Gates for Businesses & Commercial Properties
If you are the owner or occupier of a commercial property, public building, office, or industrial facility, you must have the correct gate to suit your specific security requirements. Choosing an appropriate metal gate type makes it possible to provide the building with the proper level of security it demands and ensure it remains a practical asset to the users. Consequently, we have created this user-friendly guide, which details the most common gate types and the main factors you must consider when specifying and installing a new metal gate in a commercial environment.
Security
Within a commercial location, the primary role of any gate will be to provide the correct level of security. Numerous factors will come into play to ensure this is achieved, including the type, material, opening mechanism and design. Therefore, the correct combination must be chosen to meet the property's security needs. Below, we look into a little more detail.
Material & Type
Due to the high strength properties of steel, this is by far the most used material for a gate in a commercial setting. Strong, robust, and available in a wide range of component sizes, a metal gate is affordable and practical and comes in a large selection of types to suit a variety of applications. Detailed below are the most common styles.
Sliding Gates
This type of gate is used where there is not sufficient space for the practical operation of swing gates. Whilst they can be manually operated, it is most specified to include automation as this provides more convenience for larger openings often found within commercial locations. In terms of the design, they come in two different styles.
Cantilever Sliding Gate
A cantilever gate does not need a track in the ground to run against. Instead, they are supported with rollers that run along a track mounted to the bottom of the gate. The diagram below highlights this.
Tracked Sliding Gate
The type of sliding gate requires a track to be installed across the opening, which provides a point for the wheels on the bottom of the gate to run within. Due to this, it is important that the track is kept free from debris, which would hinder the smooth opening and closing of the gate. An illustration of this gate type is shown below.
Swing Gates
The most common type of gate for a commercial property is a swing gate that will open and close in the same manner as any standard door. Suitable for a wide range of opening sizes, they are available as single and double gate designs and come in a wide variation of types, including vertical bar, welded mesh, palisade, chain link and ornamental. Below are some common examples.
Barrier Gates
This type of gate is often referred to as a parking control gate or automated barrier as they are designed to provide an effective method of traffic flow into and out of a specific location. Whether it is to restrict pedestrian access or to stop vehicles, this type of gate is becoming ever more essential for commercial properties due to enhanced health and safety legislation and the need to restrict access in an easy and practical way.
Folding Gates
Bi-folding gates are an excellent choice for high-security sites looking for rapid opening and closing cycles. Folding in half and opening onto the adjacent leaf as they open, they need much less room to operate than a standard swing or sliding gate. Although most commonly manufactured from steel, some property owners prefer timber, and in these instances, they will often have an integral metal chassis to provide additional strength.
Gate Height
Wherever security is the primary priority in a commercial setting, the taller the gate, the more likely it is to serve as an effective security deterrent. For this reason, wherever possible, it is always recommended that a gate should be a minimum of 2440mm (8ft) in height.
Aesthetics
If you need to maintain a degree of aesthetic appeal to the entrances around the property, it may be important to consider the aesthetics of the gate that is to be installed. Whilst most typical commercial gates are utilitarian in nature, the look can be enhanced with a powder-coated finish that is in keeping with company branding or surrounding buildings. Alternatively, ornamental gate options are also a possibility in materials such as aluminium, timber and wrought iron.
Functionality
When considering a new gate, it is crucial to consider the practical aspect of it. Although security will be its primary function, it must also be easy to operate for authorised use. You should, therefore, consider whether a manually opening gate is the best option (these are perfect for small openings or when only occasional access is needed) or whether automated gates will be more effective as these can allow for remote access, faster opening and closing cycles and improved traffic flow.
Durability
Regardless of which gate type will serve your needs best, it is essential that it is durable and long-lasting. Wherever possible, we recommend that you opt for the highest specification available as these will be manufactured from heavier-duty components, be capable of meeting the high-use demands of a commercial environment and remain in optimal condition for an extended period.
Maintenance
To meet required health and safety standards, it is important that a regular maintenance plan is implemented. Failure to do so can result in an unsafe gate, giving rise to the potential for failure of components, which, as a result, can lead to workplace accidents.
How Can We Help?
If you are searching for a commercial gate of any type to secure your business, please feel free to get in touch with us. We will be on hand to provide advice and assistance as to the most appropriate gate type and provide you with a competitive quote.
