Sliding vs Swing gates

[edit] Choosing a gate

When choosing a gate for your business, there are many different options available, but the main choice you will need to make is between a sliding or swing gate. This can be determined by the space that you have available, the terrain and the local environment, as well as the way you want your gate to look and function.

In this article, we take a look at what both sliding and swing gates can offer in terms of security, functionality and practicality to help you choose the right one for your business.

[edit] What is a swing gate?

A swing gate is one which will typically open inwards or outwards and can be electrically powered or opened without any use of a motor. They can be secured by a latch, deadlock, padlock or combination key padlock, and railheads can be added for an attractive touch as well as deterring anyone from climbing over. They can be made in single or double leaf formations depending on the size of your driveway and entrance.

Swing gates can provide tremendous simplicity, which often means they are a more affordable option. When it comes to installing these gates, there will be no need to dig your driveway or car park for any concrete footings, and they won't need space at either side of your gates for the gate panels to run into. These types of gates often have a strong aesthetic appeal and are ideal for a wide range of different properties.

[edit] The benefits of a swing gate

Typically, swing gates are often more affordable than sliding gates due to their simpler construction. They also usually require a little less maintenance and repair due to the fact that there are fewer parts involved. One of their biggest advantages is the fact that they are suitable for narrow openings, as there is no space required at the side of the gate for it to slide open.

[edit] What is a sliding gate?

A sliding gate will run on tracks or a trackless cantilever system enabling it to open by sliding side ways rather than inwards or outwards. They are often preferred when there is limited space or rough ground and are suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential properties.

[edit] The benefits of a sliding gate

A sliding gate is a compact installation which leaves more room on your drive, car park or entranceway for parking. If there is limited space for a gate to open outwards or inwards, then a sliding gate could be a more appropriate choice.

Sliding gates can also be more suitable for drives and entranceways that have slopes or uneven ground or have a sharp turn to the left or right. If a swing gate was fitted, it would need a greater amount of clearance to open and close that sloped or turning roads would not be able to accommodate.

They can also be harder to force open and so could be a more secure option for a business to install. A sliding gate can also be beneficial if your entrance opens out onto a busy pavement or road. This can often mean you have limited space for a swing gate to open inwards or outwards, and so a sliding gate can be a safer and more practical option in these circumstances.

Sliding gates can also fare better in bad weather, as they are less likely to be affected by the wind. And can provide a more contemporary look in a modern space.

[edit] Choosing the right gate for your business

Both sliding gates and swing gates offer their own advantages, so it can be difficult to choose between the two. When making your choice, you need to keep your budget in mind and find something that is affordable to install and maintain.

One of the most important factors will be the space that is available. Swing gates require more space between the gate and the vehicle to ensure it can open without hitting anything while sliding gates require a wider space in order for them to open effectively. The width of a swing gate will tell you exactly how much clearance is needed for it to open without obstruction. For sliding gates, you will need to ensure that there is nothing that will block them on either side of the driveway so you may need to rework any planting that is in this area.

Maintenance is also an important consideration, whilst it will be necessary for both types of gates, a sliding gate has more components to it, as well as a track that will need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that dirt, debris and leaves do not block it and stop it from working properly.

Safety should also be an important consideration as sliding gates can only move in a straight line. You may find that swing gates have more trapping points around the hinges which could raise safety concerns depending on your environment. You will therefore need to put certain precautions in place including safety beam photocells, safety pressure edges or finger trap guards.

The power and speed of your gates should also be taken into account. As swing gates move a shorter distance than sliding gates. In order to open fully, they can have a slightly quicker opening mechanism. If your business is busy with visitors and deliveries all day, this might be a more practical option in a high traffic area. However, swing gates will require more power to move them in windy conditions and so you need to ensure you have the right motor fitted.

The choice of gate is up to you, but it is important that you take certain practicalities into consideration in order to find the right option. Once you have chosen the way that you want your gate to work, you can then look at other aspects, including things like the finish, colour and style to make sure that your gate is perfect for making the right first impression for your business.

--Newgate

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