What Advantage Does A Sliding Gate Have Over A Swing Gate?
When installing a gate for your home or business, you will want to consider space, strength, and maintenance. The most common automatic gates are sliding or swing gates. While both are great options designed to provide security, your preference and the previously listed factors play a role in your decision. The best automatic gate and its opener system, also called an operator, is one that you can install and power in the outdoor space you would like.
Slide Gates Versus Swing Gates
Slide gates are preferable because they do not require a lot of space to open and close. Sliding gates are attached to a chain driven through the opener unit to open and close the gate. This method means the gate will “slide” parallel to the fence and have fewer entrapment points. In comparison, the swing gate must have ample room to swing open without hitting anything, which also means it operates in more space, creating a larger entrapment area.
Sliding gates are also more popular on driveways with slopes because you will not have to consider how a swing gate will open on a slant. As for strength, slide gate openers have a higher weight and length capacity and are more difficult to force open.
The disadvantage of sliding gates tends to be cost, despite being made of the same metal material, and the additional hardware maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Finding the Right Slide Gate
Some factors to consider when purchasing a slide gate are the length and weight capacity of the opener, the application (residential, commercial, or industrial), the UL 325 usage class and its requirements, and the potential for solar compatibility. Please explore the wide variety of sliding gate openers below.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our sales representatives, who are happy to help in any way they can!