From the historic neighborhoods of Asheville to the mountain communities of Black Mountain, Montreat, and Swannanoa, property owners are discovering how automated gate systems and entry control technology enhance security while adding convenience to daily life.

At Asheville Fence, we've been serving Western North Carolina since the 1970s, installing and maintaining access control systems that withstand our region's unique challenges. Our experience working throughout the county—from urban properties to remote mountain locations—means we understand the terrain, weather conditions, and specific security needs that make each installation unique.

Understanding Fencing Access Control Systems

Fencing access control refers to the technology and equipment that regulates who can enter your property through gated access points. Rather than relying on manual gates that anyone can open, automated access control systems use motorized gate operators combined with entry authorization devices to ensure only approved individuals gain access to your property.

These systems integrate seamlessly with various fence types to create secure perimeters around residential homes, commercial facilities, and industrial sites. Whether you need to protect a family residence in Candler, secure a business facility in downtown Asheville, or control access to a farm property near Weaverville, professional access control installation provides the security infrastructure your property requires.

Modern access control technology has evolved significantly, offering sophisticated features that were once available only to large commercial operations. Today's systems provide homeowners and small businesses with enterprise-level security at accessible price points.

Gate Operator Options for Your Property

Selecting the right gate operator system depends on your property layout, usage patterns, and specific security requirements. We offer several configurations designed to accommodate different applications and site conditions common throughout the region.

Swing Gate Systems

Swing gates operate similarly to traditional doors, pivoting on hinges to open inward or outward. These systems work well for properties with adequate clearance space and can be configured as single swing gates or double swing gates depending on your driveway width and vehicle requirements. They can be constructed from wood, ornamental aluminum, ornamental steel, or vinyl to match your existing fence and architectural style.

Sliding Gate Systems

Sliding gates move horizontally along a track, making them ideal for properties with limited clearance space or steep driveways. These systems are especially practical for the sloped terrain common throughout the county, where swing gates might be impractical due to grade changes. Sliding configurations work particularly well for narrower entry points and offer reduced wind resistance compared to swing gates.

Cantilever Gate Systems

Cantilever gates represent a specialized sliding gate design that doesn't require a ground-level track. Instead, these gates are supported by a counterbalanced mechanism that keeps them elevated above the driveway surface. This design is excellent for areas where ground tracks could accumulate snow, ice, or debris—common concerns for mountain properties during winter months.

Power System Choices

Choosing between electric and solar power systems is one of the most important decisions when installing access control. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your property's electrical infrastructure, environmental priorities, and location characteristics.

Electric Automated Gate Systems

Electric gate operators connect directly to your property's electrical system, providing consistent, reliable power for automated gate operation. These systems work with any gate material—vinyl, iron, chain link, or wood—and accommodate various design configurations and opening mechanisms.

Electric systems require running conduit from your gate location to your electrical panel. For properties with electrical service near the gate area, this installation is straightforward and cost-effective. The consistent power supply ensures reliable operation without concerns about solar panel performance during extended cloudy periods.

Key advantages of electric gate operators include:

• Reliable, consistent power supply for any weather conditions
• Compatibility with all gate materials and weight classes
• Multiple entry control options including remotes, keypads, and telephone entry systems
• Integration with existing security and monitoring systems
• Lower upfront installation costs compared to solar systems

Solar Automatic Gate Systems

Solar-powered gate operators use renewable energy captured by solar panels to charge batteries that power the gate mechanism. Most residential and light commercial installations use 7-watt or 14-watt solar panels to maintain adequate battery charge for daily operation.

Solar systems are particularly valuable for remote locations where running electrical conduit would be expensive or impractical. They're also ideal for environmentally conscious property owners who want to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce ongoing operational costs.

Benefits of solar-powered access control include:

• Environmentally friendly operation with no ongoing electricity costs
• Independence from the power grid prevents outages from affecting gate operation
• Excellent solution for remote properties without convenient electrical access
• Lower lifetime operational costs despite higher initial investment
• Reduced environmental impact aligns with Western North Carolina's conservation values

Solar systems work most effectively with lighter-weight gates such as ornamental aluminum or chain link. The reduced weight requires less power to operate, extending battery life and ensuring reliable performance even during periods of limited sunlight.

Entry Control Methods

Modern access control systems offer multiple authorization methods that allow approved users convenient access while preventing unauthorized entry. The right combination of entry devices depends on how many people need access, whether you need to track entries and exits, and your specific security requirements.

Remote Control Transmitters

Handheld remote controls allow authorized users to operate gates from inside their vehicles, providing convenient access without requiring them to exit the vehicle. This method is particularly valuable during inclement weather or when arriving home late at night.

Wireless Keypad Systems

Keypad entry systems enable access through personalized entry codes, making them ideal for families, employees, service providers, and guests. Users simply enter their unique code to trigger gate operation. Codes can be easily changed or deactivated as needed, providing flexible security management without the need to collect physical keys or remotes.

Card Reader Access Control

Swipe card or proximity card readers offer another layer of access control, particularly useful for commercial properties or households that want detailed tracking of entries and exits. Each authorized user receives a unique card that grants them access when swiped or held near the reader.

Telephone Entry Systems

Telephone entry systems allow visitors to call your home or business phone from the gate, enabling you to remotely grant or deny access after verifying the visitor's identity. This intercom-style system is excellent for screening visitors and delivery personnel before allowing them onto your property.

Compatible Fencing Materials

The effectiveness and longevity of your access control system depends partly on selecting appropriate gate materials that complement the automated operator. Different materials offer varying advantages for automated applications.

Chain Link Gates

Chain link gates are exceptionally lightweight and well-suited for both electric and solar automated operators. The minimal weight requires less power to operate, and the open design offers minimal wind resistance. Chain link is particularly cost-effective for larger properties, commercial facilities, and perimeter security applications.

Ornamental Aluminum Gates

Ornamental aluminum provides an excellent balance of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for automated gate systems. The lightweight material works beautifully with solar-powered operators while offering decorative design options. Aluminum's rust-resistant properties eliminate ongoing maintenance concerns.

Ornamental Steel Gates

For maximum security combined with elegant design, ornamental steel gates provide superior strength and allow for intricate custom designs. These heavier gates work best with robust electric operators and can incorporate decorative elements, family crests, or custom metalwork.

Wood Gates

Wood gates offer excellent customization options and natural aesthetic appeal that complements traditional architecture and mountain settings. We can design wood gates in cantilever, swing, double swing, or sliding configurations to accommodate various automated operator systems.

Vinyl Gates

Vinyl gates provide low-maintenance operation with excellent weather resistance. The material won't rot, rust, or require painting, making it ideal for property owners who want attractive gates without ongoing maintenance requirements.

Visit our gallery to see some examples of our completed work!

Security Benefits for Local Properties

Installing professional access control provides multiple security advantages that protect your property, assets, and family or employees.

Enhanced Physical Protection

Traditional manual gates can be defeated with simple tools like bolt cutters or lock picks. Automated gate operators require specialized electrical knowledge to bypass, creating a significant deterrent for potential intruders. The visible presence of an automated gate system often convinces would-be trespassers to target easier properties instead.

Controlled Access Points

Access control systems ensure that only authorized individuals can enter your property. By requiring specific credentials—whether a remote control, access code, or card—you maintain complete control over who gains entry and when. This is particularly valuable for businesses that need to restrict access to sensitive areas.

Monitoring Capabilities

Many automated access control systems include monitoring features that track when gates open and close, who accessed the system, and what authorization method they used. This real-time information provides valuable oversight of property activity and can alert you to unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts.

Regional Installation Considerations

Installing access control systems throughout the county requires attention to specific regional factors that affect system performance and longevity.

Terrain and Topography

The mountainous terrain throughout the region often includes sloped driveways, uneven ground, and challenging site conditions. Our installation teams have extensive experience working with these conditions, ensuring proper gate alignment and operator installation regardless of topography.

Weather Resistance

Our region experiences diverse weather conditions including heavy winter snow, ice storms, intense summer thunderstorms, and significant temperature fluctuations between seasons. Access control systems must withstand these extremes, which is why we use weather-resistant materials, protected electrical components, and robust construction methods designed for mountain climates.

Professional Installation and Service

The quality of your access control installation directly impacts system reliability, safety, and longevity. Professional installation ensures proper electrical work, correct sensor calibration, appropriate gate alignment, and compliance with safety standards.

Asheville Fence has served as the go-to fence and access control contractor for the City of Asheville and NCDOT since the 1970s. Our installation teams include hand-selected professionals with years of experience working throughout Western North Carolina. We understand local building requirements, terrain challenges, and weather considerations that affect every installation.

We handle every aspect of your project from initial site assessment through final testing and user training. Our estimators provide face-to-face consultations before every job, ensuring you understand your options and receive a system designed specifically for your property's needs.

Annual Maintenance Programs

We offer optional annual maintenance programs that keep your access control system operating reliably year-round. Regular maintenance helps prevent inconvenient breakdowns and extends the life of your investment. Our maintenance services include inspecting and lubricating moving parts, testing safety sensors, checking electrical connections, and addressing any wear before it becomes problematic.

Serving Communities Throughout the County

Our service area includes all communities throughout the region, from downtown Asheville to the surrounding mountain towns. We've completed access control installations in Asheville's historic neighborhoods, Black Mountain, Montreat, Swannanoa, Candler, Weaverville, and Woodfin. No matter where your property is located, we bring the same professional expertise and quality workmanship to every installation.

Get Started with Professional Access Control

Our team of professional estimators has the product knowledge and experience to design systems that meet your security goals while working within your budget. We provide free local estimates and maintain the highest levels of customer service, quality construction, and professional integrity through every phase of your project, no matter how big or how small.

Ready to enhance your property's security with professional access control? Contact Asheville Fence today to schedule your free consultation. We'll assess your property, discuss your security requirements, and design a customized access control solution that protects what matters most to you.