Fence Contractor Everett WA

The Overlooked Installation Mistakes Only a Skilled Fence Contractor Everett WA Can Prevent

Great electric and driveway gate systems don’t just look good—they function with precision, durability, and long-term reliability. But behind every strong, smooth-operating gate lies proper installation, something many homeowners underestimate when choosing a contractor. While the finished product may look the same on day one, the difference between a professional installation and a rushed, low-quality job often becomes painfully obvious over time.

This is especially true in the Pacific Northwest, where frequent rain, shifting soil, and constant moisture put extra stress on outdoor structures. For homeowners investing in Electric gates Everett WA, the installation quality determines whether the gate will last years—or start failing within months. And that’s exactly why working with a skilled and experienced Fence contractor Everett WA is non-negotiable.

Below, we break down the most overlooked installation mistakes that only a true professional can prevent. These insights will help you understand what separates high-quality work from shortcuts that lead to expensive repairs.

1. Incorrect Post Depth and Weak Foundations

Posts are the backbone of both fences and Driveway gates Everett WA, and when they’re not set deep enough—or in the wrong soil conditions—the entire structure becomes unstable over time.

Rushed or inexperienced contractors often:

• Dig shallow post holes

• Use little to no concrete

• Fail to reinforce the foundation

• Ignore soil type and moisture levels

As a result, gates begin to lean, sag, or drag along the ground. This creates unnecessary pressure on hinges and motors, leading to premature failure.

An experienced Fence company Everett WA like Evergreen Electric Gates understands that posts must be properly anchored to withstand Everett’s wet climate, shifting ground, and heavy gate weight. Proper post setting is the foundation of a long-lasting installation.

2. Misaligned Gate Hinges That Cause Motor Strain

One of the most common but least noticeable installation mistakes is hinge misalignment. Even a few millimeters of misalignment can place massive strain on a motor—especially in Automatic gates Everett WA that open and close multiple times per day.

Poorly aligned hinges cause:

• Jerky or uneven movement

• Excess noise

• Premature hinge wear

• Extra force on the motor arm

• Shortened motor lifespan

Most homeowners don’t see hinge alignment issues until the gate starts making grinding noises or refusing to open. A skilled installer ensures hinges are perfectly aligned and balanced from the start, protecting both the gate and the motor system.

3. Using Undersized Motors for Heavy Gates

A gate motor must be strong enough to handle the weight and size of the gate. Unfortunately, inexperienced contractors often install underpowered motors to cut costs or because they don’t understand load calculations.

This leads to:

• Motors overheating

• Slow or weak operation

• Frequent stalling

• Total motor burnout

Professionals like Evergreen Electric Gates select motors based on:

• Gate size

• Gate material

• Usage frequency

• Terrain

• Weather exposure

This ensures Electric gates Everett WA operate smoothly in all conditions without unnecessary motor strain.

4. Poor Drainage Planning Around the Gate Area

Everett’s heavy rainfall creates constant moisture around gate bases. Without proper drainage, water accumulates around posts, motors, and wiring, slowly causing damage.

A poor installation almost always ignores drainage, allowing water to:

• Rot wooden posts

• Rust metal components

• Corrode electrical systems

• Cause soil erosion

• Freeze and block gate movement

A skilled Fence contractor Everett WA anticipates drainage issues before installation and incorporates solutions like gravel beds, drainage channels, or raised equipment platforms to protect the gate’s foundation from long-term moisture damage.

5. Exposed Wiring That Quickly Fails in Wet Conditions

Electric gate systems rely heavily on wiring, which must be shielded from moisture, soil, rodents, and everyday wear. One of the most dangerous installation mistakes is leaving wiring exposed or using low-quality insulation.

Common issues include:

• Short circuits

• Power fluctuations

• Sensor failures

• Total system shutdowns

This is especially dangerous for Automatic gates Everett WA, where sensors and control units must communicate clearly to prevent accidents. Professional installers bury wiring properly, use waterproof conduit, and secure all electrical components in sealed enclosures.

6. Improper Sensor Positioning That Causes False Stops

Sensors are essential for gate safety. When positioned incorrectly, they can cause gates to:

• Stop randomly

• Reverse unexpectedly

• Refuse to close

• Trigger false safety alerts

Many homeowners think their gate is malfunctioning, but the real issue is faulty installation.

A reputable Fence company Everett WA ensures sensors are:

• Positioned at the right height

• Aligned precisely

• Protected from rain splash

• Mounted away from vegetation or debris

Sensor placement is an installation detail amateurs often overlook, but experts get right every time.

7. Failing to Consider Soil Movement and Ground Shift

The Pacific Northwest has soft, moisture-rich soil that shifts more than homeowners realize. When contractors don’t account for this, driveway gates begin to lean or bind within a short period.

Signs of this mistake include:

• Gates scraping the ground

• Hinges bending

• Tracks becoming uneven

• Motor arms pulling at odd angles

A true professional understands Everett’s terrain and compensates for soil movement during installation, ensuring long-term stability for Driveway gates Everett WA even on sloped or unstable soil.

8. Using Cheap Materials That Rust or Warp Quickly

Poor-quality materials may look fine initially but quickly degrade when exposed to Everett’s damp climate. Cheap hardware creates major headaches:

• Hinges rust shut

• Bolts loosen or fall out

• Tracks warp under heat or moisture

• Paint peels and exposes metal

A professional contractor never cuts corners on materials. Evergreen Electric Gates uses rust-resistant hardware, weatherproof components, and durable gate materials designed to withstand the region’s constant moisture and year-round weather fluctuations.

9. Inadequate Support for Heavy Driveway Gates

A heavy gate requires proper support to prevent sagging. When installers fail to reinforce pivot points or choose the wrong post materials, the gate can begin leaning within months.

This leads to:

• Motor pressure

• Track distortion

• Bolt failure

• Structural instability

• 
  

A trusted Fence contractor Everett WA ensures the gate frame and support posts are engineered for the gate’s weight, size, and usage.

10. Skipping Final Calibration and Testing

Rushed contractors often skip the final—and crucial—steps of calibration and testing.

Without calibration, gates may operate with:

• Incorrect opening angles

• Poor closing pressure

• Slow response times

• Misaligned safety features

Professionals run full system diagnostics before completing the installation. Evergreen Electric Gates fine-tunes every component to ensure long-term safety, performance, and reliability.

Why Choosing the Right Fence Company Matters Most

Installing Electric gates Everett WA and Automatic gates Everett WA requires a blend of construction expertise, electrical knowledge, and mechanical understanding. It’s not something any handyman or inexperienced installer can handle safely.

A reliable Fence company Everett WA like Evergreen Electric Gates offers:

• Years of installation experience

• Understanding of local soil and weather conditions

• High-quality materials

• Precise engineering

• Safe and compliant electrical work

• Proper calibration and testing

• Long-term repair and maintenance support

Poor installation leads to expensive repairs and constant headaches. Professional installation ensures lasting performance, safety, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Quality Installation Determines Gate Longevity

The truth is simple: even the best gate system won’t perform properly if installed poorly. Most of the issues homeowners experience—sluggish operation, sensor malfunctions, leaning posts, or constant breakdowns—stem from mistakes made on day one.

Choosing an experienced Fence contractor Everett WA like Evergreen Electric Gates guarantees that every detail—from foundation depth to wiring protection—is handled correctly. A well-installed gate not only looks beautiful but functions flawlessly for years.

Get in touch with us now to learn more about Driveway Gate Installers Everett WA.