Types Of Security Gates - Comparison | Gateway Automation
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Types of Security Gates: Comparing Sliding, Swing and Bi-Fold

Selecting the right gate system is key to securing properties, especially in commercial and industrial settings. Among the wide variety of options available, sliding, swing, and bi-fold security gates are some of the most popular choices.

Each of these three types of security gates have their own advantages, making them suitable for different applications. In this article, we explore the key features of sliding, swing and bi-fold security gates to help you identify the best option for your premises.

Sliding Security Gates

Sliding security gates operate by sliding horizontally along a track. Since they do not require a clearance area for swinging, they are an ideal option for properties with limited space or where a wide entrance needs to be secured.

Available in various materials and designs, sliding gates are versatile and suitable for both residential and commercial settings.

Sliding gates are well-suited for automation, allowing for convenient remote operation via keypads, remote controls, or sensors. This is especially useful for areas where you want to control access.

With minimal moving parts, they do not require a lot of maintenance aside from regular cleaning and lubrication of the tracks, to ensure smooth operation.

Swing Security Gates

Swing security gates operate like traditional doors, swinging inwards or outwards on hinges. They are a popular choice for residential properties and smaller commercial applications, and are often more affordable than other gates, especially for smaller entrances.

Swing gates offer a straightforward installation process and require minimal maintenance, making them an efficient and reliable security solution.

With their traditional design, swing gates can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property and provide a more welcoming entrance compared with sliding gates. Like sliding gates, swing gates can also be automated for increased security and ease of operation.

Swing gates require sufficient clearance space to swing open, which may not be feasible for properties with wide entrances, limited space, or uneven terrain.

Bi-Fold Security Gates

Bi-fold security gates consist of two panels that open inward or outward. They offer a combination of space efficiency, rapid operation, durability and enhanced security, making them suitable for various applications.

The folding mechanism and compact design of bi-fold gates means that they require minimal clearance space, making them ideal for properties with limited capacity.

Bi-fold gates offer quick opening and closing speeds, perfect for high-traffic areas and enhancing access control by limiting the time the gates remain open. They can also be automated for added convenience and security.

Bi-fold gates may require more complex installation compared to sliding or swing gates, particularly for automated systems.

The ideal type of security gate for a property is ultimately dependent on the available space, aesthetic preferences, security requirements, and budget constraints. Carefully evaluate these factors and consider the specific needs of the property when choosing your security gate.

For professional advice and support with identifying the best security gate for your property, get in touch with our team of experts at Gateway Automation on 01522 682255, or email info@gatewayautomation.co.uk.

With over 40 years of combined experience and expertise, Gateway Automation offers a value-for-money service with well-engineered and high-quality security systems and barriers, manufactured to your specific requirements.

/ By Gateway Team / automatic gates • bi-folding gates • gate installation • gates • security gate • sliding gates/ 0 Comments

How to choose the best security gates for your business

05Most businesses need to consider having a security gate installed. Not only does it act as the first line of defence and helps to keep intruders out, it gives staff and business owners peace of mind whilst also creating a great, secure first impression to others whilst also adding value to the business. Before choosing a gate, business owners need to ensure it is the best choice for their business. Here is how to choose the best security gates for your business.

Decide what the goal of the gate is

Although all the gates will provide a level of security, this may not be the primary goal for your business’ gates. Whilst some may have aesthetics as their main goal which will therefore need more research into whilst materials and colours they want to go for, others may have robust security as their primary goal. If this is the case, they may need to choose a gate that can have additional access control measures alongside it to beef up the security as much as possible. Once the primary goal has been discovered, it will help narrow down which options are best suited to your business’ needs.

Choose which type

There are several types of gate to choose from and one size does not fit all so you must do your research before choosing a gate. Here are a few of the main types you can choose from.

Sliding gates – made for areas that have limited surrounding space, these gates slide across to allow vehicle entry. Cantilever sliding gates are suspended across the gate opening with no rollers running on the ground. These are a popular option as they are considered more reliable than tracked gates. Because of this, they are often used for heavy-duty needs such as industrial gate applications. They work well in all weather conditions and are suited to those sites that need high-level security.

Bi-Folding Gates – Bi-folding gates are the ideal solution where the speed of opening and closing is essential but also where space is at a premium. Made from two panels that are hinged together, the panels fold back on themselves to allow access rather than sliding fully across. Usually installed in pairs, one on either side of the gate, these are a great option for many businesses that require the gates to open quickly.

Swing Gates- With one side hinged, these gates swing open like a door would. They can open either in or out depending on where you have the most space to use. As they need space to travel, these are great for businesses that boast a lot of land. Before these gates are installed, you need to ensure you have sufficient space. Oncoming vehicles need space to wait until the gates are fully open and you need to ensure no collisions or damages will occur. Swing gates are great for installing alongside access control equipment and other safety messages and can be a cost-effective option.

Automatic or Manual

The next decision that needs to be made is whether you go for gates that are automatic or manual. Whilst manual gates are a great low-cost option, it is important businesses weigh up the pros and cons. Although manual gates are more budget-friendly, you will need to take into account the time and effort it will take for someone to open the gates manual each time a vehicle needs access. If you have a regular steady flow of vehicles, this may not be feasible. With automatic gates, it withdraws the need to have a security guard

Access Control

There are no many sophisticated options to choose from when it comes to access control. From using electronic keys, or key cards to phone entry or fingerprint biometric readers, the options are vast. The business needs to decide how much budget they have and what level of security is required. Although they are all great options and easy to use, for those sites that need additional security, biometric options will always be the most secure.

Style

Once the practicalities of access control and the type of gate are sorted, it is important to take into account the aesthetic of the gate as well. This is the first thing many people see when they look at your premises and you, therefore, want it to send the correct message. Sometimes businesses want a solid gate with no gaps whilst others opt for a barred / slat design instead. By talking to your provider in advance you should be able to work with them to create a security solution that matches all your needs.

Deciding which type of security gate your business should go for is a big decision. It is the first form of business security that is there to protect your company and you, therefore, need to ensure you are choosing the best fit for your business’ needs. By following the steps stated in this blog, you should be able to narrow down your options and come to the best choice that will do the best job.

/ By Gateway Team / barriers • business security • car park security • commercial property • manual barriers • security gate • unoccupied buildings • vacant properties/ 0 Comments

Protecting your business this Christmas

Securing your business at ChristmasMany businesses such as offices, schools and factories are are shut between Christmas and New Year. Although this break is much appreciated by employees, business managers need to ensure that security is up to scratch as it is often during this quiet period that criminals target business premises, they believe to be unoccupied.

Here we discuss some tips that managers should consider in order to ensure their premises remains as secure as possible during this time.

•   Create a procedure in advance for the last day in the office. Nominate and agree an individual to secure the premises. Communicate the plans thoroughly to avoid any mistakes or confusion about what the plan is.

•    Keep track of visitors- Christmas, for many establishments is a busy time for guests due to more deliveries for example. Ensure you know who is in your building or premises at all times. Having access control barriers and panels for your building can help ensure no unauthorised vehicles or personnel can access your premises.

•    Decide which key holders will be contactable during the Christmas break- Although the likelihood of them being needed is relatively small, always confirm which members of staff who have keys will be available to deal with any emergencies. Share a list with relevant staff to confirm.

•   Turn off electrical items or put in safe mode. If your premises will be empty during Christmas, carry out thorough checks prior to the break to avoid risk of fire.

•    Check heating settings- Although there will not be anyone in the building, you might want to have the heating on for a short time each day just to ensure its being used regularly. This is especially important is certain stock needs to be temperature control.

•    Consider employing security guards- Depending on your organisation, you may decide if it is worth the investment to have a physical security guard on during the days the office is closed. For many companies this may be unnecessary.

•    Ensure nobody is left on their own- On the last day, try and avoid having one person closing the office or building on their own. It is a lot of pressure for them to remember everything and can also make them vulnerable to any criminals that are watching the premises. If you decide to close early, ensure everyone leaves at the same time.

•    Keep the perimeter well lit- Having strong security lighting is not only protecting your employees during dark mornings and evenings, it is also a good deterrent for potential criminals as it can scare them away but also means any CCTV footage will be clearer.

•    Install barriers, gates and signs- Barriers and gates create a physical barrier that can protect your company but they, along with strong signs such as “CCTV in action” act as a strong deterrent.

•    Do a trial run- You can always do a trial run to ensure all protocols are met. You should also carry out a trial security threat to test reaction times.

The tips above are just some of the ways you can ensure your security levels remain high over Christmas. Of course, these tips and precautions can and should be implemented all year round. Having a permanent high level of security all the time ensures the security remains a part of everyday life and will reduce the vulnerability of your business throughout the rest of the year.

To find out more about how we can help with your business security needs, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation call and feasibility survey to assess your business needs.

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • barriers • employee safety • security • security gate/ 0 Comments

4 ways to make your employees feel safe

VLUU L100, M100 / Samsung L100, M100Your employees spend a lot of their time at their workplace, so it is extremely important that they feel as safe as possible when they are there.

Studies have shown that if employees do not feel sufficiently safe at work it can adversely affect staff happiness, productiveness, efficiency and staff retention. There are a lot of things that you, as an employer, can do in order to make your staff feel as safe as possible. The investment you spend in both time and money in these additional security measures will be worth it as it will create a happier workforce that will be more productive. Here are four key areas you can look at in order to improve staff safety.

1.    Invest in gates and barriers
It is a simple thing but having gates can really improve how safe employees feel whilst at work. Creating a barrier using gates acts as a deterrent to anyone who is trying to get onto the premises without permission. Having gates surround the entirety of your property not only indicates to everyone which land belongs to your business, it also protects staff car parks. Having barriers and gates will also help protect your assets (not only your staff but also your stock, the premises itself and sensitive data to name a few) it will also help visitors feel secure when they come for meetings as well.

2.    Have Access Control
Consider having access control areas where you use proximity cards, intercoms or biometric finger print readers to ensure only authorised personnel can enter the premises. These devices are great to have on the entrance of your main building or, alternatively, any room that contains private and important equipment or information. When visitors come, you can provide them with a temporary visitor pass. Not only will this make it convenient for them during their visit, they will also feel secure knowing you need passes to enter the building.

3.    Hire security guards
Sometimes having someone to physically guard your premises can really make your employees feel safe. If you use a security guard alongside barriers, gates and turnstiles, you can ensure only authorised personnel can enter.

4.    Enforce speed limits in staff car parks
The staff car park can be dangerous. If you do not have safety measures in place you could end up with injuries. Ensure you have designated areas for pedestrians which are clear to everyone. Make sure there is sufficient lighting so people can easily get to their cars during winter months. Enforce slow speed limits throughout the car parks using speed bumps and rising kerbs to support this.

Taking time to put some of these methods into practice can really benefit both your business and its employees in the long run. It not only protects your businesses’ valuable items or any sensitive data, it also prevents any serious accidents and increases employee happiness and productivity. Being a company known for having the safety of their employees as a number one priority will also build confidence and trust in your business.

To find out more about what security measures you can put into place for your employees’ safety, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • bollards • car park security • height restrictor barriers • security • security gate • speed ramps • staff car park/ 0 Comments

Keeping staff carparks safe and secure

SONY DSCHaving a staff car park is a great benefit for employees. However, having somewhere for them to park their car is not enough. You need to ensure you have undertaken as many preventative and safety measures as possible to ensure that the cars and staff always remain safe, as well as your employees and visitors. If staff do not believe their car and possessions will be safe whilst at work, this will adversely affect productivity and staff happiness. Here we discuss 9 ways you can make your staff car parks as safe as possible, ensuring staff happiness.

Under the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 and subsequent legislation, car park owners and operators are fully responsible for the safety of car parks. This includes employers.

1.    Sufficient Signposting
The car parks should be clearly signed throughout. You need to highlight any areas staff cannot park, which areas are for visitors only and have a low speed limit enforced at all times. In addition to this, you should have pedestrian crossings where necessary and pedestrian access only areas.

2.    Bollards
Bollards are a great way to separate pedestrian and driving areas. Knowing the cars cannot enter certain areas will provide peace of mind to the pedestrians and help guide cars in the right direction. During winter months as well, you can use the areas marked out by the bollards to indicate to pedestrians which routes are best to work on to avoid slippery surfaces.

3.    Speed ramps
Having a slow speed restriction sometimes is not enough. Pairing this with speed ramps can really help make the car park more secure. When staff are entering and exiting the car park at the same time each day, there is a higher chance of collisions or accidents taking place. Ensuring cars are moving around the car park slowly and responsibly helps reduce this risk significantly.

4.    Space
Careful planning of the car park needs to happen. You must ensure you have enough room for all cars whilst also ensuring there is enough space for manoeuvring. In addition to this, you need to ensure that any areas that delivery vans need to access or any emergency exits are kept clear at all times.

5.    CCTV
Especially during winter months when many people come to work and leave work in the dark, CCTV equipment can really help make the car park more secure, especially from the employees’ point of view.

6.    Barriers
Using barriers to the carpark is recommended as it can help make the car park more secure and will ensure only authorized personnel can park their car. Although automatic barriers accessed by the employees is possible, another option is to hire a security guard to ensure the barriers are always working, to allow entry to authorised people only and can also greet visitors as well as acting as a deterrent. Barriers are also great to avoid people thinking they can park there for free when they are not employees. This is especially important the closer to cities and built up areas you are.

7.    Height Restrictors
If you only have a small car park which cannot accommodate large delivery vans, then a height restrictor could be something you should consider installing. This will stop larger vehicles entering the carpark and potentially blocking other cars or even causing damage if there is not sufficient room.

8.    Control Access Equipment
To create an even more secure car park, you could use Access Control Equipment at the gates and your work building itself. This double layer of security ensures only people with authorization can enter the car park and the workplace.

9.    Lighting
Always ensure the car park has sufficient lighting. This allows pedestrians to be easily visible by drivers as well as allow people to walk safely back to their cars during winter months.

Although you may not see it as directly related, studies have shown that a good, secure staff car park will lead to happier, more productive staff as they do not dread coming to work because of fear they will struggle to park. If they do struggle to park, they are more likely to arrive to work frustrated which will impact their performance.

To find out more about you can secure your staff car park, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

/ By Gateway Team / bi-folding gates • gates • security gate • sliding gates • swing gates • swinging gates/ 0 Comments

Security gates – what options are available to you?

security gates what options are available to youWhen most people think of perimeter security, gates are the product that initially comes to mind – and for good reason. While gates are by no means the be all and end all of perimeter security, they do lay an important foundation. Here we look at a few of the options available to you if you are ready to increase the level of security at your site.

Swing gates

Swing gates are the most traditional form of gate that we offer. They provide a straight forward and no-nonsense perimeter block that protects against unwanted visitors. These are commonly used among schools, businesses and other private sites. In order for one of these gates to be installed there must be enough room for the gate to open and level ground so that the gate doesn’t catch on anything.

The GA9600 Automatic Swing Gate adheres to all national legislation and has a control panel that is hidden from view allowing for a professional appearance.

Sliding gates

If you are working with a restricted amount of space, then sliding gates might be the best option for you. When a full-arc can not be achieved, a sliding gate can be substituted to work within smaller confines as they open horizontally. This horizontal opening feature also makes them more resistant to ram-raid style attacks from vehicles.

We offer two key types of cantilever sliding gates in the GA9000 Automatic Sliding Gate and the 6A9000M Manual Sliding Gate.

Bi-folding gates

Bi-folding gates are commonly known as speed gates and can often be seen at sites where a fast entry and exit is a priority such as police stations and fire stations. They can also be necessary in sites where tailgating is a danger and the control of access to authorised personal is essential for security.

The GA9500 Bi-Folding Trackless Speed Gate opens at more than double the speed of a traditional type of swinging gate. They can also be fitted with extra features including spiked tops to prevent overhead entry and warning lights or sirens to warn vehicles and passers by of an impending entry or exit.

Ongoing support

Even if a gate is looked after incredibly well, there are still occasions, like with any purchase, that things can go wrong. Your gate or barrier may need fixing at some point in the future and its important that you aren’t left for too long with a broken security measure. That’s why we offer a nationwide reactive callout service with response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 7 days. We have local and reliable engineers that are based across the UK and Ireland to ensure the best and most proficient service.

To find out more about our gates as well as our servicing and repairs options, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

/ By Gateway Team / bi-folding gates • business security • perimeter security • security • security gate • sliding gates • swing gates/ 0 Comments

How secure are your security gates?

pexels-photo-277670As perimeter security specialists, we have years of experience looking for flaws in the physical security of businesses. One of the most revealing methods of pinpointing weak spots is to perform a full risk assessment. This allows us to develop a 360 degree approach for a business owner who might be concerned about the threat of crime on their business. However, while a good many business owners do recognise the overwhelming challenges that crime can present, a good many more do not take the threat seriously, or equally believe that they have already got everything covered.

One of the most effective forms of perimeter security comes in the form of gates – both a physical and mental barrier to opportunistic thieves. Here at Gateway we provide three major types of gates – swing gates, sliding gates and bi-folding gates which are commonly used to ramp up on-site security. Installed correctly and properly maintained, these types of gates are one of the strongest means of restricting both pedestrian and vehicular access to your site.

However, if gates are not properly maintained then they become ineffective in preventing intruders. This is why gates should be regularly inspected in order to spot any signs of degradation or damage. Damage can easily occur from vehicles, pedestrian traffic, acts of nature or just simply weaken over time, but it is important that it is spotted quickly in order to keep your business protected. While you may believe that you can fix a problem yourself, it’s important to have a trained professional visit your site and assess the situation as DIY repairs can often exacerbate the initial damage.

Here at Gateway we offer a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 7 days which means that any problems can be dealt with quickly. With years of experience our professionals will get to the bottom of the problem and ensure minimum disruption to your employees and customers. We also offer maintenance contracts on our products and can source supply spares and parts for all manufacturers’ equipment.

To find out more about our servicing and repairs options, please visit https://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/servicing/ or contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

/ By Gateway Team / accreditation • automated gates • gate installation • Gate Safe Aware • security gate/ 0 Comments

Why you should choose a Gate Safe installer every time

Here at Gateway Automation we are proud to be certified as Gate Safe Aware. This is a specific accreditation handed out only to those who have undergone training and assessments to show that they have a fully comprehensive understanding of the guidelines surrounding responsible installation.

The importance of having your gates installed by an accredited professional should not be underestimated. The dangers of failing to do so is highlighted by the cases of Semelia Campbell and Karolina Golabek who were both tragically killed in accidents involving automated gates in the space of just a few weeks in 2010. Semelia was trapped while playing hide and seek and Karolina was trapped while playing with a cat. The company deemed responsible for Semelia’s death was handed a £50,000 fine and a publicity order for leaving their automated gate in a ‘lethal state’.

A strong security gate is one of the most effective forms of access control and creates a physical barrier that acts as an obstacle and a deterrent to criminals. However, it is critical that businesses have their gates fitted by professional installers who are aware of how to make a gate safe as well as secure. Further to this it is equally important that those gates are maintained to a high standard, rather than left to become a dangerous hazard over time. Neglecting to do so can lead to fines, damage to your company reputation and in some cases, and worst of all, a devastating loss of life

Gateway Automation provide a range of gates to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites and also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment. We are proud to be certified as Gate Safe Aware Installers. To find out more, please contact us on 01522 682255 or take a look at our brochure