Gates are an important part of security for any property. They help you control who and what goes in and out of your premises. Manually operated gates can make monitoring access to your property a full time job, particularly if you’re a busy site. This is where automatic gates come in. Automatic gates have revolutionised security for residential and commercial properties by providing an electronically controlled method of granting people access to your premises.
If you’re curious about how an automatic gate can upgrade your access solutions, look no further. We’ll look at how automatic gates work, the different types, how to choose the right one for your requirements, and the importance of choosing the right gate installation service.
What Is an Automatic Gate?
Automatic gates are used to control access to and from either a residential or commercial property. They help keep an area secure by remaining locked unless the person entering has the access code or is permitted to enter. They are most commonly used to control vehicular access. They are an effective way to monitor who is entering and leaving your site, providing additional security. Automatic gates consist of two main components:
- Gate – typically iron or chain-link, this acts as the barrier preventing unauthorised access to your property.
- Gate operator – this powers the gate either with gears, chains, or hydraulics, triggering it to open and close.
How Do They Work?
Automatic gates simply replace the need for manually operating a gate. They can be operated in different ways depending on the type you opt for. They can either be powered by electric motors or hydraulics. Either option will save you time and manpower spent monitoring and operating the gate. Some gates will open via voice recognition, while others may require a code or identification card or can even be remote controlled to unlock and open them. When a person or vehicle approaches the gate, they will trigger a sensor, and once they have authorised access, the gate will open. Once they are out of range of the sensor, the gate will automatically close.
Advantages of Automatic Gates
Automatic gates provide both security and convenience, removing the need for a manual gate operator for your premises. They have grown in popularity over the years and are becoming a common security option for both residential and commercial properties for a number of reasons, including:
- Additional security – automatic gates a more secure than other gate types as they provide a high obstacle for an intruder to try and overcome. Most automatic gates are accompanied by CCTV, enabling you to monitor who is entering and exiting your premises.
- Privacy – the taller height and typically larger size of automatic gates means they add an additional level of privacy to your property.
- Convenience – ultimately, automatic gates remove the need for manual operation. This saves people a lot of time and energy opening and closing the gate. The system can easily be operated via intercom or remote control.
- Durability – automatic gates are built of strong materials that are able to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent intrusion.
- Curb appeal – not only do automatic gates have practical benefits, but they also look good. They can be tailored to suit the style of your property, and they also give your premises a more sophisticated appearance.
Disadvantage of Automatic Gates
For all of their great features, there are certain disadvantages to automatic gates that must also be considered. The following things are important to consider before investing in an automatic gate for your property:
- Cost – automatic gates are more costly to supply and install than manually operated gates. This is due to the materials and mechanisms used to construct the gate. Automatic gates use a higher level of technology and engineering, and they require a skilled person to install them successfully.
- Danger – due to the automatic mechanisms in these particular types of gates, they pose a slightly higher risk of injury than manually operated gates. Individuals, particularly small children, can become trapped in the mechanisms. Most automatic gates now have sensors to detect if there is an obstruction, so this shouldn’t pose a problem.
- Power outages – automatic gates run on electricity, meaning they can be susceptible to power outages. This can, unfortunately, means that the gate will be out of use while there is no power supply to the mechanism.
What Are the Different Types of Automatic Gates?
There are various types of automatic gates on the market, each with different operating methods. Depending on your requirements, there will be a gate that is best suited to your needs. When choosing the right automatic gate for your property, you can choose from:
- Sliding/ cantilever gate – these are the most common types of automatic gates. They slide back and forth horizontally, supported either by rollers or rails. Cantilever gates are more suitable for industrial applications as they can be more reliable, unlike sliding gates which can run into issues if snow, ice, or debris gets stuck in the rollers.
- Swing gate – these gates operate similarly to a door, opening and closing on hinges. They can either be installed as a single or double leaf. They cost less to install than other automatic gate types making them a common option for residential properties.
- Vertical lift gate – these gates are lifted vertically on support towers for vehicles to pass underneath. This is ideal for areas with limited space where a sliding or swinging gate would not be suitable. Their appearance makes them unsuitable for residential applications.
- Vertical pivot lift gate – these gates are supported entirely by the gate operator and pivot around it without any additional support structures. They require additional space beside the gate in order for it to have room to operate.
- Barrier arm – these gates are most commonly used in car parks and other sites where traffic access is restricted. It cannot be used to restrict pedestrian access because they will be able to pass underneath or around the barrier. The barrier lifts entirely by the operator with no additional supports.
- Bifolding gate – these gates consist of two panels that fold back onto themselves when activated. They are a great choice for properties with limited space; however, they can pose an issue when it comes to safety, as entrapment may be more likely to occur.
Choosing the Right Automatic Gate For You
There are so many variations of automatic gates on the market that it can be difficult to know which one is most suited to your needs. In order to really benefit from having an automatic gate on your property, you need to ensure you have picked one that is appropriate for the size of your premises and how many people are accessing it on a daily basis.
The type of automatic gate that is best suited to your premises will depend on a few different factors. You will have to consider:
- Your budget
- The frequency of traffic in and out of your premises
- How much space you have
- Where the gate is going to be located
- The style of gate you prefer
As long as you have considered all of the above, you will be able to make an informed decision about the type of automatic gate your property will benefit the most from. Although automatic gates are more expensive than manually operated alternatives, investing in the right one can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Get Your Automatic Gate with FM Fencing
Once you have chosen the right automatic gate for your needs, you need to look for a high quality manufacturer and installation provider. Your gate is only as good as how well it is installed, and if done poorly, it can mean wasting money on constant repairs and maintenance.
Here at FM Fencing, we provide a wide range of automatic gates to help you keep your property as safe and secure as possible. Our expert team will measure and install bespoke automatic gates to your premises to your exact specifications. If you would like to learn more about our gate installation service and how we can help you increase the safety of your premises with our security fencing solutions, then you can give us a call today!
