Hinged (swinging) or sliding gate?

Many builders or users of existing, but in need of replacement, gates are asking themselves the same question. sliding or swing gate? Which one to choose? Which is cheaper? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having one and the other?
In today's post, we will try to share our knowledge and give you a hint of what is right for whom and what you need to know when choosing the best option.

Swing gate (swinging)

To begin with, some information worth considering before buying swing gate:

• the swing gate is ideal for owners of large plots of land who do not mind the fact that the wings open and do not cause difficulties in communication on the plot. A swing gate must, of course, open inwards (towards the side of the property), so the decision to choose it should be well thought out and the plot properly measured;
• This door has a more classic and formal character. It definitely fits in more with traditional architecture, but at the same time the use of modern materials will also make it fit in with modern architecture;
• swing gates are definitely cheaper than sliding gates (of course, the final price depends on the materials used);
• does not require additional foundations (only the posts necessary for the installation of the gate need to be erected).

Taking gate automation even further, the one for swing gates is definitely more expensive and more complicated. Why is such a drive more expensive? You also have to take into account the wind pushing against the leaves of the open gate, which the gate and the operator have to face.

A swing gate by Rakstal.

Sliding gate

Let's perhaps start with some basic and also important information regarding sliding gates, which you should think about before choosing the type of gate:

• the type of plot you have - wide plot versus shallow plot (a sliding gate is most often installed when you are dealing with a shallow plot where there is a short distance from the fence to the house or garage. If this distance is short, then it is not possible to install a swing gate, which would prevent or significantly impede communication on the plot between the house and the driveway);
• the absence of any obstacles in the path of the sliding gate arm (the gate arm must have somewhere to hide and there must be no obstacles or plants or trees in its path. Most often the arm slides on the inside of the fence, but this is not the only solution);
• the positioning of the gate in relation to the gate (the opening gate must not obstruct the pedestrian entrance to the property).

The undoubted advantage in favour of sliding gates is that they are definitely easier to use in winter. Imagine the amount of snow that has to be removed to open a swing gate and the amount that has to be removed to clear the way for its sliding counterpart. A thing to think about and consider in our latitude.
In addition, when choosing a sliding gate with one leaf, the cost of purchasing the operator will be considerably less than for a swing gate.

At the end of the section on sliding gates, this is a piece of information - we recommend it and, as you can see from our galleries, most customers are now choosing self-supporting sliding gatesThese are more practical to use (dirt collects in the rails, which can damage the rollers and make it impossible to open), more aesthetically pleasing to look at (they appear lighter than they really are) and far less problematic than rail-mounted ones (leaves or snow not lying directly under the door do not impede its movement).

Below is an example of our implementation

We hope that the information contained in this short note will help you make a decision about the type of gate you need. If you require any further information or are still in doubt, please feel free to contact our sales department.