Gate Automation in Westerham

Many properties around Westerham already have manual gates — original wrought iron on the period homes near The Green, heavy hardwood double gates on the estate driveways along Hosey Hill and French Street, and steel gates on the more security-conscious rural properties. Automating these existing gates is often more practical and cost-effective than replacing the entire setup. We survey the site, recommend the right motor system, and handle the installation.

We have three existing customers in the Westerham area and visit the TN16 postcode on a regular schedule — Brasted, Sundridge, Ide Hill, Toys Hill, and Crockham Hill included. The journey from our Horsham base takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.

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 assess the gate material. Around Westerham, the heavy hardwood double gates on long estate driveways are often far heavier than owners expect — a solid timber leaf on a country property can run well over the weight a budget motor is rated for. The motor needs to match the load, or it will burn out within a few years.

Post and Foundation Check

On the greensand and chalk geology around Westerham, post stability behaves differently to the Wealden clay further south — less seasonal movement, but faster drainage that can leave foundation boxes dry one week and flooded the next after heavy rain runs off the steep slopes. Your engineer checks whether the existing posts can support a motor or whether they need reinforcement. On the older period properties near The Green and the converted farm buildings on the greensand ridge, this is often the deciding factor in choosing a 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 the long estate driveways around Hosey Hill and French Street, the cable run can easily be 50 metres or more, and armoured cable is essential. On older Westerham properties, the electrical supply may need upgrading before a motor can be added safely.

Motor Recommendation

Based on the gate weight, type, and site conditions, your engineer recommends a specific motor system. For most Westerham residential properties, this will be a CAME or BFT system. CAME is the preferred choice for most newer automation — reliable, well-supported, and competitively priced. BFT underground motors suit properties where a visible motor arm would be unacceptable — common on the period and listed homes around the town centre, where the gate's appearance matters as much as how it works.

Safety Requirements

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

Automation Options for Westerham 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 Westerham

We also cover gate automation in these nearby areas:

• Gate automation in Sevenoaks
• Gate automation in Bromley
• Gate automation in Orpington

Also covering: Hosey Hill, French Street, Brasted, Sundridge, Ide Hill, Toys Hill, Crockham Hill.