Automatic Gates for Businesses: Safety, Security, and Maintenance Tips
In today’s fast-paced commercial world, automatic gates have become more than just a convenience—they’re a crucial part of modern business security and operations.
Whether it’s a retail complex, industrial site, or corporate office, automated gates offer a smart way to control access, enhance safety, and present a professional image. But to truly get the most out of your gate system, it’s important to understand the types available, how to maintain them properly, and why safety features like anti-slip devices matter.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything businesses need to know about automatic gates—from choosing the right type to keeping them running smoothly and safely year-round.
Key Points Summary
What Are Automatic Gates?
Automatic gates are electrically powered gates that open and close remotely, providing convenient access control for homes and businesses.
Types of Automatic Gates
Sliding gates offer strong security and save space, especially in windy areas. Swing gates are quieter and more cost-effective, using hinges instead of tracks. Boom gates control vehicle access in commercial and industrial settings, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Why Businesses Use Automatic Gates
They improve safety, security, and privacy, deter break-ins and vandalism, control premises access, enhance professional appearance, and can increase property value.
Importance of Anti-Slip Devices
These devices keep gates securely on their tracks, preventing slipping or derailing. They reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and unauthorised entry, especially on slopes or in adverse weather.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance extends gate lifespan, prevents breakdowns, keeps safety features working, reduces noise, and improves performance. Residential gates typically need annual servicing; commercial gates require maintenance every six months, with extra checks before severe weather.
Common Gate Problems
Issues include faulty remotes, power supply failures, obstructed or damaged tracks, sensor malfunctions, motor damage, and hardware wear.
DIY Gate Care Tips
Regularly inspect for damage or rust, clean grime, lubricate moving parts, and protect gates from harsh weather to prolong their life.
Why Choose Professional Maintenance
Experienced providers like Trilect offer tailored maintenance plans, quick repairs, and expert inspections to ensure gate safety, reliability, and optimal performance.
Summary
Automatic gates are vital for business security and access control. Proper safety features like anti-slip devices and consistent professional maintenance help keep gates safe, reliable, and effective over time.
What Are Automatic Gates?
Automatic gates are an increasingly common feature that provide convenient and secure access control for homes and businesses.
Automatic gates, also known as automated gates, are powered by electricity and can be opened and closed remotely, typically using a remote control or other access control methods.
The first automatic gate was created in 1881 by Canadian inventor Fred W. Watson. This led to the design of an electrically powered gate opener for railway crossings.
By the 1970s, automated gates were common in apartment complexes, and they gradually became the go-to gate solution for single-family homes as well.
In today’s world, automated gates are everywhere. It is estimated that by the end of 2025, over 60% of residential properties will feature some form of gate automation.
Types of Automatic Gates for Businesses
Sliding gates
Sliding gates offer several advantages and may be the right choice depending on your needs.
They’re ideal for windy areas, as the track keeps them stable and secure. Sliding gates also save space, making them more efficient than swing gates.
Swing gates
Swing gates are much quieter than sliding gates, as they operate on hinges rather than a track.
They’re also a cost-effective option, requiring only the posts to be secured to the ground—unlike sliding gates, which need a full-length track.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Boom gates, or barrier gates, control vehicle access in commercial and industrial areas.
They enhance security, improve safety, reduce congestion, and boost efficiency by regulating entry and exit.
Why Businesses Use Automatic Gates
Enhances safety, security and privacy
It helps protect your property by limiting access to authorised individuals, giving you greater peace of mind and privacy.
Deters people from breaking in and vandalising
Visible security features make your property less appealing to intruders or vandals, reducing the risk of damage or theft.
Helps control who enters and exits the premises
You’ll have better oversight of who comes and goes, which is especially useful for managing staff, visitors, or deliveries.
Makes the building look more professional
A secure, well-designed access system gives your property a more polished, trustworthy, and business-ready appearance.
Can increase property value
Modern security features can boost your property’s appeal to buyers or tenants and potentially raise its market value.
Why Anti-Slip Devices Matter
What Are Anti-Slip Devices?
Anti-slip devices are systems or components that prevent gates from slipping out of their tracks and causing damage, injuries, or unauthorised persons from creating security breaches.
Unlike general safety features like photoelectric sensors, which detect obstacles to stop gate movement, or safety edges that reverse motion upon contact, anti-slip devices focus on stabilising the gate itself.
Examples of anti-slip devices include anti-lift brackets, high-friction rollers, and robust locking systems.
These mechanisms ensure the gate remains securely on its track, even on sloped surfaces or in adverse weather conditions.
Trilect offers anti-slip devices as an optional upgrade to our automatic gate systems. These add-on safety features are ideal for properties with sloped driveways or high-traffic environments where additional gate stability is needed. Each solution is designed to meet local safety standards and enhance the overall performance of the gate.
What Accidents Can Happen Without Them?
Without an anti-slip device being installed on an automated gate, you’re risking gates derailing and colliding with vehicles, people, or property. If a gate has come off its tracks, you also risk unauthorised persons entering the premises and causing security breaches.
Automated gates without proper safety features can cause injuries from being struck by the gate during its movement, from being caught in pinch points as it closes, or from a gate derailing and falling or colliding with nearby obstacles and/or people.
Looking After Your Gate
Regular maintenance is essential to keep automatic gates safe, reliable, and functioning properly throughout their expected lifespan.
A well-maintained automatic gate should last for at least 15 years, but regularly maintaining your automatic gate is crucial for it to fulfil its lifespan.
Regular gate maintenance ensures that any small issues are identified and resolved before they can escalate and cause long-lasting damage.
Faulty gate mechanisms or damaged components that are left unchecked can become dangerous for gate users and passersby. Regular automated gate maintenance ensures safety features like photocells and sensors are working the way they should.
There are many benefits to having a well-maintained gate, including the following:
Enhances safety
Regular maintenance helps keep the gate operating safely, reducing risks for people and vehicles.
Prevents breakdowns and increases reliability
Spotting issues early helps avoid unexpected failures and keeps the gate running smoothly.
Prevents expensive repairs and replacement
Timely servicing can catch small problems before they lead to costly damage or full replacement.
Increases efficiency and performance
A well-maintained gate opens and closes faster and more smoothly, improving daily operations.
Decreases noise
Lubrication and adjustments help reduce grinding or squeaking noises during operation.
Extends the gate’s lifespan
Proper care reduces wear and tear, helping your gate last longer.
How often should I be maintaining my gate?
For gates in residential buildings, once a year is typically sufficient for gates with light to moderate use.
Gates that are used frequently, such as in commercial buildings, should be serviced once every six months.
It’s also important to consider additional maintenance before winter or severe weather conditions to prevent weather-related issues.
What are some Common Problems that Automated Gates face?
- Non-functional remote controls
- Gate power supply issues
- Obstructed or damaged gate tracks
- Bugs/pests living in sensors or control boxes
- Damaged gate motors
- Unresponsive light sensors
- Gate hardware issues
Easy Tips for Gate Upkeep:
Even if it isn’t yet time for your routine automated gate maintenance, there are some easy ways to ensure that your gate lasts as long as possible, which you can do by yourself.
• Regularly check for signs of wear-and-tear, rusting or corrosion, misalignment, sagging, unusual noises, or visible damage.
• Regularly clean any grime from the automated gate that could cause it to get stuck.
• Intermittently use oil or gate lubricants to the moving parts of the gate to keep them from jamming.
• Consider weather protection, because conditions such as extreme rain, snow, or heat can cause harm to your gate’s components over time. Installing a cover or shelter can help to prolong the life of your gate.
https://www.niceforyou.com/en/magazine/nice-guide-optimize-automatic-gate-maintenance-smart-secure-home-and-peace-mind
https://creativedoor.com/blog/how-to-spot-signs-your-gate-needs-repairs
https://jmanny.com/how-to-maintain-your-automatic-gate/
Why Pick Trilect for Maintenance?
At Trilect, we offer comprehensive ongoing support and maintenance services for residential automatic gates. This includes conducting scheduled inspections, promptly repairing any issues, and efficiently troubleshooting to uphold the reliability and optimal performance of your automatic gate system.
We offer plans that suit each business, including Pedestrian gates, Classic Bar and Slat, Louvre, Slat, Tongue & Groove style gates.
Automated residential gatesEach gate has a specialised function, purpose, and aesthetic, so that you can personalise the curb appeal of your business. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/curb-appeal.asp With over 25 years of experience in our field, we’ve curated a team of over 120 highly skilled and experienced electricians and technicians who share an unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional results. Here at Trilect, we care about your safety and about doing things right. We firmly believe that our customers are our most valued asset. Our commitment to earning and upholding your trust and loyalty is at the forefront of our mission.
When you work with Trilect, you’re choosing a partner who will design a system around your current needs and your future growth. We offer free on-site consultations, ensuring that every recommendation is based on a thorough understanding of your unique security environment.
Conclusion
Automated Gates are invaluable assets to your business, but regular maintenance is a key contributor to their success and longevity. An automated gate that goes unmaintained for too long can pose a significant threat to people, vehicles, and property.
There are many ways you can upkeep a gate yourself, but it’s always important to have professional, routine maintenance checks at least 1-2 times per year, to ensure that your automated gate is still running smoothly and isn’t posing a risk to your business.
One of the best choices you can make for your automated gate is to install anti-slip devices, especially if your building is prone to extreme weather conditions, or if your gate has been installed on sloped ground.
Anti-slip devices are crucial components in ensuring that the automated gate is kept firmly secured on its track, stopping it from derailing and potentially injuring users or passers-by, or damaging property.
About us
With over 25 years of industry experience, and a sophisticated electrical safety management system, Trilect Services is one of the top choices when it comes to commercial electrical work. We are unwavering in finding the best and most cost-effective solutions for our customers. We are members of the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) which offers additional peace of mind to our customers.
Trilect does not use sub-contractors. All of the installations will be carried out by our experienced team. Get started now by booking a free on-site consultation.
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