A security gate, also known as a security door, is an important safety measure for any home. Not only does it provide an extra layer of security, but it also deters burglars. In addition, security gates can be customised to match the style of your home. In just a few minutes of reading, discover everything you need to know about installing security gates in your home.
The benefits of installing a security gate in your home
According to Stats SA, almost 1 million homes are broken into in SA every year. Western Cape has reported the most cases of home invasion in the country. Nearly all burglaries in South Africa take place during the daylight hours while people are at work. Typically, intruders will choose a neighbourhood and walk from house to house, ringing intercoms to find out whether anyone’s home.
If you happen to have a sliding door, you should know that they are an easy way for invaders to enter your home. They simply need to lift it off its rails, and they can enter unhindered. It’s not just sliding doors that shine as an attractive entry point for burglars. All unprotected doors are a beacon of opportunity. With all of this in mind, we’ve broken down some of the most impactful advantages of having a security door installed in your home.
Protect your assets
Gates keep your assets safe and secure. They are the ultimate deterrent for opportunistic thieves, making it far more difficult to get into or out of your home. The stronger the gate appears, the better! If you’re worried about someone forcing their way into your home, consider a gate constructed out of a strong metal like iron or aluminium.
Protect your family
The importance of personal security cannot be overstated. A gate is a great way to keep your family safe from any dangers that may present themselves. Aside from home invaders, gates are a good way to keep little ones and adventurous pets from exiting the house and getting up to mischief when you’re occupied elsewhere.
Light and ventilation
Security gates allow you to open up your home without fear of intruders, while also letting in plenty more fresh air when it’s hot. Being able to leave your door open is a luxury that most people without security doors cannot afford. South African summers are no joke! Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees, and being able to save on air-conditioning costs is a huge plus.
How to choose the right security gates
Choosing your ideal security gate can be tough, since you’re faced with so many choices. With so many designs and materials on the market, finding your best bet can be an overwhelming task. No need to worry, though. We’ve got you covered with a few questions you should ask yourself that will help you streamline your choice.
What is the level of crime you’re trying to protect yourself against?
This question should make you think about your location and the common crimes that occur in your neighbourhood. If you’re based in a highly-guarded security estate, you may only require a simple gate as a visual deterrent. If you’re based in a spot with a higher crime rate (particularly break ins) you’ll want to consider security gates with solid strength and a frame that is firmly anchored.
What is your home’s aesthetic?
This is a surprisingly important consideration. Although the primary function of a security door is to (you guessed it) keep your home secure, you’ll still want it to look good alongside your home’s existing aesthetic. For example, if the exterior of your home is all-white, you’ll probably want to stick with that aesthetic and install a white gate.
What is your budget?
It’s always good to be budget savvy. However, you should never compromise when it comes to safety. Instead of taking the cheaper route to cut down on costs, dedicate a significant (but affordable sum) to your installation. Cheaper gates are easier to bend or snap completely. If you invest in a reliable gate, you may be thanking yourself down the line in the event of an attempted burglary.
Where do you want to establish safe zones?
Security gates are not limited to the entrances of your home. In actual fact, you can install a number of security doors throughout your home to establish ‘safe zones’. Typically, safe zones are areas where you and your family typically rest and relax during the evening hours. Many home owners choose to section off their homes with security gates to create ultra-safe areas.
This makes it more difficult for intruders who break into your windows or doors, only to find themselves blocked by another security gate. It also increases the chances of early detection, giving you more time to contact your security company or local police.
The installation process, and what to expect
It may seem like a simple DIY activity, but installing security doors can be a complex task. For this reason, it’s best to leave the job to qualified professionals. Note that even the strongest, most expensive gate won’t hold up against force if it hasn’t been installed perfectly. We’ll get you up to speed with how the installation process works.
- Your professional security gate company will arrive at an allocated time
- The team will ask you to clear the area where the gate will be installed
- The gate will be installed, with the team adhering to industry best practices
- Your gate is now ready to keep you safe
This entire process shouldn’t take longer than two hours, especially if it is just an installation for one or two gates within your home. The reputable company you select will communicate its unique process with you before installation.
Maintaining your security gate
Maintaining your gate is necessary if you want it to serve you well for the next few decades. It’s easy to assume that because they’re made from tough materials, security gates don’t require maintenance, but as you now know, this isn’t at all true. As a home owner, there are a few things you can do on your end to keep your gate in top condition, such as:
Regular washing
Your security door, especially if it’s on the exterior of your home, will be exposed to the elements. This means that you’ll need to clean it regularly. Failure to do so will lead to a build-up of dirt, debris, and pollutants. As you might expect, this can tarnish the appearance of your gate and interfere with its functionality over time.
There’s an easy way to prevent this from happening, and all you need is a sponge, a brush, detergent, and water. Simply:
- Wet the sponge with water and remove the majority of dirt
- Coat a soft brush with a mild detergent and sweep it over the gate to get rid of any caked-on residue
- Rinse the gate with water
- You should repeat this procedure every 3 months if you want to keep your security gate in top form.
Lubricating the lock and hinge
Once your gate is sparkling clean, use a store-bought lubricant on your locks and hinges. This step is easy enough. Simply move the door and lock through their usual different positions while simultaneously applying lubricant. This activity will prevent squeakiness and, most importantly, jamming.
Inspections
It’s always a good idea to give your gate a good once-over every now and then. If you’re not exactly sure what to look for, you can always ask a professional to lend you a hand. The main goal is to check for any signs of damage or forced entry. In the end, you’ll want to be able to identify any problem areas and get them repaired or replaced before they become a real issue.
Here are some replacement or repair opportunities you may notice:
Deteriorating door frame
This may come as a surprise, but over time, your house can move. Whether this is due to weather, tectonic disturbances, or simply age, is sometimes hard to tell. Regardless of the cause, though, deteriorating door frames can cause security gates to stick, and also makes them easy to rip off with brute force.
Re-wiring
If your gate has mesh on it, you’ll probably have to replace it at some stage thanks to wear and tear.
Lock replacement
Unfortunately, locks can become loose after many years of use. Sorting out this problem is of the utmost importance. You need to be able to close and lock your security door in a matter of seconds, and sometimes won’t have time to fumble around with a faulty lock.
Skew hinges
Metal hinges, no matter the quality of the security in question, rarely stand the test of time. After years and years of use, you’ll probably need to have your hinges replaced.
Tips for using your security gate safely and effectively
By now, you’ll have a good idea of how helpful and effective security gates can be. In order to take full advantage of this security measure, you may want to adhere to a few important tips concerning safety and efficacy. We’ve put together some great tips to help you (safely) get the most out of your gate.
- Always make sure the gate is fully closed and locked before leaving your home or going to sleep.
- Do not prop the gate open with objects, as this defeats the purpose of having it there at all.
- If you have a slam-lock gate, make sure the area around the gate is clear before closing it shut.
- Never try to jump over, or climb through a gate. This can be dangerous and has been known to cause injuries.
- If you have any concerns about the operation of your security gate, make sure to contact a professional for assistance.
Shopping for security gates with Glow Innovations
As the primary authority for protective gates and fences, we at Glow Innovations are a fantastic choice for all of your security needs. You’ll easily find what you’re looking for in our wide range of products. If not, we’ll happily provide custom designs and creations to fit every one of your needs.
The process of finding, choosing, and installing security gates in your home can be a lengthy one. That’s why you need reliable professionals like us to help you on the journey. With Glow Innovations at the helm of your security efforts, you’re bound to come out on top.