliding gates to be specific. Most of them have resulted to just a few injuries, but some have been fatal. To prevent any more accidents, powered gates now have to comply with more stringent and specific standards.

Make sure that you're getting the right gate by starting with the right contractor. Before signing an agreement, be certain to check the following:

• The Contractor's Public Liability Insurance

• The Contractor's compliance with the M/c directive and other legislations

• Choices of safety requirement features available for their gates


What is Public Liability Insurance ?

Public liability (PL) insurance covers any damages or accidents incurred by anyone caused by you or your property. It also covers associated legal fees, hospital bills and miscellaneous costs that the plaintiff or the NHS may claim from you.

Your contractor needs this to make sure that any accidents or mishaps related to their work with you will be covered and paid for. Once they start a project, your driveway can be a potential danger zone to pedestrians or your family, especially if they don't use proper barriers and road blocks. PL insurance is needed to ensure that companies will be able to pay for any casualties that could happen while they are working.

Having public liability insurance is evidence that the contractor you're getting is credible with their work. They wouldn't be able to get insurance if they're not insurable or if they're often involved in many casualties.

Ask your contractor about their PL insurance. They shouldn't be hesitant to discuss this if they have it.

Choosing a Contractor for anChoosing a Contractor for an Automated Driveway Gates Installation Automated Driveway Gates Installation

Anybody can install a driveway gate, that much is a fact. Not everybody can install certified and safe driveway gates, this too is a fact.

The government has already signed directives that requires gate contractors to be certified and to meet certain standards to ensure the safety of their work. Moreover, financial corporations who provide mortgage and insurance to consumers now require this type of certification for installed driveway gates.

Companies who work in electrical gate automation are required by the Electricity at Work Act of 2001 to give a certificate of completion and a schedule for routine or transitional inspections to all the projects they have finished. They're also required to comply with the new laws pertaining to the

Building Regulations 2000 Part P.

The Regulation aims to control the work on electrical installations in houses and buildings. All the work must comply with IEE Wiring Regulations, which means most, if not all, of the work must be done by a registered installer.

If you don't want the work to be done by any installer, then you would have to go to the local County Council's Building Control Department and have it filed and approved yourself. It really is better to get a contractor to make sure the job is done properly. It also saves you the hassle of securing a certificate of approval from your council.

All of the new decrees are aimed to reduce the number of deaths, fires and injuries caused by electrical faults and driveway gates. Do not risk your family and friends from driveway gates that are not done and maintained professionally.


Even if you're not a contractor, you; as a client, have a responsibility to make sure that the gates you have comply with these regulations. You have a duty to the HSE and the public to make sure that people who use their gates are informed of how to use the gates and the possible risks it has.

More importantly, you have the duty to make sure that the gates are working properly. Of course, those who do not comply to the requirements and fail to provide safety features to the gate will be prosecuted by the HSE. This means that you, as owner. could be charged with manslaughter in event of a accident.

To Summarise:• Automated driveway gates must have safety features incorporated to them to avoid entrapment

or any type of accident.

• Automated gates must also be checked annually for compliance with the machinery directive.

• Installers are required to leave a schedule of services required for your gate.

• After the installation, the gates will require a certificate as a proof of safety. This will be given after your gate has been inspected after a year. This is obtained from the National Electric Notification Registrar for Automatic Door Gates.

Just this year, there were several accidents involving electric gates. Lives of young children could not have been wasted if the gates complied with the safety requirements.

It's really best to get a registered and experienced contractor to complete the job. A few pounds saving is really not worth the hassle or risk of prosecution when things go wrong.

Regulations, Standards and Directives Enforced for Automated Gates

Powered gates have always been required to comply with the European Machinery Directive and be CE marked. During the past years, there were gates installed without the necessary safeguards needed. This is because there was no “police” to monitor the market. Currently, more safety standards are in place to ensure compliance of gate installers and even proprietors who own automated gates.

Electrically powered gates installed in a workplace must comply with the following:

• Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98)

• The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Points to considerThere are so many standards encompassed in the Machinery Directive, the most important parts I consider are:

• BS EN 999:1998 +A1:2008 Safety of machinery. The positioning of protective equipment in respect of approach speeds of parts of the human body.

• BS EN 349:1993 +A1:2008 Safety of machinery - Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body.

• BS EN ISO 13849-1:2008 Safety of machinery. Safety related parts of control systems. General principles for design.

• BS EN ISO 13857:2008 Safety of machinery. Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs.


• BS EN ISO 14121-1:2007 Safety of machinery. Risk assessment. Principles.

• BS EN 12978:2003+A1:2009 Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates. Safety devices for power operated doors and gates. Requirements and test methods.

Put more simply, gates should be hazard proof. The main hazards that should be taken care of by each installer are: mechanical hazards such as: crushing, shearing, drawing-in, entanglement, trapping and cutting along with electrical hazards or Hydraulic hazards.

You don't have to be knowledgeable about all these to make sure your gates are compliant. Just make sure that your contractor has an affiliation with organisations such as AESIF and that they will give you a certificate to prove your gate is fully functional and safe.

Powered sliding gates move slowly than swing gates. They are quite heavy and thus possess a considerable momentum when set in motion. It's important to know that some safety standards such as BS EN ISO 13857 do not include the safety of children under age of 14. Gate contractors should assume that children will be able to access the gates and can therefore misuse them.

Truth or Lies?Truth or Lies?

Common Scams and Misconceptions about Driveway Gates

Do you ever wonder why a certain manufacturer can afford to sell gates at such a low price? Did you really think you got a good deal?

Most often than not, you will realize after a few months that you didn't. Much worse, you realize that the cost for repair is almost the same price as the cost of the gate when you bought it. Save yourself all the headache by knowing how to tell a scam from a real deal.

Imported Gates, Motors or Other MaterialsSome manufacturers are able to sell affordable gates and motors by using this technique. A good example is selling a package that has a branded motor from a well known company such as CAME, BPT, BFT, NICE or FAAC but getting the gate opener from another country, like China.

Another scam is when the parts of the gate system came from the same manufacturer but they were put together from different systems or models that they have. It's like taking scrap pieces that are still working from a defective machine that's about to be thrown away. This is very hard to notice as most people are not familiar with how gate systems are supposed to work, or how they're even supposed to look like. This will only get your attention once minor glitches start to show up or when you need to take your gate motor for an upgrade or repair.

To avoid falling into these unfair business practices, shop around first before making a decision or before committing to a purchase. If one manufacturer's price is too low compared to the others, ask him why that is. Inspect where the materials came from. Ask him if he can offer any guarantee because if he can't, then he's probably practising one of the scams mentioned above.

Poorly Manufactured or Refurbished Replacement Parts When the time comes that your gates need to be repaired, be wary of the manufacturer that will supply the part to you. Sometimes, the replacement parts are poorly manufactured, there are even times that they don't come from a local warehouse.

If the replacement part is going to be sent to your address, check the box and return address of the package. This will tell you if the part has been handled properly and where it came from. It would also do


you good to check the replacement part for any type of damages or scratches before installation. Some manufacturers also repair broken parts and try to sell them as newly manufactured or OEM replacements. Ask for your old part if you can. It's yours anyway. If they tell you that you can't have it, then that's probably a good sign that they refurbish the parts. Again, asking for a guarantee will help avoid any hassles in the future.

Worse yet, some manufacturers will install a gate or automation system and claim it to be new, when it fact it was a defective part that they have repaired. Make sure that you're getting what you have paid for.

Cheap Paint, Spray Paint or Powder CoatingThe aforementioned are the ways in which manufacturers cover or protect a metal gate. The cheapest of all is, well, cheap paint. This is common in cheap, imported gates. This is the most weak protection a gate can have. This is done by just applying a thin coat of paint into a metal gate. This will easily tear off or scratched. Similar to this is spray painting, except that they use an air compressed bottle to spray the paint on your gate. Do not fall for a salesman who will tell you spray paint is going to save you a lot of money.

Powder coated gates are what you should look for. Although they might cost you a bit extra, it will definitely save you from having to repaint the gate frequently. They are durable and resistant to corrosion.

Hollow SteelAnother reason why some gates are cheaper than others is because they have hollow posts or gate bars. Metal gates are very expensive, so make sure to get your money's worth by checking if the gates or posts are made of solid, heavy metal.

Gates wouldn't be able to last long, let alone do their job properly if they are attached to weak posts. They will have a big tendency to warp, bend or even fall apart.

Switching of Materials, Motors and Gate OpenersAlthough it rarely happens, it would still be best to be careful of these. This situation usually occurs when choosing a contractor. When starting with a driveway gate project, start by looking for your ideal gates, motors, safety features and the likes. Note the brand, material used and market price (if you can find it). Next, ask contractors to bid on the same project and make sure that the materials and brands they will use will be listed on the bid. If you think this is too much of a hassle, think about the disappointment you will get if your gates didn't turn out as you want them to be. This is done to make sure your contractor will build your gates with the high quality materials they listed in the contract, not cheaper options that they have switched it for.

One-man Operations and No Name, No Address BusinessesFirst off, it is awfully difficult to build a driveway gate. No one-man team will be able to this. Steer away from “contractors” or “installers” who claim that they'll be able to finish your gates in one a few days. There's a big possibility that he doesn't even have all the machinery or devices needed to complete the installation by himself.

There are also small businesses out there that may offer to install or create your driveway gates. Not all of them are bogus though. Legal contractors for driveway gates will have a physical address, registered business phone number and membership or certification of compliance from organizations governing driveway gates such as AESIF. If your contractor is lacking any of these, contact your local Trading Standards Office.


You can also check the business' information through the web. The quality of their workmanship and overall customer dealings may be listed in forums, blogs or review sites.

To avoid this, do not pay anything upfront if you can help it. The most that some legitimate contractors might ask is the cost for materials, which is usually 30-40% of the total contract price. Also, make sure to get a receipt for every payment that you issue. This is to avoid hassles in settling the final bill.

Don't be the next victim of fly-by-night gate contractors and installers. Do your own background check.

These are just some of the scams and misconceptions customers are being fooled into.

If you have experienced any of these, or would like to add a different type of scam that you know of, please tell us about the story and we will post it on the website for other readers to benefit from.

Choosing the Right Contractor

A good driveway will only be possible with a good contractor. They will be the ones to design your gate, search and purchase the quality materials, secure necessary permits, do the labour and the clean up for your gates. Much is assigned and expected of them, and since you will be paying them, it's good to make sure you got the good guys.

This may be a tedious task, but it will be worth your time. Remember, they will be the ones you will entrust to create the barrier that will protect your property and family.

There are so many questions you need to ask before choosing a contractor. This will be divided into the sections below:

Questions to ask yourself

Do you need a planning permission?You will need planning permission if the gate or fence you plan to install falls under any of the following specifications:

• Over 1 metre high and built next to a road utilised by traffic and pedestrians OR Over 2 metres high but built elsewhere, i.e. a private subdivision.

• Your right to install or make changes to a gate is prohibited by an *article 4 direction in your area.

• Your property is listed as a building or inside a compound, apartment complex or is in a **curtilage of a listed building.

*Article 4 direction- as defined by http://www.doineedplanningpermission.co.uk, is a specific control enforced by local planning authorities in vulnerable or conserved areas. This is to help protect the culture and appearance of a place.

**Curtilage- as defined by a legal dictionary, is “The open space situated within a common enclosure belonging to a dwelling-house”.

How long are you willing to have your driveway gates inaccessible?This is a very important question to ask yourself and your family. If your gates or driveway are often accessed, then it's best to keep the project time at a minimum. The same applies if the entrance to your driveway is adjacent to the road used by vehicles.


Questions to Ask Contractors

It is imperative that you ask as much questions as you can about a contractor's portfolio, experience, membership organisations and the likes. It is better to scrutinize them before signing any contract than to reap the hassles of a poor workmanship.

Here are some questions that you need to ask:

How long have they been in business?A contractor who hasn't been in business for at least 3 years is considered to be a newbie in the field. Although this is not always a bad sign, you need to be extra careful when dealing with them.

There is a possibility that their staff don't have enough experience or they don't have enough machinery to complete the job on time

Do they have insurance?As discussed in the previous sections, having insurance is an indication that the contractor is reliable. It is also an assurance on your part, as the consumer, that any accident during the course of the project will be covered. Ask the contractor if they have public liability insurance.

Are they members of any associations or trade organisations?Being a member of a trade organisation such as AESIF or CHAS is a sign that the contractor is compliant with the latest legislations concerning driveway gates.

It's like a seal of having quality work. For installers, you need to make sure that they are listed as a registered installer with the manufacturers of the gate motors. Check with CAME, Nice BFT, BPT or FAAC for their approved list of installers.

Are they compliant with the safety standards of the government and of HSE?You may have already heard of the tragic accidents involving children and electric gates. For this reason, you have to be careful with the contractor you are getting. Be sure that they are compliant with the national standards such as:

ISO 9001-2008 quality management system EN 12445:2001 EN 2453

There are many more standards related to the safety and quality of driveway gates. The aforementioned are concerned with the type of tests that should be carried out to make sure that the gates do not exceed the prescribed limit of force they have and the specifications for steel wires and spokes. This may seem irrelevant to you, but keep in mind that all these will affect the overall performance of your gate.

Most importantly, your driveway gates are also required by the government to be safe and certified.

Are they going to do a detailed survey of the area?Conducting a detailed survey of your driveway and other affected areas is imperative to avoid drawbacks and hassles once the project begins. This entails calling checking the slope, soil, existing gate (if there is one), and buried utility wires in your area. Not doing this may cost you delays, even extra money. If you were quoted for regular installation but then at the middle of the project the contractor finds out that your driveway has a weak soil, you will have to pay extra for the additional support that they will install. I am pretty sure that you wouldn't want this to happen.


Are they going to secure permits if needed?As mentioned above, there may be certain permits needed to put up a driveway gate. Even if this is not always the case, it pays to know if your contractor is kind enough to save you from the hassle of having to get it yourself. It's also a sign that they are experienced in this field, because they know the ins and outs of the whole process.

What is their flat estimate for the project?Getting a quote from at least 3 contractor will not only save you money, it will also give you options. Just make sure that you get a complete contract before comparing. The main things you should look for are: materials, completion date and flat rate estimate. Make sure that the 3 bids have the same information on the materials and completion date. Check for the quality of the materials too.

Read the proposal carefully before signing it. Be careful not to overlook the dates and materials. A contractor might be able to give you a cheaper deal but the completion time might be longer.

Are they going to do the final clean up and restoration?In general, manufacturers are required to tidy up after a day's work. This is to avoid any accidents in the area. However, there are some instances where companies don't completely clean up and restore your driveway after the installation. It's like saying “hey, my contract is done, you have your gate. I can get out of here now.”

Be sure that this part is stated in the contract. The restoration of the driveway is not an easy feat, therefore it is the job of a responsible contractor. It's also a bit dangerous, considering that there might be some excavations left open after the installation.

You also need to inspect the area, not just the gates, after the installation. This will ensure you that no part of your property was damaged because of the project and that the driveway is back to normal.

What type of materials will they use?Needless to say, there are so many contractors that try to sell “cheap” deals that claim to be sturdy. This is not true. If a gate is unbelievably cheap, do not expect it to last for long. There are so many tradesman scams in the market. Be sure to inspect the type and origin of materials they will use before getting a contract with them.

What will the gate and driveway look like after completionA blueprint or drawing is important because it shows both the contractor and the client the finished product. It helps set expectations. It will also detail the way the gate is built and how it can be accessible. Any responsible and experienced contractor will be more than happy to provide you with this.

Questions to Ask Your Friends or Other PeopleThere is a big possibility that you know people who have already hired contractors for driveway gates. Get their recommendations on the contractors to hire, brands to get and even the people to look for. They will be the best source for unbiased review against the contractors work.

Ask them the following questions:

• Did the job go smoothly?• Was the job finished on the estimated completion date?• Where you happy with the final outcome of the project?


• Where the contractors communicative, courteous and polite?

Of course, people's opinion vary. It would be a nice idea to check their gates before taking their word for it. Now that you've asked as much questions as you can, how do you choose who is best for the project?

Follow the steps below:

• Compare bids - Make sure to compare apples to apples• Which contractor can give you a longer lasting gate with less maintenance?• Contact the Better Business Bureau and check for possible complaints against the

contractor.• Use third party sites such as Checkatrade or Rated People

When you have followed all of the things stated above, you can rest knowing that your gates driveway is in good hands. It's also sure that you will get your money's worth. Your gates are sure to last for decades.

DisclaimerDrivewaygatesuk.com have produced this guide to help consumers make the right choice in choosing driveway gates. We have endeavoured to provide clear, concise and unbiased information based on latest legislation to date and knowledge provided from professionals within the gate industry.

We realise that laws, especially regarding safety, is always changing so we cannot guarantee that all the contents in this guide is upto date.

Useful Websites

Trading Standards - http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

(AESIF) Automatic Entrance Systems Installers Federation - http://www.aesif.org.uk

(NICEIC) UK Electrical Contracting Industry’s Independent Voluntary Body - http://niceic.com

CheckaTrade - http://www.checkatrade.com

Rated People - http://www.ratedpeople.com

Health and Safety Executive - http://www.hse.gov.uk


Driveway Gate Consumer Guide

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