Different Types of Barriers and Their Uses

They may seem simple, but barriers play a pivotal role in safeguarding properties, managing access, and enhancing overall security measures. Physical security solutions like barriers and turnstiles are among the most important and effective methods for businesses looking to secure their assets.

Here at Shuretech, we understand the importance of deploying effective barriers to fortify your property. Let’s take a look at what security barriers really are, the different types available, and how they can be used on commercial premises.

What are security barriers?

Essentially, physical security barriers are used to prevent unauthorised access to a premises. From turnstiles to folding parking barriers, security barriers come in many shapes and sizes and often are best suited to dealing with a certain kind of security issue.

The different types of security barrier

There are three main types of barriers: traffic barriers, gates, and turnstiles. However, each of these has its own set of sub-categories, and there are also some that fall outside of these categories altogether - for instance, rising kerbs, bollards, and folding parking barriers or posts.

Traffic barriers

The main types of traffic barriers usually found on business premises are rising arm barriers, height restriction barriers, and swing arm barriers. Rising arm barriers can be either automatic or manual, as well as be integrated with other technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition while also requiring less space when compared to their swing arm counterparts.

Height restriction barriers are typically found at the entrances of car parks where the business wants to restrict larger vehicles from accessing the area. This is particularly common in multi storey car parks. This kind of barrier can be paired with swing gates or swing arm barriers to restrict access even for vehicles that meet the height requirements.

Gates

Similarly to traffic barriers, there are also three main types of gates used in commercial access control: swing gates, sliding gates, and pedestrian gates. All three are available in automatic and manual variants, making them easily customisable to your business’s needs.

When it comes to swing gates vs. sliding gates, each one offers different advantages. For instance, swing gates are easier to install due to less groundwork being required, whereas sliding gates require extra consideration upon installation but have a much smaller footprint when opening and closing.

While less common than swing and sliding gates, pedestrian gates offer an effective access control solution for businesses whose site visitors will predominantly be on foot. By installing pedestrian gates, you can regulate the number of pedestrians entering an area and avoid leaving your main gates open.

Turnstiles

There are many variations of turnstiles, including outdoor types like single-rotor and twin-rotor turnstiles that offer effective security solutions. Single-rotor turnstiles are ideal for regulating personnel movement into or out of a facility, while twin-rotor turnstiles extend this control to both entrance and exit points.

Moreover, turnstiles serve as effective solutions for managing large entry volumes, such as at sports events or concerts. Each option has its own set of advantages, so it’s important to carefully assess which best suits your specific needs.

Don't compromise on security. Contact Shuretech now to explore our comprehensive range of security barriers. Whether you need parking barriers, an automatic gate barrier or a turnstile solution, we have you covered. Secure your premises with Shuretech and experience peace of mind like never before!