Security gates, grilles, and shutters help keep properties safe. Property crime statistics reveal that 34% of the burglaries that happen each year affect small businesses.
Securing the entrances to your retail or commercial building is a top priority. There are several options to choose from. Having more information helps you choose the best fit for your establishment.
What are Security Gates?
Security gates are moveable metal gates that usually sit behind the windows and doors of a storefront. These gates fold up to one side when being opened. This keeps them out of the way during business hours.
Security gates have a metal lattice pattern. When they are fully closed for protection, you can still see what is inside the building. There are a couple of styles available.
One style has wheels on one end of each piece of the gate. Each piece is anchored to the wall on one end. They expand towards each other to close and add a lock. A different style moves the same way but inside a track at the top and bottom of the gate.
Security gates behind windows and doors are good for free-standing stores that are not inside a mall or other building, but they can also be used to protect stores inside a mall.
What are Security Grilles?
Security grilles are similar to security gates. When they are closed, the inside of the store is still visible. Grilles usually have a block pattern as opposed to the lattice pattern of security gates.
Security grilles can fold sideways, or they can roll upwards. They can be made to fit any doorway or window opening. Security grilles are a great choice for stores inside a mall. Customers can still view merchandise while the store is closed.
Security grilles are also a good option for parking garage entrances to stores, malls, or office buildings when they are closed.
What are Security Shutters?
Security shutters completely cover store windows or doors. People will not be able to see inside the store when the shutters are closed. When the store is open, the shutters roll up into a barrel at the top of the door or window.
These types of shutters can be insulated to reduce outside noise. This can also help regular temperature inside when the shutter is closed. Security shutters are a great way to protect individual store buildings or parking entrances.
Shutters also work well for ticket booth windows. Another good use would be concession stands inside a school or stadium.
Security shutters may need more upkeep than gates or grilles. A preventative maintenance program is a good idea for all store equipment, including security shutters.
Is a Security Gate, Grille, or Shutter Right for Your Situation?
Property protection is important for everyone. Security gates, grilles, or shutters could be the answer to protecting your retail location. Any of the three would work well for a store inside another building. Security gates or shutters give an extra level of protection to stores that are independent buildings.
