6 Types of Gates Based on their Functions

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A gate or gateway is a point of entry to or from a space enclosed by walls. It helps manage the entry and exit from a property by installing security fences and movable barriers. 

Security is the primary aspect of having an entrance gate to help prevent intruders from breaking into your house. Additional advantages of installing a residential gate include cutting insurance costs, increasing your property's value, and improving your house's appearance.

Several types of gates are available for use in homes and public locations. The 6 popular types of gates based on their functions are described below.

1. Sliding Gate

Although sliding gates are a clichéd choice, the design is now widely used worldwide. A sliding gate uses the principle of moving swiftly when pushed, just as its name suggests. Unlike a normal gate, which must be opened from the middle, this gate must be slid open. 

The modern sliding gates are so delicately made and light in weight that anybody can open them by just sliding them. The fact that it opens sideways is among its most significant advantages. Therefore, a sliding gate is the best option for homes with limited space. 

Advantages of Sliding Gate

1. Improved safety and security
2. Reduced susceptibility to damage under high-wind loading conditions
3. They look particularly attractive in front gardens and are an excellent way to safeguard your driveway.
4. Secured with hook locks or automated gates

Disadvantages of Sliding Gate

1. Sliding gates are louder because they have more parts that move. Neither speeding up the lubrication process nor the pace at which maintenance is performed will prevent this from happening.
2. Regular maintenance is needed to clean the sliding gates' track of debris.
3. Sliding gates cost more to install because of the side panel.

2. Turnstile Gate

Turnstile gates are those small gates used in subways or other public places that only allow one person to pass through it at a time. Such gates were formerly used only near subways and train stations, but due to their numerous benefits, even huge corporations have begun to utilize them in the workplace.

Advantages of Turnstile Gate

1. Most venues utilize card readers for admission through turnstile gates to scan tickets and allow entry.
2. Turnstile access control systems are often implemented to improve security at institutions and events. They may be set up to allow only those with the correct credentials.
3. Turnstiles may also be used to track admissions and exits from an event. Many amusement parks, sports venues, and organizations use entrance and exit turnstiles with counters to estimate the number of visitors in their facilities accurately.
4. The price is cheaper.
5. Waterproof and dustproof, adaptable to the climate, and appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use.

Disadvantages of Turnstile Gate

1. The channel width (the space that permits people’s entry) is quite narrow, often approximately 500 mm.
2. The speed of traffic is relatively slow.
3. Sometimes the turnstiles will collide mechanically during gate operation, causing significant noise. 

3. Vertical Pivot Gate

Vertical pivot gates are those that open up in the air to allow vehicles to pass through. Compared to swing and slide gates, which need twice as much area for opening on the ground, pivot gates use just the vertical space between the ground and the sky. 

Advantages of Verticle Pivot Gate

1. The convenience of pivot gate installation eliminates the need for highly qualified installers.
2. It saves a lot of floor space because it opens up vertically and doesn't need extra room to open them.
3. Opening and closing operation is fast.
4. High security (great for prison applications)
5. Low expenses for maintenance and repair
6. Defense against rusting

Disadvantages of Verticle Pivot Gate

1. The problem with this type of gate installation is that the gate operator requires a large footing to remain on.
2. The cost of installing a vertical pivot gate is also much higher.

4. Swing Gate

Swing gates enhance the visual attractiveness of one's property. These kinds of gates used to come in a limited number of designs in the past, but today there are many options available.  Swing gates are the best option for use inside factories to secure workplaces or houses. It requires enough space on the ground for these gates to open, so if the property is next to a sidewalk, it could be a problem.

Advantages of Swing Gate

1. The biggest advantage of swinging gates is their low maintenance requirements, especially manual gates. Swing gates have no motor or electronics, so they operate straightforwardly.
2. Swing gates may be opened in either direction, making it simpler for people and vehicles from either direction to enter.
3. Swing gates are typically the more affordable choice.
4. They are more affordable to install since they have fewer moving components and need less setup at the fence's edge without a floor track.

Disadvantages of Swing Gate

1. Swing gates may not be an option if your driveway is short since they need more space within the entrance. The gates must have a lot of space behind them to open inward.
2. They are more difficult to fit on a slope.
3. They are more susceptible to wind damage and are less secure than sliding gates.

5. Retractable Security Gate

Given the ability to fold the security gate up and even store it, retractable gates are an excellent choice for places with limited floor space. These gates are not only more cost-effective, but they also give a higher level of safety and create an impressive fashion statement.

Advantages of Retractable Gate

1. Only one of the shutter's sides may be opened at a time for your convenience. Therefore, it will save you from having to open the door.
2. These gates are inexpensive.
3. It is possible to open a foldable gate halfway or all the way. 
4. This one is far lighter than the weight of other solid gates.
5. It provides a higher level of defense against thieves, hooligans, and other types of burglars.

Disadvantages of Retractable Gate

1. More dust gathers in the guiding channel because of this gate. Opening it becomes increasingly difficult.
2. This gate's steel channels might break if it isn't operated correctly.
3. There should be more lubrication. Therefore, it is not entirely maintenance-free.
4. Painting needs to be done often. They corrode more rapidly when exposed directly to sunshine or rain.

6. Automatic Gate

Electric gates are being employed in many buildings. When gates are automated, the need for personnel to operate them is eliminated, which results in cost savings. The automatic gates can be opened with a gate pass card or remote. 

Although these gates are usually connected to the main power line, their batteries allow them to operate continuously without any electrical problems.

Advantages of Automatic Gate

1. You can install a passcode or a card reader on an automated gate. These systems may improve access control.
2. Automated gates increase security.  You can reduce the danger of crimes like damage and theft since you can manage who has entered your property.
3. Manual gates and garages are inconvenient as they must be pulled to open or close. But in an automatic gate, one must press a button, or there will be sensors that will automatically open the gate without even pressing a button. Many gates close automatically as a vehicle passes.
4. An automated security gate may raise your house's value since it boosts your property's curb appeal and security.
5. Automatic gates are inexpensive to operate since they do not need much energy to activate the motor and move.

Disadvantages of Automatic Gate

1. The installation of electric entryways requires a significant financial investment from purchasing the gate to installing it. 
2. Most firms provide free after-sales support for a while. However, after the time limit has passed, it becomes quite expensive.
3. The automated security gate is significantly reliant on electricity. This implies that when you lose electricity, so does your gate.

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