Gate Automation
Motorise Your Existing Gates
Already have gates you're happy with? In many cases they can be automated without replacement — depending on their condition, weight and structure. Often the most cost-effective way to add convenience and security to your property.
Is my existing gate suitable for automation?
Most swing and sliding gates can be automated, but a few factors determine suitability. Your installer will assess these at a free site visit before recommending the right motor and confirming cost.
Heavier gates need more powerful motors and stronger mounting points. Very heavy or oversized gates may need reinforcement before automation is possible.
Pillars and hinges must be structurally sound to take the load and stress of motorised operation. Cracked, leaning or rotten posts will need repair or replacement first.
The gate should open and close smoothly by hand with no significant dragging, binding or misalignment. Automation will not fix an underlying mechanical problem — it will expose it.
For sliding gates, the ground or track must be level and free of significant obstructions. For in-ground motors on swing gates, there must be adequate clearance beneath the gate leaf.
Most materials — wrought iron, composite, timber, aluminium and steel — can be automated. Very lightweight or fragile gates may need additional bracing to handle motor force safely.
Not sure if your gate qualifies? Send us photos and our local installer will give you an honest assessment.
Get Free Assessment →⚡GATE AUTOMATION
Ram motor on existing gate
surface-mounted ram motor fitted to the hinge post of an existing black metal swing gate
Structural assessment
inspecting the hinge and pillar condition of an existing metal gate
Completed retrofit
traditional wrought iron swing gate, now fitted with a discreet electric motor and photocell sensor.
Automate your existing gate, or replace it?
If your gate is structurally sound, automating it is usually significantly more cost-effective than full replacement.
No new gate, posts or fabrication cost. Your existing gate keeps its current style and character.
Our installers will give an honest recommendation. Automation only goes ahead if your existing gate is genuinely suitable — we won't recommend a retrofit just to make a sale.
What's involved in a gate automation retrofit
Free assessment
Your installer inspects the gate, pillars and ground conditions to confirm suitability and recommend the right motor type and automation level.
Motor fitting
For swing gates, ram or in-ground motors are fitted at the hinge points. For sliding gates, a motor unit is fitted at the base with a rack along the gate length.
Safety devices
Photocell beams, safety edges and force limitation fitted and tested to BS EN 12453 — regardless of how old the existing gate is.
Safety standards →Handover
Remote fobs, keypad or app control set up and tested. Full demonstration and documentation provided, just as with a new installation.
Installation guide →⚡ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GATE AUTOMATION
Can any gate be automated?
Most swing and sliding gates can be automated, but suitability depends on the gate's weight, structural condition, alignment and the condition of the pillars or posts. Very lightweight, damaged or poorly aligned gates may need remedial work first, or may not be suitable for automation at all. Your installer will assess this for free.
Is automating an existing gate cheaper than buying a new automated gate?
Yes, usually significantly cheaper — you avoid the cost of a new gate, new posts and fabrication. A Level 1 retrofit on a suitable existing swing gate starts from around £1,800, compared to £3,800+ for a complete new gate and automation package.
Will automation damage my existing gate?
A correctly specified automation retrofit should not damage the gate. The installer assesses the gate's weight and structure first to ensure the motor and mounting points are appropriate. If your gate is not structurally suitable, the installer will tell you rather than proceeding with an unsuitable installation.
My gate doesn't open and close smoothly by hand — can it still be automated?
This should be addressed before automation. A motor will not fix dragging, binding or misalignment — it can make the problem worse and shorten the motor's lifespan. Your installer will likely recommend resolving the mechanical issue first, which may be a simple hinge adjustment or a more involved repair.
Do retrofitted gates meet the same safety standards as new installations?
Yes — BS EN 12453 applies equally to retrofitted automation as it does to new gate installations. Safety edges, photocells and force limitation are fitted and tested to the same standard regardless of the age of the gate itself.
How long does an automation retrofit take?
Most retrofits are completed in a single day, assuming no remedial work to the gate or pillars is needed. If reinforcement or repair work is required first, this may extend the overall timeline — your installer will advise after the initial assessment.
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