A gate is the first impression of your property or home when visitors arrive. It also allows you to mark the borders of your facility and is the first line of defence and protection from unintended access. Gates are broadly divided into two types – swing gates and slide gates. These, of course, can be customised based on colour, size, shape etc., to suit your personality and provide the right aesthetic for your facility.

Physical features between sliding and swing gates

Both gates come with their own set of benefits. Choosing between the two depends on the conditions related to the access of your property.

Sliding gates consist of two leaves with wheels installed underneath to move along a track fixed in the ground. These gates can be operated either manually or can be motorised.

Swing gates do not need wheels and can simply swing open or shut, either manually or automated.

What to consider when choosing your gate

To decide which gate would best suit your property, there are several factors you must take into consideration including how much you’re willing to spend, the space available, level of security your facility requires, etc.

Budget: Typically, installing a swing gate will cost you less than a sliding gate. They can be the same size, design and made of the same material; the difference in their cost comes from mounting and the operation of the gates. Sliding gates require wheels and a track, while swing gates only need hinges. Having either motorised would also add to their costs.

Space required: Sliding gates require little space to operate. However, the ground must be level, as a track needs to be placed for the wheels to move along. An uneven surface would hinder the operation of your sliding gate; however, they would work very well on a slope, something a swing gate cannot do, as they have to bear their entire weight. This can cause damage in the long run.

Alternatively, a swing gate requires a lot of space to operate. It is recommended you use a single swing gate if your entrance is 12 feet or less across. You will need sufficient clearance space on the opening side so that the gate leaf can swing open all the way. Your swing gate must always open towards your property unless otherwise impossible. There must be enough space for vehicles to pull off the road while waiting for it to open.

If, however, your gate must open outwards, there must be enough room for vehicles to wait while the gates open.

Maintenance: The swing gate is the easier one to maintain of the two, particularly if it is manually operated. This is because there aren’t any motors or electronics to worry about. Sliding gates require a clean track. If dirt, debris, sand, leaves, etc. get into the track or block them in any way, this would stop the gates from sliding freely or can in some instances cause them to derail. We recommend you sweep the tracks periodically to keep them clean, thereby eliminating potential derailment.

Also, bear in mind that a swing gate is much easier to install as they only work with hinges. This is one factor that makes them the preferred choice worldwide. They also require a great deal less maintenance than a slide gate. Therefore, under normal circumstances and operations, you will be spending less on repairs for a swing gate than a slide gate.

Noise levels: When considering noise levels, a swing gate is much quieter than sliding gates. The sound that comes out of a swing gate lasts only as long as the gate takes to open and nothing more. Since sliding gates, more often than not, are motorised, they make a much louder sound while opening and closing, because of their motorised and electronic parts.
Gates, whether a swing or slide gate, can improve the aesthetic of your home or business facility. They offer easy entrance and exit as well as privacy. Choosing between them can be a challenge. If you are still undecided on the type of gate you should choose, the size or material, reach out to the experts at Dura Ultima. We will be happy to help you select the perfect gate to fit all your requirements.