Gate Automation in Horsham

Many properties in Horsham already have manual gates — wrought iron on the period homes in the town centre, wooden five-bar gates on the rural properties, steel or aluminium on the modern builds. Automating these existing gates is often more practical and cost-effective than replacing the entire setup. We survey the site, recommends the right motor system, and handles the installation.

We're based in Horsham (RH13) and has automated gates on properties across the area — from the large detached homes along Worthing Road to farmhouse entrances in Brooks Green and Coolham.

Automation survey: £195+VAT (free with any repair or service booking)

Call us: 07542 024681 | Book online

What the Automation Survey Covers

Before any motor goes on a gate, we need to see the site. Every gate is different — weight, width, hinge condition, post strength, power supply proximity, and clearance all affect which motor system will work. The survey is a detailed, on-site assessment.

Gate Assessment

We measure the gate leaf weight and width, check hinge condition and post integrity, and assesses the gate material. In Horsham, wooden five-bar gates on farm properties are often heavier than owners expect — solid oak or hardwood frames can weigh over 80kg per leaf. The motor needs to match the load, or it will burn out within a few years.

Post and Foundation Check

On Horsham's Wealden clay, post stability is critical. The clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, and gate posts set in shallow foundations will shift over time. Your engineer checks whether the existing posts can support a motor or whether they need reinforcement. On properties in Mannings Heath and the rural parishes south of Horsham, this is the single biggest factor in choosing the right system.

Power Supply

The motor needs a dedicated power supply — typically a 240V feed from the house to the gate position. Your engineer checks what is already in place and advises on the cabling route. On older Horsham properties, the electrical supply may need upgrading. On rural properties with long driveways, the cable run can be 30 metres or more, and armoured cable is essential.

Motor Recommendation

Based on the gate weight, type, and site conditions, Your engineer recommends a specific motor system. For most Horsham residential properties, this will be a CAME or BFT system. CAME is the preferred choice for most new automation — reliable, well-supported, and competitively priced. BFT underground motors suit properties where a visible motor arm would be unacceptable — common on the period homes in Horsham town centre.

Safety Requirements

All new gate automation must comply with current safety standards. We specify the safety devices needed — photocells, safety edges, warning lights — and includes these in the quote. This is not optional. Automated gates are machinery, and they must be safe.

Automation Options for Horsham Properties

Pricing for Gate Automation

The survey fee covers your engineer's visit, full site assessment, and a written specification with costed options. If you proceed with the installation, the survey fee is deducted from the total.

Installation costs vary depending on the motor system, gate type, power supply requirements, and safety devices. We provide a fixed-price quote after the survey — no surprises.

Areas Covered Near Horsham

We also covers gate automation in these nearby areas:

• Gate automation in Crawley
• Gate automation in Haywards Heath
• Gate automation in Storrington
• Gate automation in Dorking

Also covering: Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Southwater, Warnham, Rusper, Brooks Green, Coolham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any gate be automated?

Most gates can, but not all should be. The gate needs to be in good structural condition, the posts need to be strong enough to support a motor, and there needs to be a power supply within reasonable reach. We will tell you honestly on the survey visit whether automation is practical for your gate.

How much does it cost to automate a gate in Horsham?

The survey is £195+VAT. Installation costs depend on the motor system, gate type, and site conditions. A typical residential swing gate automation in Horsham costs between £2,000 and £4,000+VAT including motor, safety devices, and installation. We provide a fixed-price quote after the survey.

How long does installation take?

Most residential gate automations in Horsham are completed in one day. Larger or more complex installations — such as underground motors or sites needing new power supply runs — may take two days. Your engineer will confirm the timeline in the quote.

Will my gate posts cope with a motor?

This is exactly what the survey determines. On Horsham's Wealden clay, many older posts have shifted or are set in shallow foundations. Your engineer will assess whether the posts need reinforcement and include this in the quote if necessary.

What brands do you recommend?

CAME and BFT for most Horsham installations. Both are European-manufactured, well-supported in the UK, and Our engineers carry common parts and spares. We don't install budget brands that will fail within a few years.

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