How to Choose Security Gates

When you’re planning a security upgrade to your home or business, chances are gates will come into the equation.

Choosing the right kind of gates, and the right automation and accessories, can be tricky though, with so many options available these days! Here are a few thoughts you may want to consider.

The Gate Itself

Its tempting to buy a cheap gate, and you may be considering an off the shelf purchase, however, bear in mind that depending on the application, the gate you choose may open and close many times a day, and moving parts, as well as other components, could wear out quickly! Here’s what to look for in a great gate:

• Robust construction. A good gate should be heavy, particularly if constructed from steel. Lightweight gates are typically made from thin tubing, which will rust or bend easily.
• Well manufactured. Whether all steel, or steel and wood, gates should be well made, with straight, clean welds, and be square, and plumb on the vertical. Slightly skew gates will not hang, or work correctly.
• Heavy weight hinges. The gate you choose, if a swing gate will be relying on its hinges, and small or flimsy hinges probably won’t do the job! Bullet type hinges are best, because they are most difficult to tamper with.
• Likewise, on sliding gates, your wheels should be made to last. Steel wheels are best, since they can take the weight, and won’t crack or break like nylon or other materials might.

Gate Automation Options

Of course, a great gate is one thing, but if you have to get out of your car in the pouring rain, or snow, you may get a little tired of it!

Automated gates are a great idea, but remember to look for a high quality motor, that will be able to cope with multiple openings and closings every day. Also, motors are usually designed according to the weight of the gate itself, so look for one that matches your gate’s mass.

Also good to remember is that sliding gates use only one motor, as do single leaf swing gates. Double leafs however, require two motors, which can work out a lot more expensive, both in terms of equipment and labour to install it!

Then there are security gates, where electronic locks are a great automation option. These can be operated by a "hardwired" push button, or by remote, and you can add options like tag readers to make them operable by your employees or family.

Accessories

Once you’ve got a basic gate, and automated it, there are a host of other features you can add, in terms of accessories, and here are a few ideas:

• Why not add a backup battery or solar power system? That way, if there’s a power outage, your electrics and electronics will still work!
• Driveway gates can be made more user friendly by adding a free exit loop. These work on the electromagnetic field a vehicle gives off, and allows the gate to open automatically when a vehicle is detected within the loop’s field.
• Another good idea is to fit infra red beams to a driveway gate. These detect the presence of an object, vehicle or person within the gate opening, and prevent it from closing on it. A great safety feature!
• Remote controls, or even cell phone operation is possible, and makes it much easier to open or close automated gates, or why not add and link an audio or video intercom?

A great gate is integral to any home or business security system, and with so many options on offer, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs!