Why have Sliding Gates
At Procter we have no bias towards sliding gates, because we also design, manufacture, install and maintain high quality hinged gates. So for us it's simply a question of which of the two is most appropriate for any individual project.
Although many local factors whether sliding or hinged gates are right for a specific application, there are a number of basic criteria which can be applied:
Security
Overall, sliding gates are much more secure largely because they are more difficult to force open. The main reason for this is that part of the gates, even when closed, are retained within a rigid structure and are therefore much more difficult to force open. In addition, the more vulnerable points of a sliding gate are less accessible compared to a hinged gate.
As well as being more secure, sliding gates, arguably, LOOK more secure - so there's an element of deterrent here too.
Restricted Space
A hinged gate obviously needs space for the swing and, for relatively large gates, this can be a problem on many sites. This roblem obviously doesn't apply to a sliding gate, and the space it needs to open is simply against the fencing or boundary wall which would normally be in place either side of the entrance anyway.
More suitable for very wide openings
Although cost effective, very large hinged gates are often less practical, and in part because of the amount of space needed to accommodate the swing, but also because one sliding gate will often cover the opening that two hinged gates would be needed for. This would then mean that the sliding gate would only need one motor and set of safe edges etc. - saving money on equipment, installation and maintenance.
Rising surface to the access roadway
Where a roadway surface rises up on the property side of the access point needing a gate, a sliding gate will inevitably be the best (perhaps only) solution. This is simply because a hinged gate, and assuming the swing of the gate was inwards (as it normally would be), would hit the ground. Often a combination of the above factors means that a sliding gate is by far the better solution, and in some cases the ONLY solution possible. A measure of how successful and widely used sliding gates are, is the sheer number that can nowadays be seen in use across the country protecting sites as varied as hospitals, factories, schools, warehouses and retail delivery areas etc.
At Procter Sliding Gates, our vast experience, knowledge and expertise allows us to advise you on every aspect of entrance gates, from whether sliding is the best option, if yes then whether tracked or cantilevered should be used, to which of our Pro-glide range is right for the job. So please call us on 029 2085 5756 or email Sliding Gates to arrange a site visit or just for an initial discussion.
Cantilever Sliding Gate or Tracked Sliding Gate?
There are advantages with both cantilevered and tracked, and it's really a case of which is most appropriate to an individual site. If the nature of the site means that either would be suitable, then our prefeence is for a cantilevered gate and for the slight number of further advantages outlined below.
Cost for each is roughly the same, as although the simpler tracked gate itself costs less than cantilevered, this cost saving is usually offset by the cost of installing the rail into the ground. To summarise how each work and with their relative advantages and disadvantages...
Tracked Sliding Gates
This method uses a length of metal rail set into the ground immediately below the gate. Wheels are mounted on the base of the gate and these run along the rail.
The main advantages of tracked sliding gates are:
- They can span wider openings (as the gate is fully supported along its run)
- Relatively simpler mechanically
- The ground surface must be level
- The rail must be kept clear of debris (so for some high traffic sites this might need frequent attention)
Cantilever Sliding Gates
A cantilever sliding gate is, effectively, suspended over the entrance and therefore needs to no rail below it. The basic principle uses an additional section of gate to partly counterbalance the section of gate that spans the roadway.
The main advantages of cantilever sliding gate are:
- No need for a rail and therefore less groundwork required for foundations when installing
- No need to keep area below the gate completely clear of debris
- Quieter operation
- Can be used on uneven ground
- More space is required to the side of the gate to accommodate the additional length of the gate
- Less suitable for very wide openings
The most ideal gate for your project
The above information will hopefully help you in the first thoughts about which type of sliding gate is best for your project. However, a site meeting with one of our highly experienced team will always be the best way to fully determine which type of gate and the exact specification needed. So please call us on 029 2085 5756 or email Procter Sliding Gate to arrange a site visit.
Contact us directly with your Sliding Gates Enquiry so we can get straight back to you to discuss your requirements and provide a proposal.
