Gates are among the very first things a potential customer sees upon arriving at your self-storage facility, and therefore they create a lasting impression. In addition, gates are your first line of defense against crime. Think of them as the “bouncer” for your facility. And of course, you want the biggest, baddest bouncer you can find, right? Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of gates – how they work, what options are best for you, and what to do when they need repair.
What Types Of Gates Are Out There?
There are a wide variety of gates, offered by a wide variety of companies. It’s crucial to do your research and arrive at the best solution for your specific needs. For instance, you may know that Access Control Technologies has always been a name you can trust for self-storage access control and surveillance solutions. But ACT also offers the best in gates and gate service. So, using ACT as an example, let’s examine the ins and outs of the three most common types of gates in the self-storage industry.
Vertical Lift/Vertical Pivot Gates
The vertical lift gate is the most popular in the self-storage industry, mainly because it has the smallest footprint, taking up roughly a 7’x4’ area on one side of the entrance. This gate pivots up on its heel and completely out of the way, standing up over the operating unit itself. Any size truck can be driven through that opening without the worry of the gate impeding the vehicle. It also opens quicker than any other type of gate, so there is less waiting to enter a facility. And weather is not a factor with the vertical lift or pivot gate since there is no track for the gate to slide along. This style of gate has the greatest longevity, and although it may cost a bit more, its extended life will save money in the long run. And yes, ACT has a large inventory of these gates ready to go, so they can be installed quickly.
Cantilever Slide Gates
The cantilever slide gate is a durable, easy-to-maintain gate that slides open to allow access to a facility, and interestingly the gate does not actually sit on a track and slide open and closed. A cantilever gate is supported by rollers that keep the gate suspended above the ground, braced on each side by support posts. The advantage here is that even in snowy climates, the gate can operate properly since it doesn’t come in contact with the track on the ground, so a snow-covered track is not an issue. This type does require more space since the gate slides from one side of the entrance to the other. ACT’s gate manufacturing process ensures fast and reliable turnaround. It’s more cost-effective than the vertical lift or pivot gate, saving you money upfront.
V-Track Gates
The V-Track gate is similar to the cantilever gate in that it slides open and closed horizontally, but the V-track gate sits on the track and rolls to an open or closed position. This type of gate is a great option for temperate climates. If snow is common in your area, vertical lift/pivot or cantilever gates would be a wise option.
What About Installation And Service?
Now that you have an idea of the variety of gate options available, let’s take a closer look at what else goes into your gates, and what to do if they need service. Again, using ACT as an example, we will examine the four pillars of gate protection that they strive to master for their customers:
- Manufacturing
- Installation
- Service
- Repair
Manufacturing
Getting your gates out the door and on their way to you quickly is of extreme importance. Not only does ACT provide you with the absolute best gates available with short turnaround, but they offer services that make the entire process seamless. They can carefully analyze your facility to determine the best type of gate setup for your distinct needs and provide everything required in a fast and efficient timeframe.
Installation
Full installation can be a big hurdle to overcome, and it’s a turnkey service provided by ACT trained professionals. They handle all aspects of installation, from the gate itself, to the gate operator, to all safety devices – making sure you get exactly what you need, how you need it, and when you need it. ACT can deliver your gates quicker than anyone, to anywhere in the country.
Service
Accidents happen of course, and we will get to ACT’s solution to that that shortly. But it’s about much more than that “break-fix” mentality – they strive to provide the best preventive maintenance in the industry, so you can get the maximum lifespan out the investment you have made in your gates. If you want your gates to be reliable year in and year out, you need to provide regular care and maintenance to ensure a long life.
ACT offers service agreements that provide regular routine maintenance, twice a year, every six months. These visits include the gates and gate operators, as well as an inventory of the site to make us aware of all of the equipment on-site, so they can check for any shortcomings related to your gate setup.
They also take care of seemingly small issues that if not addressed, could become big problems. Issues such as worn belts, an unbalanced gate, rust, low oil – these are all issues their expert staff will address on a regular basis, keeping your gates running as smoothly as the day they were installed.
Repair
In the self-storage industry, where you have a wide variety of people coming and going in all types and sizes of vehicles, accidents happen. So, it’s one thing to have a secure, trustworthy and reliable gate installed by trained professionals – ACT has you covered there. But what they also provide is expert repairs, so if anything does happen to your gate, they can have you back-up and running in no time. ACT doesn’t simply sell you gates and move on. They want to be a trusted partner that provides guidance and service and is right there for any “uh-oh” moments you might encounter with regards to your gates.
Beyond these four pillars is one more advantage ACT has over other gate manufacturers and suppliers: integration with their access control and surveillance specialties. Now you can get everything you need in one place, feeling confident that everything will work together seamlessly, providing you with the maximum level of security, no matter your self-storage facility’s size or location.
Look, if you are going to spend your hard-earned money on something as important as security, you better do it the right way. And with so many options, it can feel a bit daunting. So whichever company you go with, do your research and choose the best gate for your specific needs. The experts at ACT are leaders in the industry who strive to do it better than anyone else and have a long-established track record of elite customer service. Their longevity comes from providing more than just products; they provide solutions that last for years to come. So, when you’re choosing that big, bad bouncer for your facility, give ACT a look.
Click here to request a quote, and to contact a member of the ACT sales team, click here.
