What Size Manual Swing Gate Do I Need? | Aremco Barriers

Choosing the correct size manual swing gate starts with more than simply measuring the width of an entrance. The available opening, vehicle movements, surrounding space and how the gate will be used all need to be considered.

For commercial, industrial and public-sector sites, getting these details right at the start can make the difference between a gate that is straightforward to operate and one that causes unnecessary access problems.

At Aremco Barriers, we manufacture manual steel swing gates in the UK for a wide range of vehicle access-control applications. This guide explains the main measurements and practical points to consider when deciding what size swing gate you need.

How Do I Measure for a Manual Swing Gate?

One of the first things we need to know is the required opening between the gate posts.

Measure the width of the entrance where you intend the gate to be installed and consider the actual usable space vehicles will need to pass through.

It is important to distinguish between the overall width of the installation and the opening available for vehicles. Gate posts, hinges and other components all occupy space, so the dimensions should be considered before foundations are prepared or posts installed.

If you are replacing an existing gate, don't automatically assume that the existing dimensions are suitable. It is worth measuring the opening again and considering whether the type or size of vehicles using the entrance has changed.

What Width Swing Gate Do I Need?

There isn't one standard gate width suitable for every site.

The required width depends largely on the vehicles using the entrance and how they approach it.

For example, an entrance used primarily by cars will normally have different requirements from one regularly accessed by vans, delivery vehicles, refuse vehicles or HGVs.

Consider:

• The width of the entrance

• The type and size of vehicles using it

• Vehicle turning movements

• Whether vehicles approach the gate straight on or at an angle

• How frequently the entrance is used

• Space available for the gate to open

• Whether occasional access is required for larger vehicles

Allowing adequate clearance is particularly important where vehicles need to turn immediately before or after passing through the gate.

Single-Leaf or Double-Leaf Swing Gate?

The width of the entrance is also likely to influence whether a single-leaf or double-leaf swing gate is the better option.

Single-Leaf Swing Gates

A single-leaf gate consists of one gate leaf hinged from one side of the entrance.

Aremco's standard single-leaf manual swing gates are available for openings from approximately 3 metres up to 6 metres.

Single-leaf gates can provide a simple and practical solution where sufficient room is available for the complete gate leaf to swing safely.

However, as the opening becomes wider, the gate leaf also becomes longer and heavier. This makes correct installation, suitable foundations and adequate support increasingly important.

Double-Leaf Swing Gates

For wider entrances, a double-leaf arrangement may be more practical.

Instead of one long gate leaf, two leaves are installed on opposing posts and meet towards the centre of the entrance when closed.

This reduces the length that each individual leaf needs to travel when opening and can be particularly useful where a wide vehicle entrance needs to be secured.

Don't Forget the Space Needed to Open the Gate

The width across the entrance isn't the only measurement that matters.

A manual swing gate needs enough unobstructed space to travel through its opening arc.

Before deciding on the gate size, check for anything that could prevent the gate from opening fully, including:

• Buildings and walls

• Fencing

• Parked vehicles

• Kerbs

• Changes in ground level

• Vegetation

• Storage areas

• Pedestrian routes

• Other gates or barriers

A gate that fits perfectly across the entrance is of little use if there isn't sufficient room to open it safely.

Check the Ground Level

Ground conditions are another important consideration, particularly with longer gate leaves.

If the ground rises significantly in the direction that the gate opens, the bottom of the gate may not have sufficient clearance.

Sloping or uneven ground should therefore be identified before the gate is manufactured or installed.

Where possible, take measurements at several points across the proposed opening and opening arc rather than relying on a single measurement.

Think About How the Entrance Is Actually Used

It can be tempting to choose a gate based purely on the dimensions available, but the way the entrance operates day to day is equally important.

Ask yourself:

Who needs access?
Is the entrance used by employees, contractors, delivery drivers, maintenance vehicles or members of the public?

How frequently will the gate be opened?
A gate operated a few times each week has different practical considerations from one being opened and closed repeatedly throughout the working day.

What is the largest vehicle likely to use the entrance?
Don't design the opening solely around the vehicles that use it most frequently if larger vehicles occasionally need access.

Where will vehicles wait while the gate is opened?
There should be sufficient room for a vehicle to stop without creating an obstruction or unsafe situation.

Gate Posts and Foundations Matter

As gate leaves become longer and heavier, the loads placed on the hanging post and hinges increase.

The supporting posts therefore need to be correctly installed into foundations suitable for the gate and the local ground conditions.

Poorly installed or inadequately supported posts can move over time, potentially causing the gate to drop out of alignment or become difficult to operate.

This is why the gate itself should not be considered separately from its foundations and installation.

Root-Fixed or Bolt-Down?

The proposed installation method should also be considered when ordering.

Root-fixed posts are installed into prepared foundations and concreted into the ground. This is commonly used for new installations.

Bolt-down posts may be suitable for certain sites where an appropriate existing concrete base is available.

The correct option will depend on the gate, site conditions and existing surface.

If you're unsure, it is better to discuss the installation requirements before ordering rather than discovering afterwards that the proposed fixing method isn't suitable.

What About Gates Wider Than 6 Metres?

For particularly wide entrances, simply manufacturing an increasingly long single gate leaf isn't always the best solution.

Longer leaves become heavier, require more space to open and place greater loads on the supporting components.

A double-leaf swing gate may therefore be more appropriate for wider openings.

At Aremco Barriers, we can also discuss bespoke requirements where a standard gate size isn't suitable.

Safety Should Be Considered From the Start

Manual gates are substantial pieces of equipment and safety should form part of the specification, installation and ongoing maintenance of the gate.

The gate should be correctly supported and aligned, and appropriate measures should be provided to help prevent uncontrolled movement or foreseeable hazards.

Aremco swing gates are manufactured with suitable gate hardware and safety considerations for manual operation, including safety restrainers where applicable.

Regular inspection after installation is also important. Hinges, fixings, locking arrangements, restrainers and the overall alignment of the gate should be checked periodically and any damage or excessive wear addressed.

What Information Should I Provide When Requesting a Quote?

If you're requesting a quotation for a manual swing gate, providing a few basic details can help us identify the most suitable option.

Ideally, let us know:

• Required opening width between posts

• Approximate gate height, if this is important

• Single or double-leaf preference, if known

• Root-fixed or bolt-down requirement, if known

• Type of vehicles using the entrance

• Required finish

• Whether additional open-position posts are required

• Any unusual site conditions or restrictions

Photographs of the proposed entrance can also be extremely useful, particularly where space, existing fencing or ground levels may affect the installation.

What Finish Can I Choose?

Aremco manual swing gates can be supplied in different finishes depending on the application.

Options include galvanised steel, powder coating, or galvanising followed by powder coating, with powder-coated gates available in a range of RAL colours to suit individual site requirements.

Galvanising provides long-term corrosion protection, while powder coating can provide the required colour and appearance. Combining the two can provide both corrosion protection and a coloured finish.

Need Help Choosing the Right Swing Gate Size?

Every entrance is different, so if you're unsure what size gate you need, speak to Aremco Barriers before ordering.

We can discuss your opening dimensions, vehicle access requirements and preferred gate configuration to help determine an appropriate solution.

Our manual swing gates are manufactured in the UK, with standard and bespoke options available for commercial, industrial and public-sector applications.

Please note: Any prices shown on the Aremco Barriers website are guide prices only. Contact us for a quotation based on your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size do Aremco manual swing gates come in?

Standard Aremco single-leaf swing gates are available for openings from approximately 3 metres to 6 metres. Double-leaf and bespoke arrangements are also available for wider or non-standard entrances.

How do I measure the opening for a swing gate?

Measure the required opening between the gate posts rather than assuming the overall site width represents the usable vehicle opening. If you're unsure, provide us with your measurements and photographs of the entrance.

Is a single or double swing gate better for a wide entrance?

For wider openings, a double-leaf gate can often be more practical because each individual leaf is shorter than one large single leaf. The best arrangement depends on the opening width, available space and how the entrance is used.

Can a swing gate be installed on sloping ground?

It may be possible, but the direction and severity of the slope need to be considered carefully. Rising ground can restrict the opening arc of a conventional swing gate.

Can Aremco manufacture a bespoke swing gate?

Yes. In addition to standard sizes, Aremco Barriers can manufacture swing gates to suit many non-standard requirements. Contact us with the opening dimensions and details of the application.

Are manual swing gates suitable for commercial sites?

Yes. Manual steel swing gates are commonly used for industrial estates, car parks, service yards, commercial premises, access roads and other locations where controlled vehicle access is required.