Automatic Gates

Creating a sense of well-being and security for your business is one of your top priorities. Being fully in control of who can access your properties – whether it’s vehicles or personnel – is a key factor in helping you create that safe and protected environment, and security gates can help with just that.

So, for an unmatched level of security that you won’t find anywhere else, automatic gates should be your first choice. Easy to operate and uniquely designed and built to your own specifications, you won’t find a higher quality anywhere else.

Explore our wide range of automatic security gates below, including automatic bi-folding security gates, automatic swing industrial gates, and automatic sliding security gates. Why not also compare our automatic gates against our manual sliding gates, to find which security solution is best for your site?

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    Our automatic security gates

    • Automatic Bi-Folding Security Gates
    • Automatic Industrial Swing Gates
    • Automatic Sliding Security Gates
    • Manual Sliding Security Gates

    Automatic bi-folding security gates, also known as bi-fold gates or speed gates, quickly fold open in the centre to allow vehicles entry onto your site. Considered to be 25% faster than other automated gate styles, bi-folding gates are the ideal security solution for sites where fast entry and exit is required to reduce congestion – without compromising security. 

     

    You will often find this style of gate in places such as logistics depots, emergency services ‘blue light’ zones, business parks, schools, colleges and universities, and car park entrances. 

     

    At Expert Security UK, our automatic bi-folding security gates feature a maximum span of 8 metres drive through space, at a maximum height of 2.4 metres, finished in a powder coating (galvanised as optional). With a 3-phase motor and wormed gearbox to operate, our bi-fold gates have a 100% continuous duty cycle rating and operation time of just 4-10 seconds depending on version). 

     

    In addition, our automatic bi-folding security gates can also be customised with a variety of advanced access control systems, to better support the monitoring of staff and visitors on your site, compromising speed or security. These include keypads, proximity cards, intercom (video or voice), token acceptors, fobs, key switches, loop detectors and photocells.

    Specifications

    • Compliance: CE Approved BS/EN 12453
    • Maximum span: 8 metres drive-through bi-folding gates
    • Maximum height: 2.4 metres
    • Finish: Powder coated (galvanised optional)
    • Power requirements: Single phase 240v, 50hz, 10 amps
    • Drive motor: 3-phase motor and wormed gearbox
    • Duty cycles: 100% continuous duty cycle rating
    • Operation time: 4–10 seconds (depending on version)

    Optional extras

    • Keypads
    • Proximity cards
    • Voice/video intercom access
    • Token acceptors
    • Remote control fobs
    • Key switches
    • Loop detectors
    • Photocells

    Automatic industrial swing gates automatically swing open, like many traditional gate styles, to allow vehicles and pedestrians entry onto your site. Swing gates are the ideal solution for sites with wide entry points that require expansive clearance areas for large vehicles. 

     

    You will often find automatic swing gates in places such as logistics depots, industrial facilities, warehouses and farms. 

     

    At Expert Security UK, our automatic industrial swing gates are custom-made to fit your exact requirements, to a maximum span of 8 metres of drive-through space and 2.4 metres of height. With a powder-coat finish or optional galvanised add-on, they’ll not only last for years, but will add a modern and professional touch to your premises. Our automatic swing gates also boast a 3-phase motor and worm gearbox to operate, with a 100% continuous duty cycle rating and operation time of just 4-10 seconds depending on version). 

    Specifications

    • Compliance: CE Approved BS/EN 12453
    • Maximum span: 8 Metres Drive-Through Automatic Swing Gates
    • Maximum height: 2.4 Metres
    • Finish: Powder Coated (Galvanised Optional)
    • Power requirements: Single Phase 240V, 50Hz, 10 Amps
    • Drive motor: 3 Phase Motor & Wormed Gearbox
    • Duty cycles: 100% Continuous Duty Cycle Rating
    • Operation time: 4 – 10 Seconds (Dependant on Version)

    Automatic sliding security gates, also known as automatic cantilever gates, horizontally open by sliding along a motorised track to allow entry to vehicles and pedestrians wanting to enter your commercial site. This style of gate is ideal for entry points with limited space to open outwards, or entry points on uneven terrain – without compromising on safety or security. 

     

    You will often find automatic sliding gates on commercial sites such as logistics depots, business parks, schools, colleges and universities, and car park entrances. 

     

    At Expert Security UK, our made-to-measure automatic sliding security gates feature a maximum span of 10 metres drive-through space, at a maximum height of 3 metres (depending on how wide your drive-through space is). Available in a wide range of RAL colours, our automatic sliding gates boast a 3-phase motor, with a 100% continuous duty cycle rating. 

     

    In addition, our automatic sliding security gates can also be customised with a variety of advanced access control systems, to better support the security of your commercial site. These access control features include keypads, proximity cards, intercom (video or voice), token acceptors, fobs, key switches, loop detectors and photocells.

    Specifications

    • Compliance: CE Approved BS/EN 12453
    • Maximum span: 10 metres drive-through
    • Maximum height: 2.4 metres (max width 10 metres), 3.0 metres (max width 8 metres)
    • Power requirements: Single phase 230v, 50hz, 5 amps
    • Drive motor: 0.55 kW 3-phase
    • Operation: Pack and pinion
    • Duty cycles: 100% continuous duty cycle rating
    • Colours: All RAL colours available


    Optional extras

    • Keypads for coded entry
    • Proximity cards
    • Voice and/or video intercom access
    • Token acceptors
    • Remote control fobs
    • Key switches
    • Loop detectors
    • Photocells 

    Manual sliding security gates aren’t just driveway gates. Ideal for low-traffic areas where speed and automation is not required, but security is, you will often find manual sliding gates on small commercial spaces, such as farms and small business sites. 

     

    At Expert Security UK, our manual sliding security gates feature a maximum span of 10 metres drive through space, at a maximum height of 3 metres (depending on how wide the drive-through is). Finished with dual compound epoxy, in a wide range of RAL colours, our manual gates are the ideal way to secure your site in a way that also matches your company branding. 

    Specifications

    • Compliance: CE Approved BS/EN 12453
    • Maximum span: 10 metres drive-through manual gates
    • Height : 2.4 metres (max width 10m) or 3.0 metres (max width 8m)
    • Finish: Dual compound epoxy
    • Operation: Manual
    • Colours: All RAL colours available
    • Dimensions: 250mm x 225mm extruded aluminium beam infill with 30mm diameter x 6mm wall thickness

    Why install automatic gates on your commercial property?

    1. Enhanced security and privacy

    With integrated access control systems, automatic gates help control who enters and exits the property, reducing unauthorised access and protecting personnel, valuable equipment and assets within. 

    The presence of automatic security gates also acts as a deterrent to potential intruders or vandals, whilst further providing a barrier that helps maintain privacy for the business operations and any sensitive activities.

    2. Increased safety

    Automatic gates turn your commercial premises into a controlled environment, by managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, minimising the risk of accidents. They also prevent unauthorised access to hazardous areas, ensuring the safety of all employees and visitors on the premises.

    3. Optimal operational efficiency

    Automatic gates can streamline the process of those entering and exiting the property, reducing congestion and allowing a more efficient, yet controlled, vehicle and pedestrian management system. 

    If you opt for automatic security gates, this will save considerably more time compared to manual gates – further enhancing your operational efficiency.

    4. Professional appearance and increased property value

    High-quality automatic gates can improve the property’s appearance, giving it a more professional and polished look. Furthermore, the enhanced security and aesthetics of the automatic security gates can also increase the overall value of the property.

    5. Regulatory compliance and lower insurance rates

    Certain industries may have stringent safety and security regulations, requiring secure perimeters and access control, which automatic security gates can help fulfil. By meeting these standards with enhanced security measures, you can potentially lower insurance premiums by reducing risk.

    6. Decreased maintenance costs

    High-quality automatic gates are designed to withstand harsh conditions and frequent use, requiring less maintenance compared to residential gates. This means you will spend less on labour and maintenance costs. 

    12 factors to consider when investing in an automatic gate


    1. What are your security needs?
    When investing in an automatic gate, security will be the top thing on your priority list. Undertake a thorough risk assessment on your site, considering what security threats need to be addressed with the use of a gate, and what safety concerns that could bring. This risk assessment will help support your decision, determining what level of security your site needs – including additional security features, such as access control and how it could integrate with your existing security measures.

    2. Where will your gate be installed?
    Before investing in an automatic gate, you will need to not only consider your site’s entry point measurements, such as drive-through and gate span space, but it will also have a terrain that you will need to work around and what security measures you have around the entry point (i.e. fencing or walls). Made-to-measure automatic security gates are the ideal solution to meet these requirements, but some gates may not be suitable for the ground. For example, for sites on uneven terrain and/or with limited drive-through space, sliding gates are far more ideal – compared to swing gates.

    3. How will your gate be used?
    Automatic gates work on commercial sites of all sizes and therefore have different security, speed and automation requirements. For sites with high traffic and where speed is of the essence, an automated bi-fold or swing gate is much preferred over an often slower sliding gate – especially manual gates. However, for smaller sites with low traffic, these are often much more cost-efficient and require less maintenance.

    4. How durable does your gate need to be?
    Not only does your automatic gate need to be durable against security threats, but it also needs to be durable against the weather. When choosing an automatic security gate, material choice is paramount to ensure smooth running, along with weather resistance to the local climate.

    5. Manual or automatic?
    Deciding between manual and automatic gates is a large decision to make when investing in a security gate, and it becomes a matter of considering frequency, speed, security and convenience. Whilst manual gates are more cost-effective and suited to smaller, low-traffic sites, they can become a burden to more high-traffic ones when they need to be manually opened – either by security staff or visitors themselves. This is where automatic gates are found to be more effective overall, including with the addition of access control systems.

    6. What safety features does your gate need?
    Whilst security is often the main priority when choosing a security gate, gate safety also needs to be considered. If choosing an automatic gate, ensure that it is installed with safety sensors that will not only detect obstacles and prevent accidents, but also have provisions for emergency access – such as manual overrides for access control systems or a breakaway feature.

    7. Will the gate meet your safety and security regulations?
    Though it may be more cost-efficient to install your automatic gate yourself, you may struggle to meet local and industry-wide safety and security regulations and standards. When installing an automatic security gate, leave it to the experts to ensure it complies with local building codes and regulations, as well as industry standards for safety and security.

    8. Can your automatic gate system expand in the future?
    If you imagine your commercial site expanding in the future, it is at this point that you should consider choosing an automatic security gate that will grow with you. Whilst the actual gate cannot expand, you want to find a gate system that can be upgraded in the future, or also beneficial to other areas of your site – so that they can all be integrated into your overall security system.

    9. Will the gate work aesthetically with your premises?
    Whilst the design and aesthetics of an automatic security gate may be the last thing on your mind, a gate can add value to your property. Choose an automatic gate that complements your site’s appearance – without compromising on security and safety.

    10. What is your budget for an automatic gate?
    Cost is a huge factor to consider when investing in an automatic gate. Make sure that you not only factor in the cost of the gate when making your decision, but also installation and any other security features you are adding to the system at this time.

    11. Does your costing cover maintenance?
    Cost also considers future costs. Whilst you may have the funds to purchase a top-of-the-line automatic gate now, can you afford the upkeep on the gate, including labour, parts, repairs, replacements, and downtime?

    12. Does the gate come with a guarantee?
    Reputable automatic gate and security companies will provide a guarantee with the gate. Make sure that you know that your gate will be covered, by finding a reputable supplier.

    Automatic gate installation

    At Expert Security UK, we provide professional automatic gate installation services for all our customers. From surveying your site to automatic gate aftercare and maintenance, we’ll get your gates up and running – and keep it that way.

    Why Choose Expert Security?

    Reliable
    Full-Circle Service

    From the initial design process to aftercare and maintenance, our dedicated teams will provide expert support throughout the entire purchase process.

    Competitive
    Pricing

    We always strive to give our customers value for money – without compromising on the quality.

    Modern
    Technology

    Every product you find at Expert Security UK features up-to-the-minute technology with sophisticated design.

    Bespoke Service

    We’re proud to give all our clients a service that is created with their specifications in mind. We never treat two customers the same.

    Customer testimonials

    Discover how Expert Security UK has helped customers like you in the past:

    Expert install secure sliding gates at JM Plant in Essex

    As a plant hire firm, J Matthews requires a high level of security to protect Expert install secure sliding gates at JM Plant in Essex

    New Automatic Sliding Gate Distributes Greater Security, Flexibility and Efficiency to ETS

    To maximise the safety and efficiency of ETS Distribution’s employees and personnel, we installed security New Automatic Sliding Gate Distributes Greater Security, Flexibility and Efficiency to ETS

    New Sliding Gate System Helps Keep Indestructible Paint LTD Protected

    To ensure the new staff car park of Birmingham’s Indestructible Paint was kept inaccessible to New Sliding Gate System Helps Keep Indestructible Paint LTD Protected

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who we have
    worked with…

    We’re committed to providing a professional, efficient and consistent service for all our clients, from the first call to the last. That’s how we’ve been able to work on so many fundamental security projects up and down the country. These projects ensure the security of thousands of people and allow them to work in a safe environment.

    Our strong reputation means that today we provide bespoke security systems to some of the country’s leading institutions, including Warburtons, British Aerospace, and the NHS.