Frequently
Asked Questions

* How much does it cost?....
Custom Automatic Gate systems are very complex and require a number of specialized components to work well.  Custom Gates are each unique, built to your specifications so there are rarely ever any two systems that are exactly the same.  Things like Length, height and weight all play a roll in the final installation.  Location, the landscape and what functions you wish to have your system perform also affect the overall price.  The cost you can expect to pay for a complete Automatic System in Southern California can range anywhere from roughly $3,000 as a DIY project up to $30,000 for the most designer style with full spectrum functionality.  
The more complex your design and the more you want the gate to be able to do, the higher the cost.  Here at Art & Iron LLC our pros will work closely with you to design, build and install the perfect system to fit both your style and budget needs.

*How long will it take to be completed?....
As each installation is unique to fit you specific Home or Business, lead times and build times can vary.  Small simple Pedestrian Doors or Gates can take a few days to complete while larger builds such as Automatic Gates and perimeter fences may take several weeks.  Call us to schedule a Free Estimate and our pro will be able to tell you during your visit about how long you can expect your project to take.

*How do I schedule an Estimate and is it Free?....
Estimates are ALWAYS FREE with no obligation to you.  You can contact us via email, text or a phone call to schedule an estimate.  We will ask you some simple to answer questions to get some basic information about your project such as your name, job address and contact info so our pro is well informed upon arrival to your appointment. 

*What Areas do you cover?....
We serve the Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties in Southern California.  We do travel for large New Construction projects and Special Artwork projects and of course we can also build your pieces to your specifications and ship or deliver it to you.  There is an additional fee for this and it varies with location.  We do not ship outside of the United States. 

*Are Automatic Gates compatible with Smart Homes?....
The answer is No, not all systems or gate openers are Smart Home or Wifi equipped.  The less expensive systems you can purchase at your local hardware store are basic and designed for the DIY'er.  Additional devices must be added to these and knowledge of networking is key here.  The cost of adding everything you will need to meet the functionality of a higher-classed machine will eventually add up to the cost of buying the better system to start with.  We like to use systems like Liftmaster Openers and equipment because they come with everything you need to get the full functionality out of your gate system with features like Wifi capabilities, Bluetooth communicating between machines and End user friendly design.  We do also use other brands such as Ramset, Eagle, FAAC & Allomatic which are all fantastic machines but require additionally purchased Safety and Smart Home devices to give you the same functionality that Liftmaster comes with in the box.
If you have an Existing Gate Opener that is not wifi equipped, Art & Iron LLC specializes in upgrading your old system for features like Remote Access using your phone or tablet and wifi notifications so you can stay on top of your Home or Business security.

*Is an Automatic Gate safe?....
Local and Federal laws require Automatic Gate and Door Systems to be manufactured in a way that satisfies Safety protocalls.  If you are looking at a system that does not say "UL Certified" then you are putting your own safety at risk.  UL Certifications require specific safety sensors and detectors built into the device to prevent entrapment, injury and even death.  If you have a garage door, chances are that you're already used with this concept...just take a look at the two devices at the bottom of each side of you garage door (these are known as Safety Photo Eyes or Sensors) designed to reverse your garage door if you or anything is blocking them.  UL requirements essentially cover the same functions in Automatic Gate systems.  This also affects the cost of the higher-end machines that come pre-built with these sensors and detectors, as the lower-end openers require additional devices to make them "Safe" by the standards.

*What is better, Steel, Aluminum, Wood or Vinyl?...
So, Steel or Iron is always going to be the strongest material to build your Gate, Door or Fence with.  It's heavier than other materials and more expensive than wood or vinyl but it will outlast the home if prepared and installed correctly. Steel Gates, Doors or Fences have been used for centuries and allow the most options when it comes to design because they can hand-crafted by a welder limited only to the designer's imagination.  For locations near the ocean or near a large body of water or even wet climates like up in the mountain ranges, Aluminum or Vinyl materials may be better choices but are limited to designs because most are assembled from pre-manufactured pieces.  Both materials never rust or corrode and can be to a point, maintenance free.  Aluminum is the more expensive material to use on the list while vinyl is comparable to wood and sometimes even may cost less in general because there is no welding required and so labor costs of the build and installation can be less.  Wood material is a great way to get your Gate, Door or Fence done quickly and cheap, but wood is easily damaged by the elements and will not last as long as all other materials even if it is sealed.  
We always look at all the factors involved in your specific project and decide the best material to be used in your system based on over 50 years of combined experience in the industry.  If you asked "Pops" the pro, he'd say "nothing beats an old fashioned Steel Gate" .....We will make sure that you get the setup you want and one that works the best for you.  Our motto at Art & Iron LLC is
"Builds That Last, Built With Class"

*Does it come with a Warranty?...
We Warranty all our Newly installed Automatic Gate Systems for 3 Years which covers the functionality and structural integrity of the installation.  Anything that requires a touch up or an adjustment, we will handle free for the first 3 years.  The devices and Operators\Openers we use offer their own Manufacturers warranties that vary with each item.  If a part of your system fails, we will fix or repair it free within the 3 year warranty we offer on our installations and replace those that are covered beyond that point.  Why only 3 years?...Just like with a new vehicle, Automatic Gate Systems are complex machines with numerous moving parts and features.  Cars don't last forever without maintenance and occasional repair, neither do Gate Systems.  We offer our clients numerous discounts and promo offers beyond your warranty to ensure you get the service you need at the right price, and we also offer discounts for referred business too.  We do offer Additional Warranty purchase options such as a 5 Year, 10 year & Limited Lifetime Warranty that all include frequent service inspections and periodic maintenance visits ask a pro for details. 

*Do you Offer Samples or Digital Renderings?...
We can provide small scale built-samples but we ask for a Non-refundable deposit for this which is deducted from the over all cost of your project: The cost of small scale samples vary and are material/labor based.  We can also make you a custom Digital Rendering of your project where we overlay your design over a picture of your home or business so you can get an idea of how it look once finished: The Digital Rendering is only an example for reference, there is a one time non-refundable fee of $99.95 per sample which may be deducted from the total project cost if requested prior to approving your estimate.