The scene is familiar to almost everyone, we’ll bet: there’s a big car chase in a movie or TV show, and the driver at some point decides they need to blast through a metal security gate to either catch or evade the bad guys. The engine revs, there’s a loud, metallic “chink,” maybe some sparks fly, and car and driver have busted through, generally no worse for wear—although the gate is usually heavily damaged.
At Union Door, we are experts in these kinds of security gates, and we thought it would be fun to debunk this common Hollywood motif. To be clear: attempting to drive through a security gate is a fast track to a busted bumper and a hefty repair bill. These gates are built to keep people out, and they do so better than most people (Hollywood screenwriters included) tend to think. If you’ve ever wondered how strong they really are—or what happens if someone tried to ram their way through one—let’s set the record straight.
The Strength of Security Gates
Security gates come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Swing gates open like a door, sliding gates move horizontally, and vertical lift gates rise straight up. Each one offers a different level of security, functionality, and convenience, depending on the property.
As for materials, steel and aluminum are the top choices. Steel, of course, is tougher and can take a good amount of punishment, but is often more expensive.Aluminum offers a lighter, more corrosion-resistant option. This is a great option that requires less expensive hardware and mounting solutions. Some gates even feature reinforced barriers for that extra layer of protection.
Most high-quality commercial security gates can withstand impacts between 3,000 to 10,000 pounds of force. Some gates follow K-ratings or American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards developed by the US State Department. This means they can stop vehicles traveling at certain speeds. For example, a K4-rated gate can stop a 15,000-pound vehicle at 30 mph.
What Happens If You Try to Drive Through One?
If someone were to try driving through your security gate, they’d quickly find out that it’s not as easy as it sounds (or as epic as movies portray). They will instead likely cause significant damage to both the gate and their vehicle; while damage is often portrayed in the movies as a simply a trade-off of being able to blast through the gate, in reality, the vehicle won’t be going anywhere after the collision.
This is because the gate, whether steel or aluminum, is designed to withstand a certain amount of force, and while a high-speed crash can still bend, break, or jam the frame, as well as damage the motor or control system, it is unlikely to simply be swept entirely aside, letting the vehicle continue on. And of course, that vehicle may incur significantly more damage than is portrayed in movies, depending on its speed and the force of impact.
Safety Precautions When Using a Security Gate
Hollywood aside, when using a security gate, it’s crucial to follow the proper access procedures in order to avoid damaging the gate or causing safety issues. If you’re too close behind another car, you risk hitting the gate as it’s closing, or worse, causing it to malfunction, which could lead to costly repairs. In short, when it comes to security gates, don’t try to outsmart it or be Evel Knievel—just follow the rules and have patience.
Security cameras should also accompany most gate structures and systems, so that if any unauthorized entry or exit is attempted, it can be documented and prosecuted.
Beyond these safety and security measures, regular maintenance is key to a well-operating gate. Make sure your gate’s sensors, motors, and safety features are all working like they should. A simple check-up every few months can save you from bigger issues down the road and ensure your gate keeps operating smoothly and safely. Taking care of it might just be the easiest way to prevent any surprise breakdowns or accidents that may complicate access to the property.
Prevent Damage by Avoiding These Actions
To keep your security gate in top shape, here are a few things to avoid:
- Forcing the gate open manually: The motors of security gates can be damaged if the gates themselves are forced open or in the wrong direction.
- Ignoring malfunctioning sensors or mechanical issues: the metal framing is likely to remain strong whereas the mechanical and electrical components are more susceptible to malfunction. Keep these in top shape and certainly don’t let any minor issues persist until they become significant.
- Overloading automatic gates: Avoid blocking the gate’s path or using it too frequently to ensure smooth operation.
Taking care of these things will help prevent unnecessary damage and keep your gate running smoothly!
Commercial Security Gate Installation
For those who are managing a commercial or residential property with security gates, pay no attention to Hollywood—unless someone is driving a tank or maybe a semi truck, they’re not going to just drive through your gate. Security gates are, after all, designed specifically to protect and stand strong, and the sturdiest will certainly block most moving vehicles.
If you’re on the search for the strongest and highest quality security gates, contact Union Door today. And if you’re a Hollywood props contractor looking for flimsy gates to drive through on your movie set—keep looking!