Sliding gates are brilliant when there's no room for gates to swing – short driveways, driveways that slope up behind the gate, or busy entrances where you don't want a gate swinging towards traffic. They're also often the cheapest type of gate to automate.
I fit new sliding gates, automate existing ones, and repair sliding gate motors of all the major brands.
Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433
How a sliding gate works
The gate runs sideways along the boundary, usually on wheels on a ground track. A motor beside the gate drives it using a toothed rack fixed along the gate. With a cantilever gate, there's no track across the driveway at all – the gate is carried on rollers to one side.
The one thing a sliding gate needs is space: a clear run alongside the opening, roughly as long as the gate itself, for it to slide into.
The automation I use
For sliding gates I fit DEA System sliding gate motors, sized to the weight of the gate and how often it's used. For very heavy or industrial gates I'll spec the kit to suit.
Sliding gate automation starts from £1,400. New gates start from £1,600 for wood, £2,000 for wrought iron and £2,200 for composite, depending on size and design. More in sliding gate automation.
Is a sliding gate right for you?
A sliding gate is a good fit if:
- your driveway is short, or slopes up behind the gate
- there's no room for swing gates to open inwards
- the entrance is wide, or used a lot
- you want strong security – sliding gates are hard to force
It's less suitable if there's no clear run beside the opening. I compare the two in sliding vs swing electric gates.
Safety comes first
Sliding gates have their own hazards – trapping points at the closing post and where the gate slides past the pillar. I fit photocells and safety edges where they're needed, guard the trapping points, and force test every gate to BS EN 12453. See sliding gate safety checks.
Sliding gate repairs
Gate jerking, stopping halfway or not moving at all? It's often the track, the wheels, the rack or the safety devices. I repair sliding gates of all makes – see common sliding gate problems or electric gate repairs.
Get a price
Send me a couple of photos of your entrance and the space beside it, and I'll tell you if a sliding gate will work. Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433, or send me a message.
Questions people ask me
How much does sliding gate automation cost?
From £1,400, depending on the gate's size and weight and the groundwork needed.
How much space does a sliding gate need?
A clear run beside the opening roughly as long as the gate, plus a little extra.
Can my existing sliding gate be automated?
Usually, if it runs freely on a level track. I'll check the gate, wheels and track first.
Are sliding gates more secure than swing gates?
They're very hard to force: the motor's gearbox holds the gate shut and there are no hinges to attack. Both types can be made secure.