Ram-arm (linear) operators
A popular, reliable choice for swing gates on posts with enough room behind the hinge line. Suitable for a wide range of gate sizes and styles.
East Sussex, West Sussex & Kent
Gate Automation for Existing Driveway Gates
Already have driveway gates? Portara Automation can assess whether they’re suitable to automate, then fit the motors, controls, safety equipment and access control to make them electric. We also replace and upgrade older gate automation that has become unreliable, unsafe or obsolete.
Can your existing gates be automated?
Automating gates you already have can be a very cost-effective way to get electric gates – but only if the gates and posts are up to the job. An operator will happily push a gate that’s sagging, binding or hung on a weak post, and it won’t be long before something fails. That’s why we always start with an honest assessment.
As gate makers as well as automation engineers, we look at the gate itself as closely as the electrics. When we assess manual gates for conversion to automatic operation, we check:
- The condition of the gate – whether the frame is sound, square and rigid, and how much it weighs
- Hinges, posts and piers – whether they can carry the gate and the extra load of the operators, or need strengthening or replacing
- How freely it moves – a gate should swing or slide smoothly by hand before it’s motorised
- Size, wind load and opening direction – solid gates catch the wind, and gates shouldn’t open out over a pavement or road
- The drive – slopes, kerbs and space behind the gates for the leaves to open, or alongside for a sliding gate
- Power and cable routes – where a supply can come from and how cables will reach the motors, safety devices and access control
Often the gates are suitable as they are, or need only adjustment, new hinges or a stronger post. If they aren’t, we’ll explain why and set out the options – which may include repairs, or a new bespoke driveway gate built for automation.
Swing and sliding gate automation
We fit automation to suit the gate, the posts and the way the entrance is used – not a one-size-fits-all kit.
Articulated-arm operators
Ideal for swing gates hung on wide brick piers, or where there’s little room between the gate and a wall or hedge when it’s open.
Underground operators
Concealed in a foundation box beneath each gate leaf, keeping the look of the entrance uncluttered. Good drainage is essential, and we plan for it.
Sliding gate automation
A motor with a rack fitted along the gate, running on a track or ground rail with guide rollers. Each part needs to be properly aligned and the foundation solid for the gate to run smoothly.
Upgrading or replacing older gate automation
Gate automation that’s been in place for many years can become unreliable, noisy or difficult to get parts for, and older systems often have far less safety protection than we’d expect today. Replacing everything isn’t always necessary. We look at what’s worth keeping and what isn’t:
- Replacement motors and operators, including more capable units for heavy or solid gates
- New control panels and control equipment to replace failed or obsolete boards
- Extra safety devices to bring older systems up to a safer standard
- New receivers, remote controls, keypads and intercoms
- Battery backup options for many systems
Where it’s better value to start again, we can install a complete new system – see our automatic gate installation service.
Photocells and safety equipment
Safety equipment is what stops a powered gate closing on a car, a person, a child or a pet. Every automation system we fit or upgrade includes safety devices chosen for the entrance:
- Photocells (safety beams) across the opening, and additional pairs where the gate’s path needs protecting
- Safety edges on leading or trailing edges where there’s a risk of trapping
- Force and obstacle detection set correctly on the control panel
- Warning lights and other devices where the use of the entrance calls for them
We test that the gates stop and reverse correctly before we leave, and we can review and improve the safety equipment on existing systems.
Remote controls, keypads, GSM and intercom access control
Access control is how you, your family and your visitors actually use the gate day to day, so it’s worth getting right:
- Remote controls – handsets for each driver, with extra transmitters added whenever you need them
- Keypads – code entry for family, staff, deliveries or tradespeople, with codes you can change
- GSM intercoms and GSM controllers – let visitors call your mobile from the gate, and let authorised phones open it with a call; ideal for rural entrances
- Audio and video intercoms – speak to and see visitors before letting them in
Access control can be added to new automation or used to modernise an existing system without changing the motors.
Fault diagnosis
If your gates are already automated but aren’t working properly, the first step is a proper diagnosis. Gate faults can be mechanical, electrical, automation or safety-system related, and the symptom often shows up somewhere other than the cause. Our electric gate repairs service covers fault finding on motors, control panels, safety devices and access control – and the diagnosis tells us whether a repair, an upgrade or replacement is the right answer.
Want to automate your driveway gates?
Send us photos of your gates, the hinges and posts, and the drive behind them over WhatsApp. We’ll tell you whether they look suitable for automation and what’s likely to be involved.
How gate automation works with us
- Photos and a chat. Tell us about your gates and how you’d like to use them, and send photos if you can.
- Assessment. We check the gates, posts, hinges, drive, power and cable routes, and any existing automation.
- Recommendation and quote. We explain what’s suitable – including any work needed to the gates first – and give you a clear quote.
- Preparation. Any adjustments, repairs or strengthening to the gates and posts, plus ducting and cabling.
- Installation and set-up. We fit the operators, control panel, safety devices and access control, and set limits, speed and force.
- Testing and handover. Every safety device is tested and we show you how to use the system and the manual release.
Gate automation across East Sussex, West Sussex and Kent
We’re based in East Sussex and automate and upgrade gates throughout East Sussex, West Sussex and Kent. See the areas we cover, or send us a message if you’re not sure whether we can help. Already automated but playing up? See our local gate repairs in Uckfield and gate repairs in Buxted.
Gate automation FAQs
Can my existing gates be automated?
Often, yes. The gate needs to be in sound condition, swing or slide freely by hand, and be fixed to posts or piers strong enough to take the extra load. We also look at its weight and size, the slope of the drive, the space around it and where power can come from. If the gate is not suitable, we will explain why and what would need to change.
How much does it cost to automate existing driveway gates?
The cost depends on the type and size of the gates, the operators that suit them, the cabling and power needed, any repairs or adjustments to the gates and posts, and the access control you choose. We give a clear quote after assessing the gates, and photos over WhatsApp help us give you an early indication.
Can you replace just the motors or the control panel?
Yes, where it makes sense. If parts of an existing system are in good condition, we can replace only what is worn, failed or obsolete, such as the motors, the control panel or the access control, and make sure the new and existing parts work safely together.
Do you work on gate automation you did not install?
Yes. Many of the systems we upgrade or repair were installed by someone else, sometimes many years ago. Send us photos of the gates, the motors and the control box and we will take it from there.
Can I open my gates from my phone?
Yes. A GSM intercom or GSM control unit lets authorised phone numbers open the gate with a call, and lets visitors at the gate call your mobile so you can let them in from anywhere. It is particularly useful on long drives where running a cable to the house is impractical.
Will automating my gates make them less safe?
Not when the system is properly designed and set up. We fit photocells and, where needed, safety edges, set the force and obstacle detection correctly, and test that the gates stop and reverse as they should before handing them over. Upgrading an older system often makes it safer than it was.
Request a gate automation quote
Call, WhatsApp or email Portara Automation to talk about automating your gates or upgrading an existing system. Photos of the gates, posts, motors and control box are always helpful.
Phone07417 421174
WhatsApp07417 421174
Related services
Find out more about our other gate services.