Pedestrian gates serve multiple purposes, from assisting in traffic control in busy public areas to providing a small side- entrance to your house. Pedestrian gates can be used just about anywhere. The small gate offers unique advantages compared to a large front gate, which might not be as convenient for quick entries and exits. In the context of a residential building and its property, pedestrian gates are a need.
Read further to explore why pedestrian gates are so helpful for residential buildings and why they can be considered necessary add-ons to your main security gates.
Glow Innovation Pedestrian Gates: Residential Buildings
Controlled Access:
Pedestrian gates provide a controlled entry and exit point for those walking. They assist by providing a controlled access point for authorised individuals, such as residents, guests, and service providers. Pedestrian gates are easy and quick to open, unlike larger front gates, which require you to open them and wait for them to close again. All those who enter through a pedestrian gate will be seen, whereas a sizeable front gate provides access for vehicles and all those inside, including those who hide inside.
In the case of an emergency evacuation, pedestrian gates allow people to enter and exit more quickly as they are quick to open and facilitate an orderly procedure of exiting the property, potentially saving lives.
Enhanced Security:
Pedestrian gates act as a barrier to unauthorised intruders, solicitors, and unwanted visitors. They prevent random foot traffic from entering the property and lower the risk of someone quickly sneaking in when opening a large front gate. Security gates are also quick to close, allowing someone to slam them shut if someone is chasing them.
Pedestrian gates should also be installed around communal areas, especially swimming pools, to prevent children and pets from entering the area. This secures dangerous areas, which can prevent children from roaming freely in them. This can be a vital security measure to protect the health and safety of children.
Privacy:
Passersby are prevented from entering the property while creating a secluded environment for the building’s residents. The building’s residents will also feel safer as they have secure spaces of their own. Glow Innovation pedestrian gates come in various designs, ranging from steel with large open spaces to allow a view into the property to horizontal wooden slats that hide the property. Both have their benefits to consider. By fencing off the property and creating a gated community, a sense of community and shared security amongst the building’s residents is built, encouraging them to look out for one another.
Increased Property Value:
Properties equipped with secure and aesthetically pleasing pedestrian gates tend to have a higher perceived value in the real estate market compared to those without. The property’s curb appeal will be increased if a well-designed pedestrian gate is used, increasing the property’s value. Buyers are willing to pay more for a property with an extra security layer. Pedestrian gates also create a visual impact, communicating a welcoming focal point for entry.
Pedestrian gates from Glow Innovations can be designed to complement the architectural style of your residential building, increasing its aesthetic attractiveness while remaining modern and inviting. Check out our website for more information on the available pedestrian gate designs. Ranging from traditional wooden slats to custom geometric designs. We definitely have a pedestrian gate that will suit your style!
Visitor Management:
A pedestrian gate offers excellent visitor management. A guard can always stand at the gate to screen and verify the guests before allowing them access to the residential property. This increases safety and prevents unwanted guests from slipping into the property by hiding in a car or walking through while the main gate is slowly closing.
Compared to a large front gate, pedestrian gates offer better visibility of approaching individuals, making it easier to identify and communicate with visitors. Large main gates create limited visibility, requiring the use of intercoms, cameras, and other communication systems for identification.
With regard to parcel deliveries and maintenance services, pedestrian gates allow for easy delivery of packages and services without having to open the main gate. Packages can also be left at the pedestrian gate for residents to retrieve without facing the risk of being driven over by entering and exiting vehicles at the main entrance.
Pedestrian Gates: Maintenance
Looking after your pedestrian gate is essential to ensure the gate continues to function correctly and looks good. Built to withstand prolonged and multiple use, pedestrian gates require very little maintenance. However, it is ideal to check them over once in a while. A pedestrian gate is an investment; to make the most of your investment, you must take care of them. The same goes for your front gate, and occasionally, you will be required to perform a few sets of small tasks. This is for the maintenance of the gate, and repairs or services must be performed by a professional.
You can do the following tasks yourself without the need for professional help. Below are some steps you can take to keep your pedestrian gate in tip-top shape, helping it last longer:
1. Lubricate Your Gate
The chain, wheels, bearings, screws, and hinges are all parts of your gate that benefit from lubrication (in addition to any internal chains found in swing and slide-type gates). These are some of the most critical parts that may need to be lubricated but do ask Glow Innovations if any additional moving parts should be looked after. Properly lubricating these parts helps to minimise friction and reduces strain on the gate mechanism, prolonging its lifespan.
Avoid using heavy oils or WD 40 for your gate, and instead use lithium grease, oil, or a lubricant based on silicone. Feel free to contact Glow Innovations for more information on what lubricant to use on your pedestrian gates and how often you should consider lubricating them.
2. Practice Proper Pest Control
Although you may not expect it initially, pest control is essential to driveway gate maintenance. This is because bugs, rats, lizards, and more can make their way near the electrical components of your gate and cause all kinds of chaos inside.
This includes slugs and snails, which can also leave a trail of slime when they move around, causing moisture to build up and potentially causing damage to the electric components inside your gate. The same applies to spider webs and ant nests, which can damage your gate components if left unmanaged for long enough.
While you can do most of this pest control yourself, if you would rather not handle it or would prefer more peace of mind, we recommend speaking to a professional pest control specialist and explaining exactly what your concerns are.
3. Properly Clean Your Gate
This is a basic yet effective form for maintaining just about anything. An automatic driveway gate requires cleaning at least once a year while doing minor cleanups wherever and whenever necessary. Not only does it help to save your gate from rust or clogged-up debris, but it will also help to avoid costly repairs while preserving the gate’s aesthetics. Corrosion and deterioration from the outdoor environment are avoided, allowing your entrance to look and operate like it’s new.
How to Clean Your Pedestrian Gate:
- Ensure your gate is turned off and disconnected from any power sources. This is done for your safety.
- Use a soft bristle brush or cloth to remove dust, loose dirt, and debris from the gates’ surfaces. Pay special attention to hinges, tracks, and all other moving parts of the gate where dirt may have gathered.
- Prepare your cleaning solution. You can use a mild detergent or soap and water. If you use a commercial cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your gates’ protective coating and moving mechanisms.
- Gently scrub the surface of the gate and pay attention to areas where grime or stains may have built up. Use a soft cloth and the same cleaning solution to clean hardware such as locks, handles, and hinges. For stubborn areas with a build-up of rust, you may need a rust inhibitor or lubricant to help.
- Use rags or clean towels to wipe down the components and surface of the gate. Make sure to remove all moisture to prevent water spots or rust.
- Lubricate the moving parts of your gate, such as hinges or sliding mechanisms.
- Inspect the gate for any missed spots or areas needing further attention.
- Finally, once the gate is completely dry, reconnect it to power and test its operation to ensure everything works as expected.
- Notify Glow Innovations or your gate repairman of any complications you may have found.
Pedestrian Gates: Glow Innovations
Since 2001, we have been installing and manufacturing quality steel products in Cape Town. Our pedestrian gates are designed, customised, and manufactured to suit your needs while looking good. We value our clients’ time, adhering to written quotes and agreed deadlines, because we know how frustrating broken promises can be.
Please get in touch with us via telephone or email for any further queries. We look forward to assisting you!