Opens in a new tab
Your Local Service Center:
Vortex Logo

Barrier and Security Gate Arms

barrier arm in the parking lot

Vortex specializes in commercial door service, repair and replacement, as well as access control systems, such as barrier and security gate arms.

barrier arm in the parking lot

Barrier arms are one of the most adaptable security devices on the market. Available in a variety of sizes and configurations, they can be custom fit to almost any location.

  • Standard Barrier Arms. The most commonly installed barrier arm. Built to manage heavy traffic, they consist of a single pole up to 15 feet long.
  • Wishbone Barrier Arms. Designed to control wide traffic lanes at industrial and manufacturing sites, these arms are up to 30 feet long, made up of two poles installed on either side of the supporting post, for added stability.  I”m not sure what this is?
  • Articulating Barrier Arms. Built for spaces with low ceilings or overhead obstacles, such as power lines, that could prevent a rigid arm from raising to its full height. Articulating arms have a hinge that allows them to fold in on themselves as they’re raised, reducing their height by up to half.
  • Automatic Barrier Arms. Raise automatically after being activated by a keypad, card reader, proximity sensor, or smartphone app.
Hand Held Card To The Scanner To Open The Car

Service and Repair

Barrier arms can experience mechanical and electrical issues and often are damaged by vehicles. Vortex technicians are trained to service, repair, and replace all critical parts, in order to minimize downtime. We know these units are critical to the security of your building and property, which is why our teams are ready to respond quickly to any and all issues, including:

barrier arm at entrance of a garage
  • Worn or Broken Parts. Though barrier arms are designed to function for years, problems can arise over time due to repeated use. Vortex service technicians inspect gears, belts, and bearings to identify problems before breaks occur.
  • Sensor Malfunction. Damaged sensors prevent barriers from opening to admit authorized users or cause them to close unexpectedly, possibly harming vehicles. Accumulated dirt and debris can also interfere with sensors, preventing them from reading signals or detecting vehicles.
  • Faulty Control System. Barrier arms are operated by an electric control board. Incorrect programming, bad software, or damage from a rainstorm or power surge can cause them to open inconsistently or incorrectly.
  • Corrosion. Unless properly sealed, rain, snow, and ice can deteriorate bolts, hinges, and other metal components, preventing the arm from opening and closing smoothly.
  • Communication Issues. Poor wiring can prevent the control board from signaling the motor, leading to access problems. If the unit is part of a larger access control system, problems within the network can lead to operational difficulties.

Vortex not only repairs barrier arms, we also help extend their lifespan and lower the cost of ownership through our preventative maintenance programs. We can even upgrade your existing equipment to improve its reliability and performance.

Fully Certified and Accredited Commercial Door Experts

IDEA logo
ISN RAVS Plus Participant Logo
2026 Certified Most Loved Workplace
America's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces 2025
Newsweek most loved 2024
AAADM logo
NFPA logo
Avetta logo

What Our Customers Are Saying

Excellent
4.8
Based on 3174 reviews
Jeff J.
Joey was very helpful in answering my questions and providing a quick repair to the jobs I had to get to get completed the same day.
Lindy S.
Mario was awesome and very professional Will keep calling him back for all my door repairs
Ceci A.
The Commerce team repaired my parking structure door and performed their same day service. Great team work!
Desi N'jera, J.
Amazing, fast, and professional. Can't wait to work with them again. - Chase Bank
Gary C.
The team is always super responsive, professional, knowledgeble and efficient. I find Tristan and Orlando to be all this things including a"go to " resource and a true pleasure to work with. Signed: Gary C from Wells Fargo Bank.
David M.
Honestly there was a point where I wanted to change vendors but when they sent us Eric Rivera over to us he really turned things around for us here at Sci-Arc he really takes care of us to the point where I know hes going to fix the issue for us. His knowledge of our doors is really amazing to where I'm surprised he's still in the field and has not been promote which would be a great loos for us to lose him. But over all if you want it done right make sure they send you Eric super honest and pays attention to the smallest detail which is cleaning up after he done and wouldn't even know he worked on anything.
R N.
Anthony and Orlando did excellent work with speedy arrival. Very courteous and professional
Efrain G.
John and Ernie did a great job helping us finally get out gate working. 100% recommend
David M.
On time and job well done, very satisfied , Jiovanni and Sergio did a great job??
Vortex Doors - since 1937

Perfect service, incredibly fast.

Please call us at (800) 698-6783 for 24/7 customer support.

Contact Us