Automatic gates are placed at the entrance of homes and businesses for added security. You may even pass a business that has an automatic gate with professional security personnel on standby. These security people find out what you are doing there and who you are there to see. Even some wealthy celebrities have these types of gates at the entrance of their homes to keep the press off their property. There are many different types of automatic gates on the market. They are normally installed by professionals and sometimes have boxes in which to speak into before entrance.

Some automatic gates make your home look more elegant. Some automatic gates have a key pad with a security password that must be entered in order for the gate to open. The Athena; Concord deluxe; Lexington deluxe; San Francisco and the Essex are only a few of the simpler gates. There’s also the Versailles design which adds more elegance and style to your driveway. The Versailles which is also one of my favorites is constructed of 16 gauge steel frame; though it gives the look of wrought iron.

The standard color preferred by most is jet black but you can request custom colors. Most gate companies offer the opportunity to customize your own gate to your specifications. Some people have their name or their last name placed on the gate; which is very popular among celebrities. There are different types of automatic gates as well as different styles; such as the swing gate or the sliding gate. All wrought iron driveway gates can be either swing or sliding gates. Though a swing gate installs easier than sliding gates and tends to cost less as well.

There are also different remote access controllers that can be used such as the telephone intercom and video interface; keypad remote and receivers. Different gates open either inward or outward; whichever the owners preference. Another one of my favorites is most definitely the Hyde Park series which is also constructed of 16 gauge steel. This particular gate design is very pleasing to look at. It has a curly design within the gate that makes it distinctive.

Gate Openers

The humble intercom system has come a long way in recent years and is no longer limited to the simple front door unit and control panel. More and more features are being added as the technology becomes available and as a result the convenience and security that they offer the home owner has increased enormously. Once confined to business and apartment use intercoms are now becoming commonplace in residential homes as they become more affordable and with a wireless system, easily installed into an existing dwelling. Read on to find out about benefits that you may not have thought possible with a modern intercom system.

1. Home and Personal Security – the number one on the list for good reason. It goes without saying that the world can be a nasty place and protecting your home and loved ones has never been more important. With the use of a Video Intercom system you can view who is at your door before deciding to let them in. If the visitor is not someone you know you can find out the reason for their visit before opening the door. A video intercom can also be used for surveillance recording which is handy if you are going to be away from your home for a period of time and many units can support multiple cameras for all round protection.

2. Automated Entry – add an automatic gate opener to your intercom system and protect your home at the frontline. Gate openers are available to suit all types of gates, from single to double and swing or sliding gates. Open your front gate with the push of a button and with a self locking unit be assured that once your visitor is inside the gate will not be able to be manually opened by anyone else. The control of these units can be integrated into your intercom system and you have the choice of wired or wireless operation. Another feature that is available on some gate openers is solar powered operation, saving electricity and reducing the installation costs. With some top-end systems the gate can even be operated by your mobile phone!

3. Room Monitoring – With a central control panel and room stations set-up around the house you can use your intercom to monitor what is going on in those rooms. Keep tabs on the kids playing in the back room or use it to listen for when your sleeping baby awakes. With these units you can also communicate with the occupants of the room, so the kids will have no excuse for not hearing you ever again!

4. Have Your Favorite Music Piped Through Your Home – Several control units have the feature of inputs for a radio or a cd player and some units come with these already built in. Tune-in to your favorite radio station or put on your favorite cd and have the music piped to each room that has a station installed in it. Outdoor units are available for patios and entertaining areas, perfect for barbeques or having friends over.

5. More Home Security Options – the modern intercom system control unit can be configured to operate video monitoring and recording, motion detectors, window and door sensors and glass breakage sensors. They can also offer back to base monitoring for a complete home alarm and intercom system in one. Why settle for a simple home alarm when you can have the convenience of both systems in one?

Gate Openers