Folding gates are useful for many purposes, but chiefly for security. While designed to secure facilities, they also allow easy access to authorized people who need to enter; they fold back out of the way so that equipment or people can easily pass, but still provide a sturdy, lockable barrier when closed.
Folding gates are an efficient barrier to add as a first line of defense to any facility, protecting anything from commercial storefront doors and windows to exterior double doors at a medical office. But there are additional reasons folding gates are a great idea for any exterior doors, commercial, institutional or even residential: they allow visibility, airflow and light. Worried about blocking the public view of your storefront? Folding scissor gates will act almost like an additional security door that you can see through.
Where Are Folding Gates Used?
Often referred to as retractable gates, folding gates are also called accordion gates, scissor gates, door gates or industrial warehouse gates. They’re affordable, low maintenance and take up very little space.
Some of the most common uses for folding gates are:
- Warehouses
- Bay doors
- Aisles
- Retail settings and storefronts
- Offices
- Car parks
- Schools
- Garages
Folding Gates are Pretty Customizable
While design and materials will vary, most users prefer sturdy folding gates of galvanized steel, but they may also be made of polycarbonate or aluminum. Typically scissor-type gates have an interlocking lattice that makes them stronger, and they come in many different sizes and colors, with a variety of installation options. They may be single panel with a lock at the end or bi-folding with a locking mechanism in the middle.
Other options for your folding gate are:
- May be hinged so gate can fold aside to allow maximum opening width, which is useful for smaller openings and entrances.
- Straight or curved lattice.
- Folding, removable or hinged bottom track.
- Portability, where gates can be rolled up and stored easily when not in use, but assembled easily and quickly when needed.
- Extensions to make the main gate wider.
Because there’s several styles of folding gates available on the market, you can match the gate to the aesthetic of your business and neighborhood. For instance, decoratively-topped rungs on a gate done in wrought-iron style complements a historic aesthetic. You also have the option to remotely monitor your folding gate with smart-tech gate openers. These make your gate visual and functional deterrents to people with bad intentions, and can protect your storefront doors and windows from weather debris, riots or other accidents.
Save Money and Reduce Your Need for Gate Service
Folding gates are one of the most cost-efficient options for small business owners, especially when compared with steel rolling doors. And with their ability to provide security while not obscuring or covering your storefront, they’re a great option for many types of business storefronts. Also, since they’re manual gates, they’re low maintenance and rarely require gate service. Talk to your local commercial door vendor – chances are another one of their specialties is gate sales, installation and service. They’ll do their best to find you exactly what you need.