6 Security Gate Applications

 September 25, 2025 0 Likes 70 Views
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With more outdoor areas needing to be secured, businesses and property owners are looking for new options for exterior security hardware that can serve their needs. The challenge is finding the security hardware solution that can stand up to the weather and application conditions. There are many options available for weatherized security hardware to satisfy outdoor applications. Always remember to refer to the local life safety codes when securing any gate.

Garden Centers & Lumber Yards

Garden centers and lumber yards need to have many entry points to move materials into the sales area, but they need to funnel the consumer traffic out through only one or two exit points. Garden-center environments tend to be more damaging to the gate hardware due to the weather, the constant spraying of water and the presence of fertilizers for maintaining live inventory; and those gates require hardware that is designed to withstand the rigors of that environment. The gates in these areas require security hardware that is either alarmed or equipped with delayed egress, which can be stand-alone or connected to the greater building security system.

Courtyards

Courtyards are another area that very often needs to be secured. Courtyards have traditionally been places for social gathering and for getting some fresh air at the workplace. But now, we find that many courtyards need to be protected with secured gates to keep the general public from entering and, more importantly, to keep the people in the courtyard from leaving the area unattended. This is especially critical at memory care facilities, preschools and playgrounds. One problem with this is that the courtyard is often also used as an emergency exit route, and people must have free egress to get away from the building in case of a fire or emergency exit situation.

Courtyard gates must allow for the mounting of weatherized security hardware. Currently the most common security hardware used on courtyard gates includes delayed egress. The delayed-egress function keeps the gate locked for 15 or 30 seconds while a local alarm sounds, after which the gate opens to allow free egress. The length of the delay is specified by the local municipality’s life safety codes. These systems can be stand-alone or they can be tied into the facility’s security system.

Swimming Pools

Outdoor swimming pools are probably the most common place to find security hardware securing a gate. Swimming pools are sources of considerable liability for their owners; security hardware is an ideal way for them to secure the area outside of normal operating hours and to prevent access by people who are not authorized to use the facility. Since the gates are outdoors, they should be secured with weatherized security hardware, which will often include top and/or bottom vertical rods. It is also typically tied into a security access system and a facility’s security monitoring system, including cameras.

Stadiums

Athletic stadiums often use many secured open-air gates. This applies to stadiums that are used for outdoor sports, such as football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. These gates are typically used for deliveries and as an additional free exit after the game is over. Like courtyards, these gates allow must free egress in case of an emergency, but they must also be secured from unauthorized access or exit. The weatherized security hardware attached to these gates typically includes top and/or bottom vertical rods and is usually tied into the greater facility’s security system.

Storage Facilities

Storage facilities are also often controlled by secured gates. These businesses typically have a drive-in gate secured by an access control system, as well as a pedestrian gate that has access-controlled entrance and security hardware for exiting. This type of application usually includes weatherized security hardware with top and/or bottom vertical rods and is tied into a security system that monitors the entire facility and often includes security cameras.

Rooftops

Rooftop bars sometimes utilize a secured fence. Occupants of the bar must be able to evacuate in case of an emergency, but, for many reasons, routine use of that exit isn’t desirable for the establishment owners. This situation is similar to a courtyard because of the need for an emergency exit path. The weatherized security hardware can include delayed egress that provides a local audible alarm, and it can be tied into the security system that monitors the building and triggers the camera system. It can also be a stand-alone system with a local alarm.

The Basics of Break-In Prevention: Securing Your Facility

 June 26, 2025 1 Likes 446 Views
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No facility is completely impervious to break-ins, but with the right security measures in place, you can make it much harder for burglars to succeed. The goal of break-in prevention is not to guarantee a completely secure building but to delay unauthorized entry long enough for law enforcement or security personnel to respond. Even if your building hasn’t experienced any recent security threats, regular evaluations and upgrades to its protective measures are essential.

Here’s a back-to-basics guide on how to fortify your facility’s entry points and deter potential break-ins.

1. Start with a Heavy-Duty Door

The foundation of a secure entry point starts with the door itself. Even the strongest locks and security features will be ineffective if the door is weak.

  • Material Matters: Choose a door made of thicker material—16-gauge steel doors and frames are significantly stronger and more resistant to break-ins than their 20-gauge counterparts.
  • Reinforcement: Your door should be reinforced to properly support security hardware like locks and bolts. Be sure to consult with a door security distributor or integrator to ensure compatibility and durability.

2. Use a Full-Length Hinge

In commercial settings, doors must swing outward to comply with egress codes, leaving the hinge knuckles exposed and vulnerable.

  • Why Full-Length Hinges?
    • Support: Full-length hinges provide better support for heavy-duty doors compared to standard discrete hinges.
    • Resistance to Tampering: Continuous hinges are much more difficult for potential intruders to manipulate or vandalize. Upgrading to a full-length hinge significantly boosts your door security.

3. Invest in High-Strength Locks

The lock is your first line of defense, so its strength should never be overlooked.

  • Pull Force Resistance: Choose locks that can withstand at least 10,000 pounds of pull force.
  • Deep Bolt Penetration: Ensure your locks have deep bolt penetration into the door frame for maximum security.
  • Floor Bolts: Adding a bolt that locks into the floor helps prevent burglars from prying the bottom of the door upward, a common tactic used in break-ins.

4. Install a Burglar Alarm

A robust alarm system can be a strong deterrent against intruders. Alarms alert authorities and make your facility a less attractive target. When paired with strong door hardware, alarms create a multi-layered security approach that is both proactive and responsive.

Layering Security for Maximum Effect

The most effective security comes from combining these elements:

  • Heavy-duty doors
  • Full-length hinges
  • High-strength locks
  • Alarm systems

Together, these components work to:

  • Delay or prevent unauthorized access
  • Deter intruders from targeting your facility

Conclusion

Break-in prevention is all about implementing strong, well-maintained hardware and a layered approach to security. Even small upgrades, like replacing standard hinges with full-length ones or adding a floor bolt, can greatly enhance the safety of your building.

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your facility, contact our team for guidance on how to improve your security systems. Together, we can build a safer, more secure environment for your business.