We all know that security gates and driveway gates (front gates) are needed, especially in South Africa. They are used to protect the front and back doors and entrances and exits to houses, commercial buildings, and other private properties. These gates act as a barrier against intruders, which is why it is so essential for them to be sturdy and reliable.
Security gates are highly effective in deterring burglars. Their physical appearance of them is intimidating, making burglars second guess about entering the property. Paired with extra security features such as cameras and alarm systems, intruders will definitely avoid breaking and entering that property. We recommend installing a security gate, especially if your property homes high-valued goods or is located in an unsafe area.
Below, we will discuss the differences between security gates, driveway gates, and pedestrian gates to allow you to decide whether you would prefer having just one or all of them on your property:
Security Gates:
Security gates are installed for several reasons, primarily focusing on enhancing safety, privacy, and control within the area. They are typically faster, more durable, and easier to operate than a typical driveway gate. Security gates are used in several different settings.
Below is a list of the areas in which security gates are best suited to:
- Residential areas (houses, buildings, complexes, etc.)
- Commercial sites
- Industrial sites
- Educational institutions (universities and schools)
- Healthcare facilities (hospitals and clinics)
- Transportation hubs (airports and train stations)
- Entertainment venues (stadiums and arenas)
- Data centers
- Correctional facilities
- Military bases
- Research facilities
- Critical infrastructure sites (power plants, water treatment facilities, and telecommunication centres)
- Retail establishments (especially high-value retail stores)
- Private properties
Access and Automation: Security Gates
Security gates allow for access control. They can be automated, allowing them to open and close remotely or automatically through sensors. They can be designed to include advanced access control systems such as keypads, RFID cards, intercoms, and remote controls. These systems ensure that only authorised individuals and vehicles can enter the gated area, enhancing security above a typical pedestrian gate or driveway gate.
Materials and Design: Security Gates
Security gates are used mainly for safety and functionality rather than aesthetic appeal. However, at Glow Innovations, we know that appearance plays a critical role, especially in residential areas. Some security gates may be designed to include spikes, ornate ironwork, or electric fencing to deter burglars. Security gates can be designed to be smaller and allow pedestrians to pass through. Otherwise, they are mainly intended to allow a vehicle into the gated area.
Glow Innovations manufactures our security gates using robust and reliable materials such as steel and wood cladding. Don’t skip on the quality of your safety, and speak to a Glow Innovations professional about what material best suits your needs.
Check out the Glow Innovations website to explore the different designs and colours available for security gates. We can also manufacture custom-designed security gates to suit your style and safety needs.
Installation and Location: Security Gates
Security gates often require a professional installation due to their complex access control systems, which need an integration with the security measures.
Depending on the area being gated and your needs, security gates can be installed externally and internally in the building. When acting as an additional barrier in entryways, we recommend installing the gate inside of the property. As a final barrier to your home, security gates work best in conjunction with additional security measures such as alarm systems and alarm sensors.
Driveway Gates: (Front Gates)
Driveway gates are the typical gates you see outside people’s homes and leading into properties. They are often referred to as front gates or entrance gates. Driveway gates differ from security gates in that they are mainly used to restrict access to your property instead of preventing access as a security measure. They are also used to enhance the visual appeal of the property and the curb and mark the entrance to the property. Driveway gates do provide some security; however, they are mainly used for privacy purposes.
Access and Automation: Driveway Gates
Some driveway gates incorporate access control systems like a keypad or intercom, similar to security gates. However, driveway gates are not made to provide the same level of security as security gates, so they may only have basic locks.
Driveway gates are often automated, allowing them to be opened and closed using remote access and sensors.
Materials and Design: Driveway Gates
Driveway gates come in many designs made from different materials, including wood, steel, and iron. When it comes to design and aesthetics, driveway gates are the winners. They are often designed or customised to suit the property’s architectural style, adding to its overall visual appeal.
At Glow Innovations, we can customise your driveway gate to suit your needs and style. Check out the rest of our website, or email us to see the different design and colour options available.
Installation and Location: Driveway Gates
A professional installation is recommended for large and complex driveway gates. Homeowners and property owners can sometimes install a simpler design; however, working with a professional installer is recommended.
Driveway gates are mainly installed at the entrance of a property, showing where the point of entry into the property is.
Pedestrian Gates:
Pedestrian gates are smaller and narrower in size compared to security gates and driveway gates. They are designed only to allow foot traffic to pass into the gated area while keeping vehicles out.
Pedestrian gates can be used with security gates or driveway gates, providing an alternative method of entering a property. They can also be placed on different sides of the property, allowing those on foot to enter quickly without walking to the main gate.
Access and Automation:
Pedestrian gates provide controlled and secured access for walking individuals; thus, a security guard or individual can monitor the pedestrian gate and sign individuals in, accurately keeping a record of all those who enter the area.
Pedestrian gates tend to have basic control mechanisms like locks or keypads. Their primary purpose is to regulate pedestrian movement and allow individuals into the property rather than provide security.
Pedestrian gates can be automated, although manual options are the most common. Often, highly secured areas will automate their pedestrian gate as an extra security measure to control access.
Materials and Design:
Pedestrian gates can be made from various materials, such as steel and wood. At Glow Innovations, we manufacture our pedestrian gates using steel and wood cladding, making your pedestrian gate look good while keeping the area safe and closed off to the public. Pedestrian gates are designed for functionality and appearance purposes rather than heavy-duty security purposes.
Check out the Glow Innovations website for the different designs of pedestrian gates. We have a range of colours and styles to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect pedestrian gate for your property.
Installation and Location:
Pedestrian gates are mainly used in conjunction with security gates or driveway gates. They are often placed next to the main gate of the property as well as on different sides of the property to allow access from other parts of the property. Pedestrian gates are also placed within the property as an extra safety feature when entering a particular area of the property.
We recommend working with a professional when installing your pedestrian gate to avoid incorrect installation. While they may not be as complicated to install as driveway or security gates, they are still used to fence off your property and provide safety.
Security Gates From Glow Innovations:
We at Glow Innovations have been manufacturing and installing high-quality steel products in Cape Town for over 20 years. Specialists design our products to meet your needs while looking good. From burglar bars and security gates to staircases and shop-fitting steelworks, we can create just about any steel product from our Diep River, Cape Town factory.
We manufacture steel products and have an electronics team that offers automation, access control, and electric fencing that can be incorporated into your driveway and security gates.
Here’s a list of the products we are able to manufacture and provide:
- Security gates
- Driveway gates
- Pedestrian gates
- Fencing
- Burglar bars
- Balustrading
- Electric fencing
- Custom engineering
- Structural steelwork
- Automation and electronics – gate plans and fence plans
At Glow Innovations, we are constantly looking for ways to create additional value for our clients. We continually explore new technologies, so our electronics team runs through an online booking and feedback system.
We also offer consulting services for architects and designers where we establish a suitable design specification document for pedestrian gates, security gates, and associated automation. This gives the building designer professional time to focus on the tasks of more importance instead of wasting their valuable time researching steel sections.
Check out our website for more information, or contact us via email or telephone. We would love to work with you!