Gated homeowners association communities can be safer, which is why insurance companies often offer a discount to residents in gated communities. Some gated communities also offer a sense of exclusivity, but the same gate that makes your community desirable can also become a liability if it isn’t maintained properly.

According to Liftmaster, one of the leading automated gate manufactures, three out of four automated gates don’t meet current standards. A gate that doesn’t meet standards threatens the feeling of safety for residents and guests, employees or service workers, and property like cars and bikes. To help make sure that the gate your community enjoys isn’t a liability, here are three things board members in gated community need to know:

 

  1. Is it UL 325 Compliant?

    In the spring of 2016 Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which is a global safety science company, updated its safety standards for automated gates. UL 325 compliant gates are equipped with sensors to ensure the gate won’t close when something is in its way. This prevents children, pets, cars, or anything else from being hit by an automated gate.

 

  1. Is it functioning properly?

    Just because your gate meets safety standards doesn’t mean it will always work properly. It is important to regularly check the gate and its safety features like photo eyes, edge sensors, and its inherent reversing system to make sure all parts are in good working condition. Just like anything, gates need proper service and maintenance to prevent them from malfunctioning.

 

  1. Stay on top of recalls and safety updates.

    While your gate may be working is and compliant today, don’t get complacent and fail to keep it current. Safety standards are always evolving and improving, so it’s in your board’s best interest to check safety updates and recalls on a regular basis.

 

Gated communities are popular and desirable neighborhoods. Making sure your gate is operational is key. If you don’t know how to tell if your gate is compliant, or would like to talk with someone more familiar with HOA community gates, don’t hesitate to shoot us an email or call us. Many of our communities are gated, so we are familiar with automated gates and we’re happy to help you navigate vendors for repairs, replacements, and any updates your community gate needs!

Hopefully you’ve found today’s post helpful! Join us in a few days as we cover the best ways to inspect and maintain your gate!