High-traffic commercial facilities like warehouses, manufacturing plants, storage facilities, train yards, and airports require high-speed automatic gate operators to effectively prevent unauthorized access. Here’s a short guide to help you choose the right system for your property.

Questions To Ask

As a starting point, ask yourself the following questions to get an idea of the right commercial gate operator for your needs.

1. Which is better: a swing or slide operator?

Swing gate operators are an excellent option when high-cycle requirements need to be met, especially those with a harmonic pivot arm. Swing gates tend to open faster than slide gates and can accommodate openings up to 26 feet wide. However, if you prioritize security and durability, sliding gate operators are a popular choice. The gear rack can be welded or bolted to the gate, making it extremely difficult to cause enough damage for the rack and pinion to become misaligned and open the gate.

2. How fast should the gate open and close?

The opening and closing speed of the operator is extremely important to ensure the security of your property. If your site requires that the gate is cycled for every vehicle and quick access is a priority, you may need to consider choosing a faster operator.

Consider the HySecurity SwingSmart DC 20 swing gate operator, for example. It can handle gates up to 20-feet wide and 1,300 pounds and has an adjustable open/close time of 10 to 15 seconds. This quick-close, anti-tailgating feature ensures that the gate swiftly closes behind the vehicle, preventing unauthorized access. Some units even have a built-in auto-close timer.

3. How many people are coming and going from your facility?

Another important factor to consider is how many people are coming and going from your property daily. Gate operators are rated based on their cycle speed and capacity of cycles per hour. If your facility experiences a high volume of traffic, you need an operator that can handle several cycles every hour and hundreds of cycles per day.

For high-traffic entrances, look for a variable speed operator that’s been tested for hundreds of thousands or even millions of cycles. The LiftMaster SL595 AC slide gate operator can handle gates weighing up to 2,500 pounds and 90 feet long at 25 cycles an hour.

4. How will the gate operator perform during a power outage?

If you need your gate to function during a power outage, look for one with manual release or backup batteries. These backup power systems store enough energy for hundreds of cycles until power is restored.

The LiftMaster CSL-24U swing gate operator comes equipped with surge suppression and backup batteries to ensure your property stays secure even during power failures. Engineered for over one million cycles, this operator is reliable and hardy.

5. What’s the climate in your area?

If you live in an area of Canada that receives extremely cold temperatures, like Winnipeg, you need a gate operator that can withstand the frigid winter months. The HySecurity Slidesmart DC 15 slide gate operator is a great option. It can withstand temperatures of -25 C without a heater. Plus, it has Ice Breaker Mode to effortlessly cut through built-up snow and ice.

Planned Maintenance

Once you’ve settled on a gate operator for your business, it's crucial to make sure that your investment is well-maintained and protected. That’s where Creative Door Services’™ planned maintenance program comes in. We understand that every business has unique needs and budget constraints. As a result, we collaborate with you to develop a customized maintenance plan that satisfies your specific requirements. Our program ensures that your gate operator is always in excellent condition, delivering uninterrupted service to your company.

We take great pride in treating your gates with the utmost care and attention they deserve. With our planned maintenance program, we can help you avoid costly repairs, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of your gate operator.

Commercial Gate Operators in Western Canada

If you’re in the market for a reliable and high-quality commercial gate and gate operator, look no further than Creative Door Services™. We carry a wide range of top-of-the-line options from leading brands and provide comprehensive installation, repair, and maintenance to keep your gate and operator in optimal condition. Trust us to deliver the best solutions for your commercial property needs. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an emergency repair, we’re always here to help keep your gates running smoothly and efficiently.

For a free quote or to learn more about our products and services, contact us today. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.