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Electric gates are generally built to last – but unfortunately, not for forever. Like anything mechanical, even the most robust gate systems can eventually start to show their age, especially if they’re several decades old. If you find that your gates aren’t offering the same level of convenience, efficiency or security that you need, or you’re finding that they’re developing faults a bit more often than you’d like, it might be time for a change.
Here at North Valley Forge, we have more than 30 years of experience with wrought iron gates, so you can count on us to know the key signs that yours are past their prime. Here are five of the biggest!
Your gates no longer respond consistently
Day-to-day reliability is one of the key benefits of electric gates – but when that starts to slip, it can quickly become frustrating. With particularly old gates, you might notice delays when opening or closing, a longer reaction time from the remote, or the occasional misfire where the gates stop halfway or don’t budge at all. This can be caused by a number of things, such as worn parts, electrical interference or low battery power, but it can also point to an automation system that’s struggling to keep pace with regular use.
It’s not always about catastrophic failure. In many cases, the system still works – just not as smoothly as it once did. These smaller inconveniences might seem like something you can put up with, but over time they chip away at the convenience that electric gates are supposed to provide. A modern upgrade can improve responsiveness and reduce these interruptions, offering features like faster motors, better range on remote controls, and smoother, quieter operation.
They’re no longer meeting security needs
As you might expect, security is one of the biggest reasons people choose electric gates, and understandably so. As technology evolves though, the requirements for a secure entryway evolve too. Often, gates provide enough of a visual deterrent to serve as effective security measures, but today there’s a whole raft of extra security measures that can further enhance the value they provide – additions like built-in intercoms, video verification, or temporary access codes for example. In other words, features that older manual or electric gates might not necessarily be able to support.
It’s also worth remembering that not all security risks will be the result of targeted action by potential intruders. For example, some older gates don’t have auto-locking mechanisms or real-time notifications, which means you might not know immediately if they’ve been left open. New systems give you far greater oversight and enable you to customise access to suit your lifestyle, whether that’s letting in a tradesperson while you’re out, or syncing with the rest of your security setup. If your gates don’t integrate easily with your existing systems, or require you to manage access manually, it might be time to consider a more comprehensive solution.
They lack smart features and modern integration
To follow on from our last point, smart technology is now a part of everyday life – heating, lighting, even doorbells can all be controlled from a smartphone. If your gates can’t be operated remotely, or don’t integrate with your home network, you’re missing out on a level of convenience that’s become standard. Today’s systems offer features such as mobile app control, scheduled access times, voice assistant compatibility, and even geo-fencing that opens the gate as you approach.
It’s not about having the latest gadgetry – it’s about simplifying the way your home works. Smart features can offer reassurance and control, whether you’re letting in a family member while you’re away, checking access logs, or receiving a notification if the gates stay open too long. If your current setup feels limited or disconnected from the rest of your home tech, it may be time to explore a system that brings everything together.
You’re dealing with increased maintenance and repair costs
All electric gate systems benefit from periodic maintenance – including the gates we provide here at North Valley Forge. During preventative maintenance, hinges can be greased, sensors checked, and moving parts given a bit of attention. If your gates are becoming increasingly unreliable and engineers are visiting more often than you’d like, it might be worth thinking about an upgrade. At a certain point, the cost of keeping things going – both in money and time – starts to outweigh the benefits.
Frequent faults can also hint at a system that’s simply ageing. It might be harder to find parts, or repairs might only provide temporary relief. You could be dealing with worn actuators, outdated circuit boards, or control panels that no longer meet modern electrical standards. Upgrading gives you a fresh start with better reliability, reduced servicing needs, and systems designed to handle regular use efficiently. It’s also worth bearing in mind that newer models are often more energy efficient, which brings long-term savings of their own.
It affects your property’s kerb appeal
Electric gates aren’t just practical – they’re part of the overall look and feel of your home. And as with any design element, styles and tastes change. You might have made improvements to your property – new render, landscaping, lighting – but the gates now feel out of sync with the rest. Even well-maintained gates can appear a little dated if the design, colour or finish doesn’t match the tone of the rest of your home.
This isn’t just about appearance either. Kerb appeal plays a role in how your home is perceived by guests, neighbours, and even potential buyers. Replacing your gates gives you the chance to rethink that first impression. From elegant wrought iron designs with scrollwork, to contemporary minimalist styles with powder-coated finishes, you can choose a gate that reflects your property’s personality and improves its overall visual impact. Combined with modern automation, the result is often cleaner, quieter and far more polished than what was available when your current system was installed.
And on that note – if you are thinking about a change, that’s exactly where we can help here at North Valley Forge. We have over 30 years of experience crafting stunning electric wrought iron gates, so if you’re considering them for your home or business and would like any more information about you can request one of our brochures, make an inquiry, or give us a call on 01282 677300. A member of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you!
