How do You Support Heavy Gates?
2022-10-29
Whether you have garden or driveway gates for security or aesthetic purposes, you must ensure they are properly supported.
Given that a metal garden gate's average weight is approximately 50kg (or 100-250kg for double gates), adding one will increase the strain on the wall at its hinges. Therefore, it is vital heavy gates are supported to avoid causing damage to your property. Are you struggling to find ways to support your heavy gates? Below, we’ve detailed a series of helpful methods to make sure your gates have maximum stability.
A high quality installation
First things first, ensure your gate is attached to a robust and sturdy wall. Gates installed on a wall that is not strong enough to support their weight will eventually sag, pull out of the hinges, or become difficult to open and close. In some cases, an unsecured gate can even fall over and cause injury.
Hinges: Get it right first time!
The most common and effective way to support heavy gates is by using hinges. You can use a hook and band hinges for wooden gates and adjustable eye bolts for metal gates. These designs are ideal for heavy gates as they can accommodate a lot of weight without sagging. Not only is it essential to make sure the hinges you select can bear the weight of your gate, but you must ensure they are able to open to the required degree. For example, a T-hinge is unsuitable for a heavy driveway gate as it will not provide the correct level of support.
Wall-mounted posts
You can take some of the strain away from the wall by attaching your gates to posts that are fixed into the ground or attached to the wall. This is an excellent option if your gates are particularly heavy or if you live in an area with high winds, as it will help to keep them secure and help spread the load.
When installing posts, it is important to make sure they are made from a durable material that can support the weight of your gates. For instance, metal or concrete posts will be much more effective than wooden ones. It is also worth considering having your posts powder-coated to protect them from rust.
Floor-mounted posts
If you can’t attach your gates to the wall, you can use in ground posts instead. These will need to be concreted into the ground to provide the most support. However, it is important to ensure they are concreted in correctly and that the concrete has had time to set before attaching your gates.
Not keen on posts? Try a track and roller system
The cantilever system is a great way to support heavy gates without needing posts. This involves attaching the gates to a track fixed to the wall or floor, allowing them to slide open and closed. This system is perfect for large gates as it eliminates the need for posts that can take up a lot of space. It also makes it easy to open and close your gates, as they will move smoothly along the track. Another benefit of using a cantilever system is that it is much more secure than traditional hinges. This is because the gates are attached to the wall or floor and cannot be pulled away from the hinges by someone trying to force their way in.
If you want an extra-wide gate, choose a double gate!
Supporting an extra-wide gate can be challenging but possible with a double gate. This type of gate consists of two halves that are hinged together, allowing them to open and close like a book. The two gates will meet in the middle and appear as one solid unit when closed.
A double gate is ideal for use as a driveway gate as it provides a wide opening for vehicles to pass through. It is also perfect for use in windy areas, as the two gates will help to keep each other secure.
If you are unsure which support system would be best for your gates, we recommend speaking to a professional for advice. Garden Gates Direct offers a wide range of garden gates and driveway gates and all the fixtures and fittings you'll need to secure them. Visit our website or contact us today to find out more.
FAQs
The most common and effective way to support heavy gates is by using hinges. You can use a hook and band hinges for wooden gates and adjustable eye bolts for metal gates. These designs are ideal for heavy gates as they can accommodate a lot of weight without sagging.
How to stop a heavy gate from sagging? ›
Tightening screws does help, but often it is not enough. An inexpensive anti-sag gate kit is exactly what you need to force that parallelogram back into a proper square or rectangle. Anti-sag kits consist of two corner braces, four cable clamps, and a metal turnbuckle, along with a stranded steel cable and fasteners.
How to make a gate more sturdy? ›
Two Strategies for Building a No-Sag Gate
- The Tension Solution: The tension solution uses a rod or a cable and turnbuckle, as shown, to keep the frame from twisting out of square. ...
- The Compression Solution: This solution makes use of a solid brace along the opposite diagonal.
It's important to have a good quality, key-operated lock for your garden gate. So, consider the following options: Long throw gate locks – Great for securing timber garden gates and can be operated with a key from both sides. Mortice locks – Ideal for bespoke metal gates, providing a strong level of security.
How do you support a heavy gate? ›
The most common and effective way to support heavy gates is by using hinges. You can use a hook and band hinges for wooden gates and adjustable eye bolts for metal gates. These designs are ideal for heavy gates as they can accommodate a lot of weight without sagging.
Do anti-sag gate kits work? ›
Are repair kits for sagging wood gates any good? Anti-sag kits range in price from $12 to $30, and they make a perfectly good repair on small- to medium-size gates. Most consist of two to four corner braces, a turnbuckle, cable, and fittings. The cable runs diagonally across the gate with the turnbuckle in the center.
What are gate braces? ›
Gate bracing refers to the diagonal supports that are attached to the gate's frame, typically in an "X" or "Z" pattern. The purpose of these braces is to add rigidity and strength to the gate, preventing it from sagging or twisting over time.
How to z-brace a gate? ›
The bracing on a gate should always be installed in a "Z" pattern, with the point of the "Z" needing to be opposite the hinge side of the gate. This means that the diagonal brace should run from the bottom of the hinge side of the gate to the top of the latch side of the gate.
Which side to put hinges on a gate? ›
The hinges for gates are always fitted on either the front or rear face of the post or wall plate and never between the post and the gate. Handing is the side of the hand on the gate. This can either be on the left hand (LH) or on the right hand (RH) when looking at the good side.
How to make a gate not sag? ›
Simple supports that run diagonally across the backside of a fence gate can practically guarantee that gate won't sag going forward. These diagonal supports add a bit of extra attention and compression to lock in the stability of the wood being used.
An ideal set up is a combination of padbolt and double locking long throw gate lock. There is also the option of a mortice deadlock. These can be three or five levers but it's worth noting that insurers will usually demand five, which is why this lock is often called a 'five lever insurance lock'.
Do I need 2 or 3 hinges on a gate? ›
With Tee hinges, you'll want to use a hinge length of at least half the width of the gate you're hanging. For instance, a 1000mm wide gate will need a 500mm Tee hinge. For any gates above 2100mm, a third hinge should be added to support the additional weight.
How do you stabilize a large gate? ›
Measure and cut a diagonal support board to fit snuggly inside the opposing corners of the gate frame. Screw the diagonal support in place to transfer the weight of the gate to the hinge side and keep the gate from sagging. Screw the pickets to the diagonal gate support to provide more support strength.
What keeps a gate from sagging? ›
The easiest way to reinforce a gate is to attach a diagonal brace or tension rod connecting one of the hinges to the corner opposite. This equalizes the tension between each side of the gate.
How to secure a gate from wind? ›
Secure the Gate With Chains
To remedy this, you need to lock your gate in either the fully open or fully closed position, and sturdy chains are your trusted ally in this. It will help your gate from swinging wildly, which further reduces the risk of damage to both the gate and the opener.
How do you make a gate not sag? ›
Simple supports that run diagonally across the backside of a fence gate can practically guarantee that gate won't sag going forward. These diagonal supports add a bit of extra attention and compression to lock in the stability of the wood being used.
How to stiffen a wood gate? ›
Attach Turnbuckle: Unscrew the turnbuckle, and attach it to the top metal corner bracket. Attach Cable: Attach the steel cable to the turnbuckle and bottom corner bracket using the cable clamps provided. Tighten Turnbuckle: Turn the turnbuckle to tighten up the cable and remove the sag from the gate.
Why does my gate sag when I open it? ›
In general, the most common cause for a gate to begin sagging is either the gate material is warped, the hinges have moved, the posts are no longer parallel with one another, or the gate is lacking structural components.
How do you stop a heavy gate from slamming? ›
In these situations, you can use a gate stop to prevent the gate from swinging too far back. Gate stops are designed to create a boundary to make sure the gate is only opened to a certain degree. They can be installed on the ground or on the gate itself depending on the material and where you need the gate to stop.
