Aluminium Gates and Access Control: Specification Guide

Start with the access function: pedestrian gate, garden entrance, service access or vehicle entry. A swing gate is often the simplest answer for narrow openings. For wider vehicle access, a sliding or cantilever gate may be more suitable, but rail position, drainage, slope and winter operation should be checked at the beginning of the project.

The clear opening is not the whole specification. Leaf weight, infill type, wind area, post section, foundation size and anchoring method work as one package. A solid privacy panel takes more wind load than an open louvre infill, so tall or closed gates need project-specific review of posts and foundation.

If automation is planned, the power route, photocells, safety edge, emergency release and cable path should be agreed before production. Keypad, card reader, intercom and remote control can be combined, but every added control point affects wiring, service access and maintenance responsibility.

Do not publish fixed leaf weight, motor force, wind resistance or permit status without project documents. Final selection depends on local rules, ground condition, wind exposure, traffic frequency and approval by the installation partner.