What are security gates?
The name sort of gives it away – security gates are gates that provide security. But, there’s a lot more to security gates than you might think, and also a few important points to consider before investing in security gates for your property.
In this short article, we answer most of the common questions asked about security gates, including:
What are security gates?
Which is best - manual or automatic security gates?
What types of security gates are there?
Do you need access controls for security gates?
If you find the article helpful, pass it on to friends and colleagues to help them find a better solution for the security of their homes and businesses.
What are security gates?
Security gates are high-quality, sturdily built gates, designed to deter and help prevent unlawful access to your commercial or domestic property. But, it’s not just about the strength and quality of workmanship alone that makes a gate a security gate, it’s also about how you accessorise the gate. For example, many modern security gates are fitted with access control systems, designed to give you remote control over access (keep reading for more on access controls). Other gates are automated, which is a proven method of helping prevent forced entry. Other security gates have additional locks, and some are protected by CCTV systems.
Which is best – a manual or automatic security gate?
The answer to this question mostly comes down to personal choice, but there are specific advantages to both, some of which we’ve listed below.
Advantages of manually controlled security gates:
They’re cheaper to buy and to install.
They don’t need electricity to operate, therefore cheaper long-term.
They have typically lower annual maintenance costs.
Advantages of automated security gates:
They provide better protection from forced entry due to rams used for automation.
They’re more convenient.
They’re easy to operate, especially for those with mobility issues or lower upper body strength.
What types of security gates are there?
Security gates are available in a range of types designed for practicality, and to suit the style of property. Security gate types include:
Swing Security Gates – This is the classic side-hinged design of gate, which suits most properties, as long as there’s enough room around the gate entrance to allow for swing.
By nature, swing gates are also simple to operate, can be easily automated, are easy to install, and don’t require too much maintenance ongoing.
Sliding Security Gates – Another fairly classic design, sliding security gates, where the gate slides on runners set into the ground, are ideal where swing space isn’t available around the gate entrance.
Another advantage to sliding security gates is the ease in which they can be opened, even if you have reduced upper body strength, and that they don’t require much energy to automate.
Cantilever Security Gates – A cantilever security gate is a type of sliding gate, without the need for runners or tracks set into the ground, making them ideal in areas where the ground is soft or uneven.
Cantilever gates are also considered one of the safest gate types due to their simple mechanism and the space they provide between the gate and the ground.
Do you need access controls for security gates?
You don’t necessarily need access controls for a security gate, but an access control system that allows you to control who can and can’t enter your property, does improve the overall security.
The type of access control system you choose, largely comes down to how the security gate is being used, by whom, and of course, how much you want to pay.
Types of access control systems include:
Audio Entry – This type of access control is a simple system that allows you to speak to visitors prior to allowing them entry.
Video Entry – Video entry is fairly straightforward, and allows you to see and communicate with visitors, before granting them access.
GSM Entry – GSM or Global System for Mobile entry systems, are access control systems that can be controlled from a distance, via smartphones or similar devices.
Key fob entry – A key fob entry system allows people to enter your property with a simple touch of a key fob. This system also removes the need for keys, and gives you the option to restrict access should the need arise.
Contact us
If you’d like to know more about security gates, or would like to book your free survey, contact us either via the website contact form, by email, or by phone to speak directly to one of our team of experts.