If you are a small business owner, you may be considering whether or not installing a security gate on your property is right for you. It’s an unfortunate truth that in our world today, crime is an ever-present threat, and many business owners have become victims of burglary, vandalism, and other such events. Adding a gate to your existing security system is an effective way to discourage those looking to do mischief on your property.
When it comes to gates, there are several options from which you can choose. If you own a large piece of property and want to only allow guest access during opening hours, a cantilever gate in your driveway will prevent vehicles from entering without your permission. There are also vertical lift gates that allow larger cargo to pass beneath them where it may become stuck at a cantilever gate. Perhaps you do not own the land on which your business rests, or your main concern is protecting the inside of your business rather than the outside. In this case, folding gates that can be pulled across openings such as windows and doors whenever you are not inside the building may be the best option for you.
When thinking about installing a gate, be mindful of how you will grant access through it. If it is a vehicle gate, will you leave it open during business hours, or will guests be required to enter a passcode to gain access? Or will you need to staff the gate with an employee to allow guests to come and go? Will the gate be locked in some way? If so, you may need to confide the combination in whichever employees may need to enter while the gate is locked.
You will also want to consider the overall aesthetic of your gate. Many times, if visitors to an area see a business with barred windows or other obvious security measures in place, they may get the impression that the area is not safe. While you don’t want to compromise the security of your property, it’s important that your customers feel comfortable while engaging with you. Simple factors like the style of your gate and the material from which it is made can go a long way towards creating the secure but welcoming look that you want.
Any access gate will be a great, secure addition to your commercial property and may help you with peace of mind or even insurance costs.
