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Frequently asked questions

General Questions

How do I place an order for aluminium driveway or garden gates online?

Click the “Order Now – Start Customising” button on your chosen gate’s product page. You can then select sizes, colours, locks, motors, intercoms, and keypads.

How will I know when my driveway or garden gates will be delivered? 

For residential gates, our logistics team will text you the evening before your delivery day to confirm and finalise timings.

Can you manufacture made-to-measure aluminium gates larger than your standard sizes?

Yes. For residential double swing gates and pedestrian gates beyond our standard width/height, delivery is typically 12–16 weeks.

Can I order custom aluminium gates smaller than your standard widths?

Yes. Standard customised widths (smaller than standard) usually deliver in 3–4 weeks.

Are aluminium driveway gates environmentally friendly?

Yes—aluminium gates are a sustainable choice:

  • Built to last: Highly durable and corrosion-resistant, reducing replacement frequency and waste.
  • Fully recyclable: Aluminium can be recycled repeatedly; recycling uses about 5% of the energy of primary production.
  • Low maintenance: No regular painting, staining, or harsh chemical treatments.
  • Energy efficient production: Especially when using recycled aluminium.
How easy is it to clean and maintain aluminium gates?
  • No rust or rot: Ideal for wet or coastal locations.
  • Quick to clean: Mild soapy water is usually sufficient.
  • No repainting: Powder-coated finishes are durable and UV-stable.
What type of screws should I use for fixing into aluminium gates?

Use self-tapping (sheet metal) screws that cut their own thread. Match the screw length to the aluminium thickness and expected load. Pre-drill if required and use the correct driver bit to avoid head damage.

What is the lifespan of aluminium driveway gates?

Our aluminium gates are designed for long-term performance—no rust, twisting, sagging, or warping. Finishes resist fading and cracking. All gates include a 5-year manufacturer guarantee.

Where can I find installation guides for aluminium gates?

 On each product page, below the “Customise Order Now” button, you’ll find installation instructions and specification downloads.

Do you supply bespoke made gates?

We can offer reduced widths from our standard gate sizes listed.  Please call us to discuss your customised requirements.

Can I fit my own lock to the pedestrian gate?

Our gates come pre-cut to accept the locks and handle we supply. The barrel is a standard Euro type which can be changed very easily. Different types of locks could be fitted but you may have to make some adjustments to do so.

Can you take the measurements for my driveway?

No, Online Security Gates do not offer a measuring service. Please contact us if you need advice on what measurements to take to ensure you order the correct size.

Pedestrian Gates

What type of lock keep receiver comes with pedestrian gates?

 A full-length lock keep receiver is supplied as standard.

What type of lock and barrel is fitted to your pedestrian gates?

Euro lock 35/35 split (70 mm total) supplied as standard.

Do the listed sizes for pedestrian gates include fixings and posts?

No. Sizes shown refer to the gate panel only—hinges and lock are not included in the listed width/height.

What size gap is required for fitting a pedestrian gate?

Allow 30 mm overall for hinges and lock. Example: a 1000 mm gate panel needs a 1030 mm opening.

What is the thickness of your pedestrian gates?

Pedestrian gates use a 45 mm thick frame. Downloadable dimension drawings (PDF) with exact measurements are available on each product page.

How do I measure my entrance for a pedestrian gate?
  • Width: Measure the total opening and add clearance:
  • Height: Ensure the opening is at least 100 mm taller than the gate panel (≈50 mm clearance top and bottom).
Can pedestrian gates be installed to open from the left or right?

Yes—our pedestrian gates are universal. Rotate the handle 180°, rotate the lock keep receiver 180°, and change latch direction by pressing the internal release catch and turning the latch1 80°.

Residential Double Swing Gates (Driveway Gates)

What fixings do I need for attaching aluminium double swing gates to posts?

 When fitting bottom hinges to our aluminium posts, select expander bolts (two bolts per hinge) in the product configurator.

How do you close the gap between the leaves of a double swing gate?

 We supply centre lips packaged separately. Remove the cover plate and slot the lips into the middle to close the gap.

Can manual double swing gates be converted to automatic later?

Yes. Manual contemporary double swing gates can be upgraded to automatic at a later stage.

Do the listed sizes for driveway gates include fixings and posts?

No. Sizes refer to the gate panels onlyand do not include hinges or the centre lips.

What width gap is needed for contemporary double swing driveway gates?

 Allow 50 mm overall (≈20 mm per hinge and 10 mm for the centre lips). Example: a 3000 mm gate needs a 3050 mm opening.

What locking options are available for manual double swing driveway gates?

 Choose between lockable drop bolts or a factory-fitted lock.

How do I measure my driveway opening for double swing gates?
  • Width: Add 5–25 mm on the hinge side and 10 mm between the two leaves.
  • Height: Ensure the opening is at least 100 mm taller than the gate panel.
What is the thickness of your aluminium double swing driveway gates?

 Our double swing driveway gates have a 55 mm thick frame for a strong, premium build.

Where can I find technical drawings for your driveway gates?

Each product page includes a downloadable PDF dimension drawing with exact measurements, profiles, and fitting information.

Still Need Help? Automatic Driveway Gate FAQs

What is an automated/electric gate? 

When you want to control access to a property or area, gate automation allows this to be automated. By adding the appropriate machinery to compatible gates, the process of opening and closing the gate can be controlled automatically.

What types of gates can be automated?

Most gates can be automated.

Exactly what will the installation team do? 

All the civil engineering works preparation required to install automation, install automation and safety systems onto the gate, install access control systems, connect and commission.

What are the responsibilities of others?

To save you money on surveys all we need are the measurements and photos of where the gate is to be located. Prior to gate installation we require power brought to the gate by a qualified electrical engineer.

What do I need to check first?

Consider the security level you would like to achieve and consider the practicalities for everyday living to create the perfect balance.

Assess your needs for access and egress, how would you like to enter and egress, what about visitors and how they will gain access.  Access and egress can be offered in a controlled or passive solution.  Controlled by way of authorised remote key fob, card reader, intercom, video-com, long range tag systems, ANPR (automatic number plate recognition system).  Passive entry/egress with push button control, via photo-cell systems or underground loop conductivity systems.

Do I need to have piers or pillars to fix gates to? 

If you don’t have pillars, piers, walls etc, we can provide aluminium posts suitable for fixing your new gates.

What are the minimum requirements I need on my property?


Will you take away my old gates?

Yes

What is the benefit of an automated/electric gate (versus a manual gate)?

Convenience and adds prestige to your property and grounds
Where can automated/electric gates be Installed? We can install anywhere throughout the UK

Where can automated/electric gates not be installed?

Swing gates cannot swing uphill

Can I install an automated/electric gate? How?

What can I expect from your installation team? Fully insured professional and experienced gate engineers.  CHAS and Constructionline accredited.

What is the cost of an automated/electric gate?

We have a range of electric gate automation products available in our online store. If you need help or advice please contact us to discuss your requirements. You can also call us on: 0207 1129 029

Does it cost extra to have you install it?

Installation costs can vary depending on the entrance and exit conditions.

Are there any gates that can’t have automation?

No

 

Contact us to discuss your requirements

You can also call us on: 0207 1129 029.