What Makes a Good Commercial Security Gate?
If you have a business with a high-security premises, you know very well that controlling who can enter your facilities is important. This is especially so for businesses that are closed to the public.
This is where commercial security gates come in. Situated within the fence surrounding your property, security gates control which vehicles and pedestrians can enter your premises. This ensures there is no unauthorised access to your business, which may result in theft, vandalism or information leaks.
There are a multitude of security gates out there to suit all needs and aesthetics. A good business gate should offer the functions you need while complementing the look of your business premises and fence.
In this blog, we will cover what makes a good commercial security gate to help you select a tailor-made option for your circumstances.
Site Access Needs
When choosing a commercial security gate, you need to consider what your business needs from a functionality point of view. This will ensure you choose the layout, physical barriers and integrated technology solutions that are right for your premises.
To do this, you will need to consider the following factors:
- Space and Layout: How much room do you have to work with? Traditional swinging gates suit larger spaces while sliding gates suit compact spaces.
- Traffic Needs: If you have lots of people coming and going, high-speed automatic barriers can reduce queues.
- Visitor Management: Do you need staff or technology to check visitors’ credentials before being granted entry? This needs to be integrated into your plans.
- Integration: The best gate will integrate with existing CCTV, site management software and alarms for the highest level security.
Manual vs Automated Operation
Whether you select a manual or automated gate depends on your needs, security process and budget.
A manual gate requires someone to physically open and close it. They typically feature a hinge, latch and lock mechanism that must be operated by hand. This type of gate works best for businesses that have low traffic. It is also a more low budget option as it doesn’t require electricity.
An automated gate uses an electric motor or hydraulic system to open and shut. They can be controlled by remote controls, keypads, sensors or mobile apps. This option is ideal for businesses with high traffic or that need to check visitor credentials before they are allowed entry.
Gate Strength and Durability
To maintain security, it is essential that your security gate can withstand forced entry attempts. They must also be able to handle harsh weather and high-frequency usage.
With this in mind, most security gates are made of high-grade or galvanised steel. They are also often at least 8 feet in height, if not taller.
Some important factors include:
- Heavy duty hinges that can withstand impact. These must be able to support the heavy gate over time.
- Locking systems such as heavy-duty deadbolts and mortise locks for manual doors.
- Automatic gates should have touch-sensitive safety edges to detect obstacles.
Access Control Options
If you decide to automate or semi-automate your access control, you will need to consider whether you need the following:
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition system.
- RFID or key fobs.
- Card readers.
- Keypads and/or pin code.
- Intercom.
- Biometric readers such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Mobile apps or mobile credentials.
Aesthetic Considerations
Your security gate should not only be a good fit functionally, it should look great too. After all, the gate to your premises will be the first impression visitors get of your business. With this in mind, you will want to match your gate with the perimeter fence.
Get High-Quality Commercial Gates From H&B Fencing & Gates
We at H&B Fencing & Gates can help you create a tailor-made commercial gate solution for your business premises. We combine cutting-edge technology with expert craftsmanship to create functional and aesthetically appealing security gates.
