Which security gate is right for my business?

When it comes to protecting your business, installing a security gate on the premises is one of the best ways to deter intruders and keep your employees and inventory safe. However, this security measure can be a large investment, so you need to be sure you’re getting the right security gate for your site.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a commercial or industrial security gate. For example, you need to think about the size requirements, the amount of clear space needed around the gate, the opening speed, the level of security required, the type of material you want and the cost.

Here at Expert Security, we believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to commercial security. Instead, you need to find a security gate that perfectly fits your site and offers you the right level of protection. In this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing a commercial security gate.

Why are security gates important?

A security gate is a physical security system that controls access to your site. Security gates come in many sizes, styles and designs, but they’re most commonly categorised according to their operating mechanism and whether they’re automatic or manual.

As their names suggest, swing gates swing outwards or inwards to allow pedestrians or vehicles to enter, whereas sliding security gates slide open or closed along a fixed track on the ground. Both types of gate can either be manual or automatic: manual gates have to be opened or closed by hand, whereas automatic gates are operated remotely using sensors, fobs, keypads or key switches.

But why is any of this important? If you’re serious about the security of your business, installing a security gate is one of the best things you can do. Here’s what security gates can do for you:

1. Prevent unauthorised entry

One of the most obvious benefits of industrial gates is that they prevent unauthorised entry to your premises. When they’re closed, security gates are almost impossible to open, which means you can keep your business secure at all times of the day. Plus, even when the gate is briefly open, you can install security measures such as CCTV cameras to ensure that no unauthorised persons slip past the gate.

In addition to physically repelling intruders, security gates act as a powerful deterrent to opportunistic criminals. An unsecured site can be seen as an easy target by nearby criminals, but they’re much less likely to attempt a break-in at your business if they can see you have security measures in place.

2. Prevent theft

If criminals can’t enter, then they can’t get their hands on valuable goods and inventory. By investing in security measures like security gates, you’ll save money in the long run as you’re much less likely to lose stock or have to repair damages.

3. Keep people safe

In addition to protecting your possessions, you also have to think about protecting your employees. Although most criminals would be focused on stealing goods, they may harm your staff if they crossed paths. Installing a commercial security gate can help keep you and your employees safe.

4. Reduce your insurance premiums

Did you know that a security gate at the entrance to your site can actually reduce your insurance premiums? This is because your risk of break-ins is significantly lowered.

5. Add value to your property

Finally, a new security gate can add value to your property. If you’re hoping to sell, new security features can make your property more attractive to potential buyers, which means you can potentially increase the sale price and get the cost of your investment back. This is especially true if you choose a stylish, high-quality gate that improves your business’s kerb appeal.

Choosing the right commercial security gate

Thanks to their many benefits, there’s no real reason not to install a commercial security gate at your business’s site. However, installing the wrong gate can cause issues, especially if you choose something that doesn’t fit the space or doesn’t fit your budget.

Let’s look at some of the most common types of security gate to help you make a decision.

Manual sliding gates

Manual security gates are a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Having to open and close the gates by hand can be a bit inconvenient, but if you’re not dealing with a lot of traffic, it can be worth it to save some cash and opt for manual gates.

Not only are manual sliding gates low-cost and low-maintenance, but they’re also perfect for smaller spaces where swing gates would be impractical or impossible. Plus, these gates are extremely durable, strong and long-lasting, making them ideal for high-security locations.

Industrial swing gates

Like sliding security gates, swing gates can be either manual or automatic. Manual gates are generally much cheaper and easier to install, but automatic security gates are much more convenient for high-traffic sites that need gates to be opened and closed constantly throughout the day.

Automatic industrial swing gates are a great option if you need to operate your gates frequently. However, you’ll need to ensure that there’s enough space for the gates to swing open without obstructing anything or hitting vehicles. If you do have enough space, swing gates are a durable and aesthetically pleasing security solution.

Sliding security gates

If you want the convenience of automatic security gates but don’t have enough space for swing gates, sliding security gates are the perfect choice. These gates are extremely reliable and robust, so you can rest assured that no intruders can enter your property.

Thanks to their automatic operation and durable construction, automatic sliding doors are great for high-security sites that want to manage a lot of traffic without compromising on safety. While the gates are closed, it’s pretty much impossible to get past them, and when they’re open, you can use CCTV cameras to ensure that no intruders get in before the gates quickly close again.

At Expert Security, our sliding security gates are held in place with a tracking system and drive motor, making them extra secure. Plus, they’re made from high-quality aluminium, so they’re both extremely strong and rust-resistant.

Bi-folding security gates

Another space-saving option is bi-folding security gates. These gates open inwardly and overlap themselves, which means you don’t need to keep any clear space around the gates for them to operate safely and properly.

Bi-folding gates are typically faster than other gates, even in the tightest of spaces. So, if you need quick access to your business without compromising on security, bi-folding security gates are a fantastic option. Common locations for bi-folding security gates include high-traffic areas like car parks, schools, logistics depots and emergency services ‘blue light’ zones.

Access control

To enhance security even further, we would recommend that you use the best access control options and additional security features alongside your new commercial security gate. These could include:

Commercial CCTV systems
Personal identification numbers (PINs)
Keypads
Key switches
Locks
Voice/video intercom
Proximity cards
Remote control fobs
Loop detectors
Anti-climb spikes

Which security gate should I choose?

To pick the right security gate for your business, you need to make sure you’re considering all the relevant factors, including the amount of space available, the level of security needed, the amount of daily traffic and your budget.

In general, it’s best to opt for manual security gates if you want to save some money and you don’t mind operating the gates by hand. If your site experiences a lot of daily traffic, automatic gates may be necessary to ensure that everyone can exit and enter quickly and easily.

Swing gates are very popular due to their professional appearance, but if you’re struggling for space, sliding and bi-folding security gates are great alternatives. Automatic bi-folding gates are potentially the best choice if speed is your priority.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of security gates?

Security gates will repel intruders, deter opportunistic criminals, add value to your property and keep your staff and valuables safe. If you want to protect your business, security gates are one of the first security measures you need to consider.

What type of gate is best for security?

Manual, automatic, sliding, swing and bi-folding gates are all brilliant options for security, so your decision will mostly depend on your particular needs and preferences. To improve security as much as possible, it’s a good idea to opt for strong, durable materials like aluminium and powder-coat finishes.

How much do security gates cost?

The cost of different security gates can vary depending on what type of gate you’ve chosen. Automatic gates will be more expensive and take longer to install, whereas manual gates in simple designs will be much cheaper. You’ll also end up paying a lot more if you have unusual requirements and need a truly bespoke solution.

Do I need a site visit before installation?

We would definitely advise that you need a site visit from professionals before installing new security gates. A security company will be able to identify key risks and challenges on your property and use this information to help you choose the right gate.

If you need advice from a professional security company, get in touch with us today. We design bespoke industrial gates to fit our customers’ exact needs, and we install them professionally to meet BS/EN-12453 standards. There’s no project we can’t do, so take your security to the next level with Expert Security.