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Expanding (Xpanda-style) security gate quotes

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1.8 x 2.1 m
A white expanding accordion security gate partly folded to one side over a sliding patio door on a South African townhouse
Material
Pressed steel or aluminium channels and links
Sizes
Openings up to about 3,000 x 2,400 mm
Locking
Face-mounted lock box on the leading edge
Finish
White, black or brown powder coat
Lead time
Often in 3 to 7 working days
Tag GT-02

What most people call an Xpanda gate is a type of expanding, accordion-style gate: crossed steel links that fold back to a narrow stack and pull out across an opening. Several South African companies make this style, so Xpanda-style is a description of the design and not one supplier. Quality differs a lot between makers, so compare steel and fixing. We are not a manufacturer and do not represent any brand. We pass your measurements to independent makers and installers who quote you directly.

How an expanding gate works

Vertical channels are joined by scissor links, and the whole gate runs on rollers along a top rail or a bottom track. Pull the gate and the links open like a lattice; push it back and it stacks to about 150 to 250 mm at one side. Because it is made from light pressed steel or aluminium, it opens with one finger and needs no swing room. That makes it handy for narrow passages, balconies and stackers where a hinged gate would hit furniture.

Where it works well, and where it does not

Expanding gates suit sliding patio doors, internal passage doors, storerooms and shopfronts that open wide. They are lighter than bar gates and cost less per square metre, which is why they are so common in rentals. They are not the strongest barrier. The thin links are designed to deter, not to resist force, so for a main entrance, a ground-floor bedroom or a cash room a heavier steel gate is wiser. See security gates or retractable security doors for the sturdier relatives.

Locks, tracks and upkeep

Most expanding gates use a small lock box on the leading edge, and quality varies. Ask for a lock with a longer bolt and a keeper plate that is screwed into the frame, not just into the channel. The bottom track needs sweeping out regularly, because grit stops the rollers. A few drops of lubricant on the pivots twice a year keep the action smooth. If the gate starts to tilt or rub, the top rail has probably sagged, which an installer can often re-fix in a visit. Bent links can be replaced individually, so a damaged gate rarely needs scrapping.

Prices and what to check

Pre-assembled gates are quoted by width, and made-to-measure by area, finish and lock. Ready-made sizes from a store look cheap, but you must trim or pack out a gap, and that weakens it. Compare quotes on fixing points, track type, powder coat and guarantee. A fitter should screw into the frame or brick every 300 to 400 mm along the track, not just at the ends. For store-bought versus custom gates, see security gates for sale.

What to include in your request

  • Width and height of the opening in mm
  • Which side the gate should stack to
  • Top rail, bottom track or both
  • Lock type and how many keys
  • Colour and wall type for fixing

Xpanda Security Gates for different properties

  • Houses: an expanding gate over a patio or back door that folds away in the day
  • Townhouses and complexes: a light gate over the sliding door in a colour the complex allows
  • Flats and apartments: a gate across the balcony door or front passage when swing room is tight
  • Farms and smallholdings: a quick option for store rooms and outbuilding doors that need ventilation
  • Shops and restaurants: a wide pull-across gate over the shopfront that folds to the side
  • Offices and practices: a light internal gate that closes off a corridor or storeroom after hours
  • Factories and warehouses: internal pull gates for tool stores, with a stronger gate outside
  • Schools, clinics and churches: inside gates for store rooms and offices, kept off escape routes

Frequently asked questions

Is Xpanda a brand or a type of gate?
People use the name for any expanding accordion gate, but Xpanda is a brand name. Other manufacturers make the same design. We refer to the style and connect you with independent suppliers.
How much do expanding security gates cost?
A single door-size gate, about 900 x 2,100 mm, often runs R1,800 to R4,500 fitted. Wide patio gates of 2.4 to 3 m cost R3,500 to R8,000, depending on steel, track and lock.
Can an expanding gate fit a door that opens inward?
Yes, as it needs no swing space and sits flat across the face of the opening. Mounting is on the outside, with the stack at the hinge side so the door can still open fully. Measure the handle clearance first.
Are they safe if there is a fire?
Only if you can reach the lock from inside and keep a key close. Do not lock a bedroom exit with a key kept elsewhere. Ask the installer for an inside release if needed.

Xpanda Security Gates by province and city

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Openings

No.Door, gate or windowWidth mmHeight mmQtyRemove
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O2
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Add a width and height in millimetres to see the openings to scale, the total area and a rough price.

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