FAQs
Get the most out of your property by transforming it into a beautiful, private, and secure place for you and your family. Gates in Motion, Inc. is your best source for automatic gate installation in Houston, and we're committed to giving you a user-friendly system that meets all your needs. An operating system is what puts your gate in motion and having it at your fingertips makes a world of difference during times of bad weather and other circumstances you might want to protect your property. Our gate operators are designed to move when needed; look below at our FAQs so you can get a better understanding of how we can help you.
The Answers You Need
We can do many things for you to get you the gated security you desire. In the lead-up to your consultation, see what others have asked when it comes to their automatic gates.
Q: Why are gate operators so much more expensive than garage door openers?
A: Gate operators are much more sophisticated than garage door openers since they're unprotected from the elements. Each system must be adapted to different gate types and sold in much smaller quantities. Apart from being time-intensive to install and service, gate operators are larger, heavier, durable, and high-quality.
Q: Why do prices vary so dramatically from one model to another?
A: Gate operator pricing is based on the expected labor intensity, the size and weight of the gate, and the number of cycles it must perform per hour. The sophistication of the controller and expected durability also affect the price.
Q: Are there locally imposed standards or restrictions regarding gate operators?
A: UL has a standard applied if the operator is to be UL Listed. However, Nevada is the only state that currently requires contractors to follow these standards, so with that one exception, as of April 2001, the answer is no. However, please check with the fire marshal, the police, and the EMS provider in your area. If the gate limits access to your property, then you may be required (or want) to provide access for emergency responders.
Q: How long should my gate operator last?
A: If the system is installed correctly and is not damaged, expect at least 5 years. We routinely service gate operator systems installed for more than 10 years and have seen very few functions after 15 years.
Q: What should I do if I see the gate will hit my car?
A: Stop the car, and if that doesn't work, let the gate hit the vehicle. The gate will reverse or stop; do not move the car until the gate is clear. Never stop in the path of a gate and treat it like a railroad crossing.
Q: What keeps the gate from hitting a car or person?
A: In the most basic system, the answer is the person who is pressing the button that puts the gate in motion can press the same button again, and the gate will either stop or reverse. Photo beams will detect if an object is in the gate's path and either stop, reverse the gate, or prevent it from moving until the way is clear; in-ground loops sense vehicles only.
Q: Can I use my cell phone to open or close the gate?
A: Yes, you can. We now have several options to choose how to best use your phone or the internet to control access for you and others.
Q: Can I use the same remote control for my gate operator that I do for my garage door?
A: Sometimes. Of course, you would need a separate button for each door and gate unless they are far enough apart to prevent operating both devices simultaneously. Not all gate operator radio receivers will be compatible with the garage door radio receiver. This can usually be accommodated by changing or adding a compatible radio receiver to one of the devices.
Q: Can I program the remote control to remote buttons in my car?
A: Usually, but not always. Like the answer for the garage door, we may need to add another compatible receiver to do so.
Q: How do I let my guests, meter readers, family members, delivery people, etc., in?
A: This can be a difficult and expensive problem to solve. Anything from a push button or keypad to a cellular entry device can be used, although we will need to work with you on this issue.
Q: How do I know which operating system is right for me?
A: Read “The Basics,” then give us a call. We will be glad to work with you to help you decide.