Frequently asked questions
Fancy Fence - winter, frost and snow
Yes. The Fancy Fence retractable gate is designed to operate in low and extremely low temperatures. The system has been tested in climatic chambers ranging from -30°C to +50°C, and its full functionality has also been confirmed during tests conducted in severe frost conditions. Key Features
The mechanism components, such as the drive and counterweight system, are located below ground level , in an area with a relatively stable temperature, which further reduces the impact of frost on the door's operation.The Fancy Fence system is designed to minimize the risk of blockage by snow or ice . Unlike sliding and up-and-over gates, the Fancy Fence gate does not run on horizontal tracks , which often become icy in winter. The gate span lowers vertically into a concrete pocket , and the mechanisms responsible for movement are covered with covers. If the gate is not used frequently in winter, ice may form around the posts. This does not pose a threat, as when the gate is opened (downhill), the ice crumbles and falls into the concrete pocket, leaving the posts free from scratching.
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate is suitable for use in countries with harsh, frosty climates . This is confirmed by both laboratory tests conducted in sub-zero temperatures and real-world implementations, including those in Canada, Norway, Denmark, Poland, the USA, and Belarus. The system was designed with various climate zones in mind, and the design features - such as concealing the mechanics in a concrete pocket below the frost line - allow for safe and reliable use even in Scandinavia. More information about these projects can be found here .
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate was tested in sub-zero temperatures both in laboratory conditions and in extreme simulations. During testing, the temperature was maintained at -23°C in the gate pocket and -8°C within the spans using rapid cooling with liquid nitrogen and rapid heating. Tests included system tightness, structural stresses, drive performance, and resistance to moisture and corrosion, allowing for optimization of solutions before the product is put into service, as confirmed by an independent research unit.
The Fancy Fence system eliminates the traditional, exposed guides typical of sliding gates. The gate span moves vertically within a concrete pocket, and critical mechanical components are protected by covers attached to the top of the concrete pocket. This significantly reduces the risk of ice accumulating on the gate's movement components, and winter operation of the Fancy Fence gate eliminates the need for snow removal or manual de-icing, as is the case with traditional gate systems.
Rain, water and drainage
The Fancy Fence recessed gate is installed in a sealed concrete pocket , designed for outdoor use. The only way rainwater can enter the system is through the openings in the covers and around the posts . An automatic drainage pump is located at the bottom of the pocket, which continuously removes excess water, protecting the mechanism from flooding. Alternatively, the water collected at the bottom of the concrete pocket can be drained by gravity, provided the terrain and sewer system allow.
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate is designed to operate during heavy rainfall . All system components are suitable for outdoor installation and are made of moisture-resistant materials. Additional protection is provided by a concrete pocket, removable covers, and an active drainage system, which effectively reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on the gate's operation.
During very heavy downpours, water that enters the gate pocket through the holes around the posts is automatically drained by a drainage pump or by gravity into the storm sewer system (if the terrain and sewer line elevations allow) . The system is designed to cope with periodic, increased water inflow. For installations on slopes perpendicular to the span, additional linear drainage is recommended on the side of the surface water inflow, which effectively prevents excessive water inflow into the concrete pocket.
The Fancy Fence underground gate components are made of materials designed for outdoor use , such as stainless steel, aluminum, hot-dip galvanized steel, HPL panels, tempered glass, and sintered quartz. The system components have also been tested in conditions of elevated humidity and rapid temperature changes, verifying the structure's corrosion resistance . This significantly reduces the risk of corrosive damage to the gate components.
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate has active protection against water accumulation in the form of an automatic drainage pump or gravity drainage to the storm sewer system (if the terrain and sewer line allow). The tight design of the concrete pocket limits the number of water ingress points, and the covered mechanisms prevent water from pooling in the area of the drive and moving parts.
The Fancy Fence gate is designed to withstand heavy rainfall and periodic flooding. Contact with water poses no threat to the system , provided the installation is properly designed and implemented. In areas at increased risk of flooding or flooding, proper drainage design and good groundwater conditions are crucial, and are determined individually during the investment planning stage.
Additionally, Fancy Fence gates have flood protection that activates when the permissible water level inside the concrete pocket is exceeded.
Sand, dirt, stones and leaves
The Fancy Fence retractable gate is designed for use in environments exposed to sand and fine debris. All dirt-sensitive mechanical components are housed in a concrete pocket and protected by covers , significantly reducing contact between the mechanism and sand and rocks. In areas particularly exposed to sand or dust , additional seals can be installed around the posts to limit the ingress of contaminants. The gate's sand resistance has been confirmed in real-world desert conditions, for example, in the United Arab Emirates.
Under normal operating conditions , dirt will not affect the proper operation of the Fancy Fence gate . The system utilizes proven components used in other gate types, and its design protects key components from direct contact with dirt. As with any outdoor gate, long-term neglect may require periodic inspection or cleaning, but the Fancy Fence requires no more frequent maintenance than standard gate systems.
Leaves, dust, or mud have no direct impact on the operation of the Fancy Fence gate, as the span moves vertically , not across the ground. Potential contamination can only occur within the process openings, which are covered with covers and, if necessary, additionally secured with seals. This ensures the system remains fully functional even in unfavorable environmental conditions. Any contamination accumulates at the bottom of the concrete pocket, from where it should be periodically removed during routine maintenance.
The cleaning frequency of your Fancy Fence gate depends on environmental conditions , such as the amount of sand, leaves, or dust in the area. Under typical use, regular, intensive cleaning is not required, but rather an annual inspection , similar to other automatic gates. The Fancy Fence gate does not require more extensive or frequent maintenance than traditional sliding gates.
No. The Fancy Fence gate does not require special cleaning after heavy rainfall . The gate mechanism is housed in a protected concrete pocket, and excess water is automatically drained away by the drainage system. Only standard inspection of the covers and service openings is recommended, which is typical for outdoor systems.
Power, Outages and Security
In the event of a power outage, the Fancy Fence drop-down gate can be opened and closed manually. Emergency mode is activated using a service key through the inspection hatch located in the center cover. Thanks to the weight-neutral span-counterweight system, manually lowering or raising the gate requires minimal force and is not dependent on electricity.
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate maintains basic functionality even during a power outage, thanks to its independent, mechanical manual operation. A power outage does not lock the gate or prevent access, which is a significant advantage of the Fancy Fence system over many other automatic solutions.
Yes. A manual emergency opening system is standard on the Fancy Fence gate. This mechanism operates independently of the electronics and is activated by a service key. The neutral balance of the gate span allows the gate to be safely operated manually without the risk of sudden drop or jamming. This operation requires minimal force.
A gate stopping while in motion most often indicates the activation of one of the safety systems, such as photocells or overload sensors. This is a deliberate action intended to protect users and property. In such a situation, you should first eliminate the cause of these systems' activation (e.g., reverse the vehicle, clear leaves from the photocells, or clear snow from the gate span). If this doesn't help, use manual mode, which allows you to safely lower or raise the gate without using electricity. If the cause is not a power outage, call for service.
In principle, yes. The Fancy Fence system uses low-power electric drives , which reduces its energy requirements. The possibility of using alternative power sources, such as solar installations, depends on the specific project and local technical conditions and should be individually determined during the investment planning stage .
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate is designed to pose no threat to people, animals, or property, even in emergency situations. The combination of safety systems, a manual opening mode, and a weight-neutral gate system ensures quick and safe gate opening, even in the event of a power outage, fire, or other emergency evacuation.
Service and maintenance
Maintaining a Fancy Fence gate is fundamentally the same as maintaining a standard automatic gate . The system utilizes the same proven components commonly found in sliding gates. Key components, such as the drive, are easily accessible by removing the central cover , allowing for quick inspection or service without having to disassemble the entire gate.
The frequency of maintenance for a Fancy Fence gate depends on the intensity of use and the environmental conditions in which it is operated. Under typical operating conditions, only periodic inspections are required, comparable to those performed on other automatic gates, i.e., once a year. The Fancy Fence gate does not require more frequent or complex maintenance than traditional gate solutions.
Maintaining a Fancy Fence gate is no more expensive than maintaining a standard automatic gate with similar parameters. Its mechanical design, which utilizes standard, low-power drives, and easy service access ensure predictable operating and maintenance costs, comparable to those of other gate systems.
The Fancy Fence in-ground gate features a modular design , meaning that damage to a single component doesn't require replacing the entire system, unlike with sliding gates, for example. Removable covers allow service technicians to access all key mechanical components and repair or replace the damaged part without disturbing the rest of the installation.
Fancy Fence gate installation and service are performed by specialized, trained teams and authorized distributors. Thanks to the use of standard components and easy access to the mechanism, many service tasks can be performed without direct manufacturer intervention, shortening response times and simplifying ongoing system maintenance.
Fancy Fence gate installation and service are performed by specialized, trained teams and authorized distributors. Thanks to the use of standard components and easy access to the mechanism, many service tasks can be performed without direct manufacturer intervention, shortening response times and simplifying ongoing system maintenance.
Durability and safety of use
Yes. The Fancy Fence retractable gate is a fully functional entry security and access control system . The stable base of the gate in a concrete pocket, steel or aluminum posts, and the option of semi-solid or solid infills ensure the system effectively protects against unauthorized access. Fancy Fence serves as a modern gate and fence, not just a decorative element.
This depends on the system version. The standard Fancy Fence gate, used for residential and commercial applications, is not designed to be a barrier for stopping motor vehicles . Its purpose is to control access, not to protect against deliberate ramming. For applications requiring vehicle stopping, a special anti-terrorist version (HVM) is available, which has been designed and crash-tested to safety standards.
In the standard version of Fancy Fence, minor mechanical impacts (e.g., accidental vehicle contact) require a technical assessment and possible service intervention , as with other automatic gates. The HVM (anti-terrorist) version, on the other hand, has been designed and tested for operation in the event of vehicle impacts and meets stringent safety standards for this type of application. In these versions, the gates' increased resistance allows for uninterrupted operation even under larger impacts.
Yes. User safety is a key element of the Fancy Fence system . The gate is equipped with dual safety photocells and overload sensors that immediately respond to the presence of an obstacle. Furthermore, thanks to the weight-neutral span-counterweight system and the ability to manually open the gate, the system poses no threat to people or animals , even in emergency situations. Our ground-mounted gates have been thoroughly tested for safety by independent notified bodies, which allowed us to issue the appropriate Declarations of Conformity, which are a legal requirement for approval for sale.
Yes. The Fancy Fence gate features active anti-pinch protection . Dual photocells monitor the gate's operating area on both sides, and overload sensors in the drive unit stop its movement if resistance is detected. As a result, the gate automatically stops when an obstacle is detected, minimizing the risk of injury or property damage. Our ground-mounted gates have been thoroughly tested for safety by independent notified bodies, which allowed us to issue the appropriate Declarations of Conformity, which are a legal requirement for approval for sale.
Price and costs
The price of the Fancy Fence gate and fence system is determined individually for each project. This is due to its modular design and extensive customization options – from dimensions and materials to cover options and automation. To obtain an approximate cost, customers can use the Fancy Fence 3D configurator , which allows them to prepare a design and receive a non-binding quote based on selected parameters.
The price of a Fancy Fence underground gate depends on, among other things:
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type of filling (posts or panels),
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height and width of the gate,
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length and number of sections,
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span material and color (e.g. RAL),
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type and load-bearing capacity of covers,
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configuration of the fence around the gate (wall, static posts or no posts),
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additional elements (e.g. photocells),
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selected system version (standard or special),
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assembly conditions on the plot.
All these parameters can be precisely set in the 3D configurator , allowing you to quickly see how individual choices affect the price.
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The cost of installing a Fancy Fence gate is individually priced and is part of the overall quote. It depends on factors such as:
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ground conditions,
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terrain (e.g. slope),
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gate length and number of sections,
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scope of preparatory work.
The installation is carried out by specialized, trained teams , and in some countries it is also possible to deliver a prefabricated concrete pocket, which streamlines and organizes the implementation process.
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Yes. The length of the driveway directly impacts the price of the Fancy Fence system. The system is modular, allowing you to combine sections and design fences of any shape and length. The number of materials and components increases with length, but the price isn't solely determined by the number of meters—the materials, infills, and construction details chosen are also important. The most accurate way to estimate the cost for a given driveway length is to use the Fancy Fence 3D configurator .
The Fancy Fence gate is a system element , visually and technically integrated with the gate and fence. Its price depends on:
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materials and finishes used,
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method of integration with the fence,
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type of automation and control.
For this reason, the cost of a gate is not a fixed price list item and is determined individually , most often as part of the entire system design. To obtain a quote, please provide a comment at the end of the gate configuration process using the Fancy Fence 3D configurator .
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Installation, legality and location
The Fancy Fence gate and fence system is sold and installed virtually worldwide . The solution is used in both private and public spaces. The system's international appeal is confirmed by projects in countries including Poland, the USA, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, France, Canada, and Australia. Check out our completed projects here .
Yes. The Fancy Fence system is legally used in many European countries , including Poland, Germany, and France, in both private and public buildings. The gates meet safety requirements and are certified according to international standards (ISO, ASTM, IWA, depending on the version). As with any building system, the final decision on approval for installation depends on the local building and planning regulations in force in a given country or municipality. The entire Fancy Fence gate certification process was conducted by an independent notified body, as required by European directives.
Installing a Fancy Fence gate requires prior analysis of existing underground utilities , such as pipes, electrical conduits, and technical installations. Because the system operates in a concrete pocket installed in the ground, each case is considered individually during the design phase , but as a rule, none of these utilities can conflict with the underground concrete pocket. In many situations, it is possible to adjust the design or change the gate's location to avoid conflicts with utilities.
The Fancy Fence gate is installed in a concrete pocket sunk into the ground, but there is no single, universal installation depth.
This depth depends on, among other things:-
gate height,
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selected system version,
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soil and water conditions,
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local technical conditions.
As a rule, the depth of the concrete pocket is the height of the gate above the ground surface + 1 m. Detailed installation guidelines are included in the Architect's Zone and are specified individually in the technical documentation prepared for the needs of a specific investment.
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Yes. The Fancy Fence system can be installed near swimming pools and in wet zones. This solution was designed to operate in demanding weather conditions and humid environments. This is confirmed by real-life installations, including fencing for public pools. The concrete pocket, drainage system, and moisture-resistant materials make the system highly suitable for such locations, provided that proper installation guidelines are followed. Check out our completed projects here
Everyday use
Yes. The Fancy Fence system is designed for regular, daily use, both in private homes and public spaces. The use of counterweights reduces the load on the drive, and the use of proven gate components ensures the system can withstand frequent opening and closing cycles. This is confirmed by numerous projects in places used daily, such as residential estates and public buildings.
The standard Fancy Fence gate is resistant to typical mechanical damage and vandalism attempts thanks to its robust construction, steel or aluminum posts, and stable installation in a concrete basin. For higher-risk locations , a dedicated reinforced version (HVM) is available, designed specifically to protect public spaces and withstand significantly higher loads.
The Fancy Fence gate's operation is characterized by smooth and quiet vertical movement . The use of counterweights and bearing-mounted mechanical components eliminates the jerking and typical friction noises found in sliding gates running on tracks. This makes the gate well-suited for use in single-family homes and spaces where acoustic comfort is important.
The opening and closing time of the Fancy Fence gate is very short (2-3 times faster than sliding or up-and-over gates) and, importantly, independent of the entry width. Unlike sliding gates, where operating time increases with leaf length, the Fancy Fence system moves vertically, ensuring fast and predictable operation regardless of the gate width.
The standard pedestrian solution in the Fancy Fence system is an integrated pedestrian gate , which can be visually "invisible" or clearly distinguished from the fence. Access is controlled by fully opening the gate for vehicles or using the gate independently, without the need to partially lift the main span.