One of the best perimeter security solutions currently available in the UK is automatic sliding gates. Sliding gates are durable and suitable for securing a home driveway or a large industrial entrance. They offer convenience and greater control over access points. Here, we discuss materials and automation, sizing, installation, and practical advantages for both modern properties and commercial sites.
Why Choose Automatic Sliding Gates?
The automatic sliding gates are constructed to enhance security and access control and provide a smooth entrance configuration. In comparison to the conventional swing gates, sliding gates move in the horizontal direction in a track or using a cantilever mechanism, and they use less space, and they move easily even in a limited area. The systems are also designed especially where the swing out room is low.
Benefits include:
- Improved vehicle and pedestrian security of the perimeter.
- More automation and the convenience of remote access.
- Less physical effort than manual gates.
- Practicality of wide opening and frequent use conditions.
- Incompatible with the high-end access control systems.
Electric sliding gates are now favoured by many residents and businesses; they are very reliable and professional in appearance.
Understanding the Different Types of Sliding Gates
There are two basic types of automatic sliding gates:
Tracked Sliding Gates
The gates operate on a ground track system, which offers the gate a straight and stable line to open and close. Tracked systems can be used where the ground conditions are uniform, and the area will accommodate a track.
Key Features:
- Fluid motion upon an observable path.
- Fits best in a safe and high installation.
- Appropriate for medium and large entrances.
Tracked sliding gates are frequently used in commercial and industrial locations, where high performance and high usage are likely to be encountered.
Cantilever Sliding Gates
Cantilever gates do not need a ground track. They work on a frame that is suspended in the air so that the gate balances itself during motion, and would be ideal when the ground debris, rough surfaces, or snow may cause an interruption in the track.
Key Features:
- Trackless operation aids in the circumvention of maintenance problems.
- More suitable in rough places.
- Frequently used together with heavy-duty motors on a larger opening.
Cantilever gates are particularly common with residential driveways and locations where ground tracks are not possible.
Essential Materials and Construction
One of the advantages of a quality sliding gate is the material in which it is built:
Steel Construction
Most automatic sliding gates from reputable suppliers, such as First Fence, are made of high-grade steel. It is a material that is selected due to its strength, durability, and longevity when exposed to the weather conditions.
Benefits of steel:
- Superior impact and forced entry resistance.
- Firm based on automation and accessories.
- Powder coating can be utilised with it to create more appealing and weatherproof finishes.
Finishes and Coatings
Steel gates are typically lined in Polyester Powder Coating (PPC) in various colours of RAL. These protective finishes prevent chipping, fading, and corrosion and make sure that your gate will be reproofed to the weather and will also be attractive to the observers.
Sizing Your Sliding Gate – What You Need to Know
The right size for a sliding gate is determined by practicality and security. Suppliers usually provide premium automatic sliding gate systems that offer:
- Widths from 3.5 metres to 12 metres
- Custom solutions according to the requirements of sites.
- Various infill types to fit your fencing, including vertical bars, mesh design, or palisade.
The sizes allow their use on one-vehicle access points up to large commercial accessways and haulage paths.
The choice of the right gate width and height is essential to operate the gate and maintain the highest level of security. The suppliers who are experts will be able to assist in the measurement of your opening in order to suggest a tailor-made solution.
Automation and Control Features
Automatic sliding gates work better with and through good automation systems. These typically include:
- Heavy-duty motors (usually 230 V to allow durability)
- Remote control operation
- RFID access point or keypads.
- Vehicle detection sensors.
- Photocells and safety margins are to be used safely.
Your sliding gate can be automated to include automation parts to enable total control within your vehicle or through integrated access systems.
Applications – Where Sliding Gates Are Used
Automatic sliding gates are universal and can be applicable in numerous locations:
Residential
- Driveways of private homes
- Gated communities
- Security-conscious estates.
Sliding gates are not only helpful to enhance the security of the premises, but also to increase the curb appeal and the value of the property.
Commercial and Industrial
- Warehouse entrances
- Business parks and offices
- Parking and logistics depots.
Such gates are used to control traffic and provide safe access control in the premises of a business.
Public Sector and Institutional.
- Schools and universities
- Buildings and hospitals are under security.
Secure and controlled access is needed in these places, as these places are required to be safe and comply with regulations.
Maintenance and Longevity
Automatic sliding gates would be used in the long run with minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, frequent inspections can be used to support the proper operation:
- Wipe moving parts (tracks, rollers, hinges) and lubricate.
- Check the elements of automation for wear or damage.
- Touch up or re-coat paint in case of being subjected to severe weather.
- Periodically test control and safety sensors.
The installation and maintenance services are also provided by many suppliers, so you can be sure that your gate will work for several years.
Safety and Compliance Standards
In the installation of automatic sliding gates, safety has to be taken into account:
- Make sure that the safety edge devices are up to the local standards.
- Add loop detectors or photocells to eliminate accidental closure.
- Adherence to the applicable UK and EU safety laws.
These components shall be installed by professional installers who will guarantee proper fitting and testing of these components to operate safely.
Choosing the Right Supplier
To make sure you have a good automatic sliding gate, make sure that your suppliers have:
- Specifications of products and an elaborate description of materials.
- Installation and after-sales services.
- Both gate and automation warranty.
- Availability and service UK-wide.
First Fence Company, which is a well-established company, offers a large variety of automatic sliding gate models that are delivered and supported nationwide, and also offers expert advice until finding the best arrangement to suit your location.
Conclusion: Secure Your Property with Sliding Gates
Automatic sliding doors are a great balance between security and convenience, as well as beauty. These gates are made of resistant materials and, with the help of strong automation, they are suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In selecting your sliding gate system:
- Consider the type (tracked vs cantilever)
- Select the right material and finish
- Match the size to your site’s needs
- Integrate smart automation and safety features
With the right solution, your property’s perimeter will be more secure, functional, and visually striking — making sliding gates a worthy investment.
