Kostum FAQ — Portail

At Kostum, a sloped lot isn’t a problem. We offer two Bespoke solutions tailored to your specific layout:

• The “downward-sloping” gate: Ideal for a side slope. The bottom of the gate (swing or sliding) is cut to perfectly follow the contour of your ground.

• The slope regulator: For an entrance that slopes upward toward the house. This system allows the panels of a swing gate to lift up when opening so they don’t hit the ground.

Extra tip: A sliding gate is often the simplest solution on sloped terrain, provided you have the necessary sliding clearance.

Find out more here: Article on sloped terrain, coming soon in the landscaping guide

Aluminum is ideal because it doesn’t rust. For coastal areas, choose a Qualimarine-certified Coating: this label guarantees a reinforced surface treatment that protects the paint against salt corrosion. By the sea, to remove sea salt, we recommend regular maintenance: water, a mild soap, and a non-abrasive cloth, to be done every 3 to 6 months.

For very Windy zones, only openwork models are compatible.

For moderately windy zones,louvred models are also an option. Fully boarded models should be avoided because they catch too much wind during storms.

The prior building declaration required to install a gate is not mandatory in all cases. You must submit this declaration if your municipality’s local urban planning regulations require it, if your property is located in a protected area or near a historic monument, or if you are creating a new opening onto the street. In all other cases, you do not need to submit a building declaration.

Some municipalities prohibit certain materials, colours, or gate designs, so you should always consult your municipality’s local urban planning regulations.

To combine comfort and security, the ideal solution is a video intercom with an integrated keypad.

• For the family: The keypad or video intercom with an integrated keypad allows everyone to enter and exit freely without the risk of losing keys or remote controls.

• For visitors and delivery personnel: The video intercom feature allows you to identify your visitors and speak with them. Thanks to the smartphone connection, you receive the call wherever you are and can open the gate remotely to let in a delivery person or service provider with complete peace of mind.

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Recommended products:

• pH-neutral household or industrial cleaning products

• pH-neutral window cleaners and dishwashing detergents

How do I clean aluminum?

Rinse with a water jet to remove mud and dirt particles to avoid any abrasive effects. Use a non-abrasive sponge with warm water and a mild detergent (pH 5 to 7). Then rinse with clean water without additives. You can wipe it down with a soft, absorbent cloth

Parts not naturally washed by rainwater should be cleaned more frequently than exposed surfaces.

You must report the claim to your insurance company within 5 business days. At the same time, contact a qualified contractor to obtain at least two detailed quotes. Do not proceed with replacement before receiving the insurer’s approval.

• Your damage is due to severe weather: contact your home insurance provider. Note that basic policies do not always cover outdoor fixtures such as gates.

• Your damage is caused by a vehicle: if an identified third party is at fault, their auto liability insurance will cover the costs based on an accident report completed by both parties. If you caused the damage with your own vehicle, check the “all-risk” coverage in your auto policy or the specific coverage under your home insurance. In the event of a hit-and-run, you must file a police report within 48 hours and report the damage.

To learn more,read our full article

The Cosy aluminum range is fully removable. We can therefore easily replace any component of your gate. You can contact your installer, who will request a repair quote from our company.

In the event of a power outage or malfunction, it is essential to know how to disengage your motor. To open your sliding or swing gate without a remote control, you can insert a disengagement key into the motor unit. Your gate will then open manually.

Our advice: Always keep your disengagement key within reach (or in your car) so you don’t get locked out, since the motor unit is located inside your property!

In case of strong winds or a forecast storm, we recommend opening your gate:

• For a sliding gate: once open, a sliding gate is generally protected. It runs along a wall, fence, or hedge, which acts as a natural shield.

• For a swing gate: an open swing gate has a much smaller surface area directly exposed to the wind. The wind will pass through or around it more easily.

All our models are reinforced as standard so that they are suitable for automation later by drilling and tapping the holes. The location of the reinforcements varies by model. It is indicated in the technical description for each model. Additionally, the location of the reinforcement is marked by a sticker affixed to your gate.

Our swing gates and sliding gates, both manual and automated, are designed and manufactured for your safety in compliance with the European standard NF EN 13241-1. We have been awarded CE conformity following testing, which guarantees quality and manufacturing consistency. All our gates feature a marking certifying compliance with this regulation. Our performance declarations are available upon request.

Two solutions are available to compensate for the slope of the land:

• Stepped installation (redans): The fence is installed on a low wall with terraces. This is the most aesthetic and common solution for keeping a fence straight. This solution requires brickwork.

• Slope installation: The fence follows the contour of the land. This method requires bespoke fabrication and is often more expensive.

The most suitable fences for privacy are fully boarded fences. Louvred slat models are also an excellent alternative. Their slanted slats block the view.

In an area exposed to wind, we recommend a fence with openwork slats. The gap between the slats allows the wind to pass through. The height of the fence is also a factor to consider. The taller your fence is, the more wind resistance it will have.

Kostum’s R&D teams have developed posts that adapt to different angles. Whether your angles are right angles, less than, or greater than 90°, our posts adapt precisely to the configuration of your property. This flexibility allows the fence to perfectly follow your property lines without any visual disruption.

A fence can be installed without a low wall and does not always require brickwork. The fence can be installed directly on the ground using sealed posts that is, posts anchored deeply into the ground.

Installation on concrete pedestals can also be an alternative to a low wall.

The choice of location depends on your lifestyle:

• South-facing: For maximum sun exposure and intense light throughout the day.

• East: To enjoy the gentle morning sun (ideal for outdoor breakfasts).

• West: To capture the light at the end of the day and extend your evenings in the sun.

The pergola is designed to efficiently drain rainwater. A gutter integrated into the beam directs water to a high-flow drain concealed within one of the posts.

In most cases, the pergola is therefore not taxable.

The pergola becomes taxable if these 3 criteria are met:

• Its area exceeds 5m²

• If it is enclosed on at least 3 sides

• If it is permanently covered (zip-up awnings are not considered permanent enclosures)

These criteria make the pergola similar to a sunroom. In such cases, the pergola may be included in the calculation of the development tax. Regarding property tax, a pergola does not increase this tax. But be careful: it is your patio that will affect the calculation of your property tax.

Regulations depend on the area and type of installation:

• Less than 5 m²: No action required (outside protected areas).

• Between 5 and 20 m²: A simple prior declaration is sufficient.

• Over 20 m²: A building permit is required.

Special case: If your pergola is wall-mounted and you are in an urban zone (PLU), the prior declaration may suffice for up to 40 m².

Tip: Local rules vary (historic districts, housing developments). Always contact your city hall’s urban planning department before starting your project.

Installing a pergola on a tiled patio or one built on pedestals is a common procedure that your installer is fully qualified to handle. However, in the case of a patio with a waterproofing system, special care is required: it is generally not recommended to drill into the Support to avoid compromising the waterproofing.

A carport is an open shelter, usually made of metal, designed to protect your car while remaining accessible. Unlike a garage, which is enclosed and requires major brickwork, a carport is more affordable and integrates seamlessly into your outdoor space. It’s the perfect balance between a controlled budget and durable protection.

Yes, hybrid carports are available. They are integrated with a closed, secure storage unit (garden shed) attached to the parking area. It’s the ideal solution to protect your car from the elements while keeping your bikes or lawn mower safe from theft.

No, the design of our carports preserves the integrity of your wall. The structure is secured via a wall beam specifically engineered to distribute the load evenly without weakening the brickwork.

Important note: If your home has exterior insulation (EI), installing a wall-mounted model is not recommended.

If your carport’s area exceeds 20m², you’ll need to apply for one. This is particularly the case if you plan to park a motorhome or two vehicles side by side. The processing time for a building permit is generally 2 months.

Good news if you live in an urban area: the process for installing a carport is simplified. For any project with a maximum area of 40m², a simple prior declaration is sufficient.

To learn more,read our full article

In most cases, a carport does not result in an increase in property tax. However, your tax will increase if your carport has an area greater than 5m², is enclosed on three sides, and is taller than 1.80m.

Property tax is calculated based on the theoretical rental value of your property. Adding a carport therefore increases the amount of your tax.

• You must report your construction work to the tax authorities within 90 days of installation.

• Good to know: if this declaration is made on time, you may, in certain municipalities, be exempt from property tax on the carport for two years.

No, because all our gates are installed by professional installers who come to take measurements and then provide you with a quote that includes installation and automation, if applicable. We have partner installers in France, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Spain. You can request a quote on our website, and we will put you in touch with an installer near you.

All our products are installed by professional installers. They come to take measurements and then provide you with a quote that includes installation and automation, if applicable. We have a network of expert installers throughout France. If you’d like to be contacted by one of them, simply fill out this form.

What is the Warranty on Kostum powder coating? The powder coating on our aluminum products is guaranteed for 30 years. Our powder coating is Qualicoat, Seaside Quality certified. All our aluminum gates, fences, guardrails, carports, and pergolas are guaranteed for 30 years against any manufacturing defects or abnormal deformation. This warranty is granted subject to strict compliance with the conditions for installation, storage, use, and maintenance.

Are you planning to install a gate but lack space? Discover the types of openings that can adapt to the narrowest entrances.

Link to this page: https://www.kostum.fr/routes.ouvertures-speciales-portails