Automatic Gates 101: How Are They Used Commercially?
Many people have encountered an automatic gate at some point in their lives. You might remember waiting for an automatic gate to open at an apartment community, a friend’s home, and maybe a commercial property. Commercial businesses and apartment communities commonly use automatic gates to direct customer traffic and keep unwanted guests off their property. These are just some of the commercial applications for automatic gates. Learn more about these gates and their potential for your business by exploring how automatic gates are used commercially.
Types of Automatic Commercial Gates
Not all automatic commercial gates look and operate the same. There are four common styles of automatic vehicle gates that you might see in business settings. Examine these four styles to understand each better and decide which might be best for your business.
Folding Gates
Folding gates have become more and more popular in commercial and apartment applications. Essentially, folding gates operate faster and require a much smaller footprint. Folding gates provide greater design flexibility for architects who like to add design elements that conceal vehicle gates or what is behind them.
Swing Gates
Swing gates are one of the most popular automatic gates but require a much larger footprint to operate. Swing gates can be either a single or bi-parting. Swing gates can be fabricated using various materials to suit indoor and outdoor needs.
Vertical Lift Gates
Whereas swing gates open horizontally, vertical lift gates open vertically to allow vehicles to enter/exit a property. Lift gates are not as popular as folding or single swing gates, but they have their place. Typically, you will find vertical lift gates on commercial properties.
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates are probably the most common type of vehicle gates found on commercial properties, but they are quickly losing ground to folding gates. Sliding gates require an area as long as the gate to open (the stacking area) into; the lack of stacking room is often an issue. Unfortunately, the sliding gate operates slowly, which reduces the security provided. Sliding gates require additional maintenance because of the many moving parts. Sliding gates might be ideal for properties that have a wide entrance and need a gate to cover that broad space.
Applications for Automatic Gates
Automatic gates are becoming increasingly popular in commercial and industrial spaces. Automated gates serve many purposes for commercial businesses; adding security gates is just the start. Automatic gates help control traffic flow into and out of commercial properties and keep unwanted visitors out during your business’s off-hours. Automated gates can even increase the property value of your business or residence by enhancing its curb appeal and making quite an impression on clients.
Benefits of Using Automatic Gates Commercially
After learning how businesses use automatic gates, you may be starting to see some of the benefits of installing a security gate. The following are some of the more significant advantages of having an automatic gate and why so many companies turn to gates to enhance security at their properties.
Provides Additional Security, Reduces Crime
Automatic gates provide an extra layer of security over manual gates, which helps to deter crime further. Automatic gates are often sturdier than manual gates, as they are designed for machine operation instead of you being able to open them yourself. These gates can also be outfitted with smart technologies such as remote access, built-in security cameras, intercoms, and more to ensure that only qualified individuals can enter your commercial or industrial space.
Automates Your Security
Gate automation is ideal for increasing the vehicle operator's productivity, safety, and security. When opening a manual gate, you’d need to exit your vehicle, and operating a heavy vehicle gate can cause injury and harm to the person opening or closing the vehicle gate. On the other hand, automatic gates provide easy access and are much faster to open. You don’t even need to leave your vehicle.
Saves Money
For businesses on a budget, you can save money by selecting an automatic gate over a manual one. Automatic gates with built-in operators don’t need the assistance of a guard or attendant to open the gate. Automatic pedestrian gate operators also allow you to control the flow of pedestrian traffic to your venue or business without an attendant present. You’ll save money on your employee headcount by not needing a dedicated attendant.
How To Choose a Gate for Your Business
Now that you know the differences between the types of commercial gates and their advantages, you can more accurately choose the right gate for your business. Consider the available types, sizes, materials, and more when choosing a gate. You want to select a gate that is sturdy but also won’t negatively impact the curb appeal of your business or venue.
After this crash course in automatic gates, do you better understand how they are used commercially? You might even consider installing your own automatic gate for added security on your commercial property. If you’d like to learn more about automatic gates, their features, and where to find a model that’s right for you, browse our supply here at Torxun. We provide the best automatic gates for residences, businesses, commercial and industrial use, and more. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about each gate, including commercial folding gates, and which is best suited to your business’s needs.
