Site plan G-2: automation rough-in

Gate openers installed for Del Rio heat, dust, and distance.

Slide, swing, and solar operators with safety sensors, exit loops, keypads, and battery backup, on gates we build and on gates you already have.

G-2 Automation rough-in CONDUIT GOES IN BEFORE THE CONCRETE

What we install

OPERATORS

Automatic slide gate operator mounted at the base of a large decorative metal gate on a gear rack — Slide gate operatorMOTOR DRIVES A GEAR RACK ON THE GATE

Slide operators

A motor at the base drives a gear rack mounted along the gate. Strong, simple, and the right choice for heavy or wide gates.

Swing operators

An arm on each leaf pushes the gate open and pulls it closed. Sized to the weight and length of the leaf, not just the width of the drive.

Solar

On acreage where running power to the gate would cost more than the opener, a solar panel and battery run it. Common across Val Verde County, and we size the panel and battery for how often the gate actually cycles.

Built for this climate

HEAT AND DUST

Heat

Summer heat is hard on control boards and batteries. Backup batteries in an operator box in full sun wear out much faster than their rating. We mount control boxes in shade where we can, vent them, and tell you when to expect battery replacement.

Dust

Dust on photo eye lenses is one of the most common reasons a gate refuses to close. A quick wipe fixes it, and we show you where they are.

Power outages

Battery backup keeps the gate working for a number of cycles in an outage, and every operator has a manual release. Before we leave, we show you where the release is and how to use it.

Retrofit or new build

EXISTING GATES

We automate gates that were already there when you bought the house, but not every gate should be. A gate that sags, drags, or binds will burn out a new operator. If yours needs work first, we tell you and quote the repair separately.

On a new gate, we plan the operator from the start: conduit from the house before any concrete is poured, mounts built into the gate frame, and pads and posts sized for the motor. See driveway gates.

Safety is not an upsell

SENSORS

Automatic gates are heavy, powerful machines. Every operator we install is UL 325 listed and set up with the entrapment protection that standard requires, typically photo eyes across the opening and contact edges on the gate.

An exit loop or wireless exit sensor opens the gate for cars leaving, so no one needs a remote on the way out. For access, keypads at the driver's window, remotes, and phone-based controls are all available.

Common questions

FAQ

Can you add an opener to my existing gate?

Usually, yes. We check the gate first. If it sags, drags, or binds, it has to be fixed before automation, or it will wear out the new operator. We quote any repair separately.

Do you install solar gate openers?

Yes. Solar makes sense on acreage where bringing power to the gate is expensive. We size the panel and battery for how many times a day your gate opens.

What happens when the power goes out?

A battery backup runs the gate for a number of cycles, and every operator has a manual release so you can open it by hand. We show you how before we leave.

Why does my gate refuse to close?

Most often the photo eyes are blocked or dusty, or slightly out of alignment. Wipe the lenses and check that nothing is in the beam. If that doesn't fix it, call us.

Are automatic gates safe?

When they are installed correctly, yes. We use UL 325 listed operators with the entrapment protection the standard requires, typically photo eyes and safety edges.