Electric gates provide a wide range of advantages for homeowners, so it’s no wonder that they’re so popular up and down the country. If you’re a homeowner yourself, your electric gates can give you an exceptionally fine degree of control over who enters your property. That means you can choose when the gates open, how they open, and who can trigger them. As well as for privacy and traffic control, they also have great aesthetic value too, capable of putting a distinctive finishing touch on the look of a boundary.

With all of our years of experience here at North Valley Forge, we’ve had our fair share of questions in our time from customers about electric gates – and these are the ones we’ve heard most often.

1. Can you use electric gates with an existing driveway?

Yes, you can use your current driveway in most situations. When we come to install your gates, we can measure what’s already there and design the system to suit the shape, slope, and structure. If the ground falls away or rises steeply, we can recommend a gate style that suits the gradient, and if you’ve got pillars or walls, we’ll first check whether they can take the load.

Our experts will also check the clearance, surface condition, and line of approach. If the drive opens straight onto the street, we may suggest a sliding gate so it doesn’t swing into the road. If you’ve got space inside the property on the other hand, a hinged system might be better. The key is movement and margin — the gate needs space to travel, space to stop, and a solid base to support the motor. We’re always happy to advise on whatever you need.

2. Do you need planning permission for electric gates?

It’s possible. You may need permission depending on gate height, location, and what type of property you’re working with. On most standard plots, you can install gates up to two metres tall without applying for anything. If your entrance faces the road or sits close to a junction, you may need to apply even at lower heights. To give yourself peace of mind, it’s best to check your local authority’s guidance and confirm the limits before starting any site work. Planning permission may well be required if your property is listed or sits in a conservation area. Some councils restrict materials or visual styles near heritage sites or public paths. If you’re replacing manual gates with automated ones, that can still count as a new structure under planning rules.

3. What’s the difference between sliding and swinging gates?

The main difference is obviously fairly straightforward in principle – swing gates open on hinges and move in an arc, whereas sliding gates move sideways on a rail or tracked surface. As to which one’s best for your property, that will come down to the available space, as well as the slope, traffic flow, and what the boundary allows. On some properties, sliding gates may well be best because there’s not enough room behind the line to swing a full gate open. On others, swing gates may be better suited because there’s a flat area for the gate leaf to travel without obstruction.

Essentially, swing gates tend to suit wider openings and longer driveways, whereas sliding gates are better when space is tight or when the entrance sits close to a busy road. Both systems provide strong security value and remote access, and both can be installed with safety sensors, keypad entry, and smart integration – so you can always have peace of mind that there will be plenty of advanced functionality to make your life easier!

4. Do electric gates work when it rains or snows?

Yes they do, as long as the system is installed properly and rated for outdoor use. The motors, controls, and cables all stay protected inside weatherproof housings – the boxes are mounted where water can’t pool and where runoff doesn’t collect. On tracked systems, before installation the ground line is first fully cleared, and fall points are set to help ice and debris slide away. On hinged systems, the pivot zones are sealed and shielded, and strong brackets are used to keep the arm tight under load.

Now, as you can imagine, if snow builds up across a gate line, that can restrict movement – just like with any exterior structure. That’s why we recommend clearing fresh snow and checking for frozen obstructions during colder months. In exposed areas, you might want to use rubber stops or install gate skirts to stop drift getting into the motor zone. The system keeps running through winter with basic maintenance – basically most of what it’ll need is just occasional checks, a clear track, and no standing water at the motor.

5. Can you open electric gates during a power cut?

Yes, every electric gate includes a manual release. That gives you access during outages, maintenance work, or fuse trips. You’ll generally be shown exactly how to open that release when the installation of your gates is complete. It usually involves unlocking a discreet panel near the motor and turning a release point to disengage the mechanism. Once released, you can open the gate by hand without damaging any part of the system. If you’re installing on a site where power loss is more likely for whatever reason, you might also want to consider a battery backup. That gives you multiple full operations after the mains cut out. Some buyers also add a solar charger to support those batteries or a GSM alert to warn when power drops.

That’s all the essentials covered! If you’ve got any more specific questions about electric gates that we’ve not answered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01282 677300. And if you’re considering an electric wrought iron gate and want to learn more about what we can do for you, simply request one of our brochures, make an enquiry, or give us a call.

At North Valley Forge, we’re proud to be one of the premier manufacturers of wrought iron electric gates and railings in the UK. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve been trusted nationwide for our exceptional craftsmanship and reliable installations – so we’ll always be happy to help.