Are you wondering which type of security gate is best for you? Find out more about the types of security gates available. We discuss the common applications of several security gate types and explain the differences between them.

What are the different types of security gates?

Bi-fold Gates

Secure Automation provide space-efficient bi-folding speed gates that are trackless and allow plenty of high-traffic vehicles of various sizes to pass through while ensuring you maintain security at all times.

They are an excellent, high-security solution for factory units and warehouses, alongside industries requiring wide gate openings.

Cantilever Sliding Gates

Our industrial cantilever sliding gates are fitting for numerous high-usage areas that are low maintenance and need immense reliability for the industry you work in. 

A cantilever gate moves sideways; it can be designed in numerous ways to appeal to your specific business. The sliding gates we create are installed and carefully manufactured to comply with the current BS/EN12453 safety regulations.

Swing Gates

Our business provides manufactured double leaf swing gates. 

It can be ideally automated to suit all differing business or site requirements by adjusting the width, texture, colour, depth and gate height.

Vehicle Barriers

Vehicle barriers are essential for those that desire efficient traffic management; they come complete with numerous features and designs that you may have altered by professionals and safe contractors to suit all on-site operations.

Such forms of gate security are fantastic for car park security and serve as a strong visual deterrent.

What Determines the Cost of An Automatic Gate?

Common applications for security gates

Airports and seaports

Airports and seaports are particular as they are locations that need durable security gates for a range of purposes and areas. 

Our unique services allow us to complete designs to accommodate diverse needs. It doesn't matter whether you desire overhead beams, vertical pivot lift gates, overhead slide gates, swinging or sliding gates for restricted areas, screening checkpoints, car parks, foot traffic at pedestrian entry points, etc.

One of the most significant areas of concern for airport security gate systems is that you need gates large enough to allow various people, vehicles and planes sizes through different entrances. 

Our services can provide broad selections of designs as we manufacture airport security fences to meet all requirements and keep potential attacks and unauthorised visitors away.

Public utilities

We understand how essential it is for public utilities to have the highest level of security, as working environments like power stations are so busy and require more robust, more innovative automated systems. 

Secure Automation has a whole host of power station security gates suitable for power stations and other public utilities with the capability of meeting diverse requirements.

Military bases & border stations

The personnel that guards your military sites, stations and bases must be heavily armed and highly trained; however, this may not be enough in unlikely instances. Your base requires a security gate system that can resist dangers. 

Having a professional install a security gate with a thorough risk assessment can be one of the first lines of defence against forced entry, trespassers and vehicle impact. Secure Automation security gates allow you to provide a durable, robust system offering peace of mind. We provide swing gates, turnstiles and sliding cantilever gates designed to suit your specifications, whether you prefer two gates, specific gate designs, etc.

Protecting borders is vital for those government agencies striving to protect us from harm. Security gates help enhance the safety of employees, resources and most importantly, our citizens from those without authorised access. Our company provides a full range of security gate ideal solutions for secure border stations and can allow a range of large commercial vehicles to pass through.

Railroad depots, crossings & train yards

Transport stations like crossings, railroad depots, and train stations need efficient gate security systems to prevent numerous amounts of people from passing through without the correct tickets and, more importantly, for safety purposes. 

Many crossings for ground tracks, public roads and ramps are vertical or horizontal lifting security gates with counting or traffic light systems. 

Our company has a wide range of fantastic gate security systems and access control operators suitable for any local railroad station or crossing.

Municipal authorities & transportation terminals

Public service institutions, for example, firehouses, government offices and police stations, are responsible for ensuring our local areas and the country are running smoothly and, most importantly, running safely.

It is paramount to keep public service buildings and properties safe and out of harm's way so that individuals cannot trespass or steal assets and resources or harm those in charge.

Secure Automation has a top-quality selection of security gates and solutions fit for police stations and numerous other public service facilities. 

Our staff are incredibly dedicated to providing products that have been meticulously tested to keep communities safe.

Schools & universities

Schools and universities are vital aspects of life that we must do our best to protect in many ways and for various reasons. 

Many of these buildings contain critical historical artefacts, but most importantly, they host a safe, available space for our children and young students to learn and grow. Each parent and the new generation of young people depend on their educational buildings to provide a shield of safety to learn comfortably.

At Secure Automation we harness custom-configured security gates perfect for any academic buildings and student residential settings, for example:

Commercial vs Residential Security Gates

Residential and commercial facilities often have differing access control needs and perimeters; therefore, our company provides a broad range of gate types. 

Generally, there tend to be stricter requirements for commercial property, and they often have a higher traffic flow volume than the average home. Therefore, most commercial security gates have to react fast for productivity purposes; they also must be far easier to operate than residential gates for driveways.

Many security gates for businesses are made from aluminium; its lightweight yet durable nature is also favoured for its corrosion-resistant properties. 

They are less prone to wear than various other materials, so your maintenance costs will often stay low without fearing that your system will compromise its service and security levels.

Which security gate should I choose?

Choosing the correct security gate to accommodate your business is often more thought than deciding between automatic systems and manual gates. 

There are various configurations and designs that customers can select from, many with specific advantages and bespoke applications.

The most common choice of security gates involves bi-folding gates, cantilevered slide gates, groove rolling slide gates and many more. Speciality products and pedestrian gates include barriers and bollards.  Some aspects must be considered when choosing security gates suitable for your businesses, companies and organisations:

Space and opening size

It's vital to understand there are different types of gates that utilise large spaces in a wide range of manners; for example, many can move upwards, some swing forwards, and others slide out. 

When considering the space and opening size you require, it's best to consider the level and type of traffic your property expects. If you're expecting delivery vans, moving vehicles and commercial trucks, we highly suggest a much larger opening so that vehicles can move in and out your gate safely.

Frequency and speed

It would be best to aim to have your automatic gate installed and designed to keep any idling time to a limit, especially for businesses. 

Doing so will improve productivity and speed up the pace of those moving in and out of your establishment if you regularly expect high traffic. You must also ensure your gates are durable enough to withstand the frequent use of rigours.

Operator And Access Control Systems

Security gates are typically paired with automatic openers, whether through keycard systems, number pad systems, or other forms of access control. You should ensure all components are effectively matched with the help of qualified professional gate and access control installers. 

During the initial visit to your company or residential properties, discuss your requirements, as this will reduce the risk of failure. You'll receive everything you desire regarding the devices you need to operate.

A wide range of access controls and operator systems will allow for a more efficient way to detect vehicles and pedestrians, for example, intercoms, audio and video, wi-fi and app-related devices, remote controls, etc. These aspects can better help you utilise your electric security gates in industrial settings.

Types of Security Gates

Metal Hinged Security Gates

Hinged security gates are available in any height or width and can be installed manually or automatically. These gates offer a robust and imposing security option for your premises.

Metal Palisade Gates

Palisade gates are robust and provide a secure barrier against intruders. These gates can be designed to match the palisade fencing on your property.

Sliding Gates

A sliding gate is a space-saving alternative to a swinging gate where there is not enough room for a swing gate to open. When sliding gates open, they offer a practical option where you must open gates frequently. 

These gates are available in the length and height of your requirements and can be automatic or manual opening.

Triangular Barrier Gates

A triangular barrier gate provides restricted road access when in a closed position.

These gates provide a cost-effective and straightforward way to stop traffic entering a private road.

Metal Stockyard / Field Gates

These gates are designed to withstand large weights, and the rails can be spaced close together to prevent sheep from entering.

Wrought Iron Gates

Wrought iron gates are available in a range of elaborate or straightforward designs. 

We can manufacture our wrought iron gates according to your individual requirements.

Wooden Gates

Wooden gates can be manufactured using a range of timbers and finishes to look good against the existing fencing and surrounding environment.

Wooden Farm/ Field Gates

If you need to install a wooden gate to close a large width span, our wooden farm gates are perfect for use on agricultural farms and large gateways.