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Every property perimeter has a different gate demand depending on its space and leeway. Swing gates are a classic type utilized for a long time for fence and home security. When you hear the word gate, a swing gate will probably automatically come to your mind. A swing gate operates like a door that opens inward or outward at an angle across the fence wall.
Many homeowners prefer swing gates over sliding gates. Swing gates are easier to operate by hand and allow quick vehicle access in the driveway. They are also difficult to broach by vandals and are safe and relatively cheaper than most slide gates.
Swing Gates Pros and Cons
Gates are the most essential part of the driveway. It controls traffic and visitors and also safe keeps the premises. Gates are generally divided into two main categories: swing and sliding gates.
Each gate type is selected to enhance the look and feel of the home. They are also considered according to the terrain, driveway space and gate installation budget.
Sliding gates are ideal for sloping and steep driveways with uneven terrain or obstructions. Its opening mechanism slides along the fence line, so it remains unbothered by driveway conditions.
However, sliding gates are expensive to install and need regular upkeep to maintain the service of their moving parts. When unmaintained, the gate can veer off its track and post, which can cause a potential injury.
Swing gates are a safer gate option when compared to slide gates. They have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of tangled hands when operating. Swing gates are also popularly used as mezzanine gates to prevent people or equipment from falling over. They are installed over the rails and swing open when pushed.
If you want to adopt swing gates, here are a few advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Flexible for various applications (residential, commercial, industrial, hospital, mezzanine, transportation use, etc.)
- Easy to operate
- Less maintenance
- Less expensive
- Safer and more secure design
- Fewer setup requirements
Cons
- Not for narrow driveways
- Outward swing gates can obstruct traffic and street visibility
- Can get stuck
- Large swing gates are heavy
Swing Gate Automation
Swing gates are generally fluid. But they can also malfunction, especially when the hinges start to corrode. In large industrial swing gates, the leaves are heavy and bulky. The weight becomes a burden for manual opening.
To mitigate the problem, aluminum models are used over other metal gates. Aluminum is lighter than steel and iron and is not prone to rusting. However, they are predisposed to denting in case of high-pressure contact.
They can be motorized to make swing gates more convenient and easier to handle. This option gave rise to automatic gates that open and close using mechanical, hydraulic or electronic devices.
Components of Automatic Swing Gates
Deciding to automate a swing gate can be overwhelming when confronted with a wide selection of products. What elements make up an automatic gate?
The Swing Gate
The swing gate itself is the first thing you have to consider. They are available in a wide range of materials and designs for durability and aesthetic matters. Stainless steel is conventional for its strength and resistance to rust and corrosion. However, aluminum is a practical choice for ease of use.
You can find gate materials with aluminum frames and various infill options. It may include composite wood, vinyl and louvers in different patterns and designs. These custom gates are ideal for both residential and commercial openings.
Swing Gate Operator
In an automatic gate system, the gate opener is the control access that locks and unlocks the gate. It only operates after instruction from an authorized user in the form of pre-programmed credentials.
A swing gate operator consists of four parts:
- Access control panel where the information, command and settings are stored
- Credential and credential readers that act as the key
- Gate lock (magnetic or electronic)
- Moto
A swing gate opener like the LiftMaster is one of the most trusted brands carrying a complete gate opener kit. They mostly run on A/C and with a backup battery or are solar-ready. LiftMaster has variations for single swing gates or dual-swing, which can handle both parts of the gate.
Gate opening or actuator arms are the hardware attached to the control panel and the gate. It is responsible for physically pulling or pushing the door or gate. Actuator arms are used in swing gates, vertical lift gates or garage doors to move the gate in a specific direction.
Swing Gate Access Controller
The access door controller is the mechanism that unlocks the swing gates. They are devices that contain the credentials that activate the control panel to instruct the gate opener to unlock it. The most common access door controller and accessories for swing gates are:
- Keypad
- Keycards
- Proximity access cards
- Remote Control Transmitter
- Biometrics
- Smartphone application
- Telephone and intercom system
The access controllers are part of automatic swing gates, giving them an extra protection layer. They deter unauthorized persons from entering the premises without the relevant credential to disintegrate the bolt or locking system. It adds aesthetic value to the gate and enhances its security and protection.
Install a Swing Gate Now!
Swing gates are popular in many domestic and industrial applications for their straightforward mechanisms. When choosing an automatic swing gate for your home, please make sure that the gate corresponds to the motor power. Its weight, length and width should size up to the motor power to enable it to function efficiently.
If you need to know more about swing gates, All Security Equipment may have the answers you need. All Security Equipment provides trusted door and gate equipment from well-known industry players in gate safety products.
Contact us or browse through our products catalog of swing gate operators. All Security has a wide selection of swing gate models and accessories to help you select the perfect choice.
