Are you planning a much-needed break away from home?
Holidays should mean relaxation, but many homeowners worry about security while their property stands empty. The good news is, with automated electric gates, you can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted visitors and return home with total peace of mind.
Here’s how investing in residential electric gates can keep your home safe while you’re away, and why now is the perfect time to consider an upgrade.
Why Choose Automated Electric Gates Before You Travel?
When you’re away, your home is more vulnerable to opportunistic thieves. Automated electric gates act as your first line of defence, offering security, privacy, and convenience all in one solution. They’re more than just a boundary, they’re a smart, visible deterrent that tells any would-be intruder your property is protected and monitored.
Modern residential electric gates combine robust materials, automation, and seamless integration with smart home security features. By installing a high-quality system before your holiday, you safeguard your property, protect loved ones, and enjoy your trip without nagging doubts about what’s happening back home.
Enhanced Security for Residential Homes
Security is the number one reason most people choose automated electric gates. In the UK, break-ins and garden thefts are sadly all too common, particularly during holiday periods. Research shows properties with visible security measures (including strong automated electric gates) are less likely to be targeted by burglars.
Deterring Opportunistic Intruders
Most home burglaries are opportunistic. Criminals typically look for properties with easy access and little evidence of security. Automated electric gates are an immediate visual barrier as they’re not easily climbed or forced, and the risk of being caught is much higher for the intruder. Modern gates can also be locked automatically, eliminating the risk of forgetting to secure them before you go away.
Integration with Smart Security Features
Today’s residential electric gates do more than open and close. Integration with intercoms, motion sensors, CCTV, and smartphone control means you can monitor and manage access even when you’re thousands of miles away.
Some systems send instant alerts if someone tries to enter, and paired with security cameras, you can review activity from your phone. When you combine robust gates with a comprehensive security system, you’re sending a clear message: this home is protected.
Privacy & Safety While You’re Away
Security isn’t just about deterring crime, it’s also about maintaining privacy. Whether your home is set back from the road or faces regular foot traffic, residential electric gates create a clear boundary. This reduces the likelihood of strangers approaching your door, peering into windows, or loitering around the entrance.
Shielding from Neighbours and Passers-by
High-quality automated electric gates can be designed for maximum privacy, whether through solid infill panels, elegant wrought iron with privacy screens, or tall designs that block lines of sight. If you live near a busy road or walkway, this can be the difference between peace and prying eyes.
Keeping Kids and Pets Secure
It’s not just burglars you need to worry about. Electric gates ensure pets stay safely on your property and prevent children from wandering out into the street. For families with dogs or young children, this peace of mind is invaluable, especially if you have house sitters or neighbours checking in while you’re away.
The Convenience of Automated Electric Gates
While security is often the main selling point, convenience is what homeowners notice every day. Manual gates are easily left open by mistake, and if you’re carrying bags or arriving in bad weather, the last thing you want is to wrestle with heavy gates. Automation makes life easier before, during, and after your holiday.
Hands-Free Entry with Smart Technology
From remote controls and keypads to geofencing and smartphone apps, the ways to open your gates are almost endless. Many modern systems can be set on schedules or controlled from anywhere in the world, so you can open the gates for a delivery, let in a neighbour, or simply check everything is secure from your phone.
Low Running Costs and Maintenance
Worried about energy use? The running costs of modern automated gates are surprisingly low, typically only around £15 per year in electricity. Maintenance is also straightforward, with most issues prevented by annual servicing, which is quick and cost-effective compared to emergency repairs.
Choosing the Right Residential Electric Gates for Your Home
Automated electric gates come in a wide variety of styles and materials. The right choice depends on your property’s layout, aesthetic preferences, and your specific security needs.
Gate Types: Swing vs Sliding
Swing gates are popular for traditional driveways with enough room for the gate to open inward or outward. Sliding gates, including cantilever models, are perfect for shorter drives, sloped surfaces, or where space is limited. Both types can be fully automated and fitted with safety sensors to prevent accidents.
Material Options: Aluminium, Wrought Iron, Wood, Composite
Each material offers a different balance of durability, maintenance, and appearance:
- Aluminium: Lightweight, rust-proof, ideal for automation and modern styles.
- Wood: Traditional charm, but requires more maintenance and may be heavier on automation systems.
- Steel: Highly durable, exceptionally resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Composite: Lightweight and engineered to resist rot, insect attack, and UV fading.
UK Safety Regulations and Compliance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warns that powered gates must meet UK safety standards, which cover force limits, safety sensors, and emergency release features. However, compliance with these standards alone may not be enough.
Installers and homeowners must also ensure automated electric gates are professionally fitted, risk-assessed, and regularly maintained to remain safe and legally compliant, or risk being held liable in the event of an accident.
Installation Process and What to Expect
Thinking of upgrading before your next trip? Here’s a quick overview of what happens if you opt for a professional electric gates installation:
Survey & Planning Permission
A site survey is carried out to check your driveway, property boundaries, and any slope or space considerations. In some cases, especially for gates over 1m facing the road, you may need planning permission.
Groundwork, Foundation & Motor Setup
Proper electric gates installation is key to long-term performance. Gates are set on deep concrete foundations, with hidden cables for safety and appearance. Tracks are laid for sliding gates, and motors are installed out of sight but easy to access for servicing.
Electrical Gates Installation & Commissioning
A dedicated, RCD-protected power supply is run to the gate (often from your home’s consumer unit). After thorough safety testing and commissioning, your system will be labelled to show UKCA compliance, with full handover instructions provided.
Long-Term Benefits: Security, Value & Peace of Mind
Automated electric gates aren’t just for when you’re on holiday, they’re a long-term upgrade to your property. According to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, a professionally installed electric gate can boost your home’s value by up to 5%, plus many UK insurers offer reduced premiums for homes with enhanced security. Prospective buyers also view gated properties as safer and more exclusive, which can help your home sell faster if you ever move on.
Most importantly, you gain everyday convenience and a sense of control over who enters your property. That peace of mind is hard to put a price on.
Planning Your Holiday? Here’s a Pre-Departure Gate Checklist
Before heading off, here’s how to make sure your residential electric gates are ready:
- Test all remotes, keypads, and app controls.
2. Check safety sensors and photocells. Gates should stop and reverse if anything blocks them.
3. Locate and practise the manual release in case of power cuts.
4. Set up notifications or alerts (if your gate system supports them).
5. Let a trusted neighbour or friend know how to operate the gate if needed.
6. Book an annual maintenance check with a professional if you haven’t already.
Taking a few minutes now could prevent a costly repair or security scare later.
Why Trust Fraser Gates for Your Electric Gates Installation?
We’re a trusted specialist for residential electric gates and home security solutions in Surrey and beyond. Our team are Gate Safe Aware certified and fully trained to the latest UK safety standards. We’ll guide you through design, installation, and aftercare, ensuring your system is smart, robust, and future-ready.
Our bespoke gates are tailored to your home’s style, layout, and personal preferences. From contemporary aluminium to swing gates, every Fraser Gates system is built for reliability and kerb appeal. You’ll also benefit from friendly support, honest advice, and the peace of mind that comes from choosing an accredited, local installer.
Ready to secure your property before your next trip? Discover more about residential gate automation or contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.