Swing gates come as single or double (bi-parting). A single swing gate is the most economical and easy to install of all gate systems. This also holds true for the automation on single swing gates. Single swing gates have a practical limited width of about 16 Ft.. Gates wider than 16 Ft. do exist and gate operators are available to handle 20 Ft. wide gates.

Bi-parting swing gates are considered the most elegant entryways. Bi-parting gates can be much larger; up to 32 Ft. Commonly most gates are between 12- 24 Ft. in width. For a clean, well-designed appearance do not allow for more than 1" space between leafs on bi-parting gates. Grade beams are recommended on bi-parting gates.

Need help deciding what's best for your project? Give us a call! Gate Depot has a great selection of Steel Driveway Gates and Aluminum Driveway Gates.

Gates that swing into your property are preferred. Sometimes it is necessary, due to grades, to have the gate swing out. In this instance the best gate opener to use is a Linear Arm Operator. A linear arm opener can be installed inside of the gate, allowing for the gate to swing outward. The operator pushes the gate open, and pulls it closed and also works well in bi-parting installations.

Swing Arm Operators are not recommended as they would need to be outside the gate. This would leave the operator vulnerable, and have an unsightly appearance.

Adjustable Swing Gate Hinges are “Sealed Flange Bearing” style which can support 800 pounds. When the bracket has adjusting slots for the bolts, it can effectively adjust the gate to make it plumb. This is critical when installing  bi-parting gates as it allows the gate sections to be plumb with an even space between the two leafs. They also serve to re-level the gate in the case of the post settling or being slightly off after installation. This type of hinge can be used on posts or columns. Gate Depot makes these Adjustable Hinge Kits exclusively. They cannot be found elsewhere at this time.

Block Hinges are formed from solid steel and usually have a stainless steel pin on the top section. The pin goes into a cylindrical hole on the bottom section and there is a single steel ball that it rests on. There is a Zerk grease fitting at the bottom to add grease as needed. Block hinges come in several sizes from 4” to 8” in overall height. If these type of hinges are not regularly lubricated, they can freeze up. On heavy gates, the pin hole on the bottom section has a tendency to get elongated after several years of usage if they are not lubricated regularly. The other limitation to this hinge is it is not adjustable after it has been installed. Block hinges are not recommended for bi-parting gates.

Positive Stops are used to stop the movement of the gate in the open or closed position. Most swing arm operators are very good at positioning a gate and do not required these stops. However, positive stops are required on almost all hydraulically operated gates and are recommended on linear operators, especially on bi-parting gates, as all mechanical linear arms have a little play in them. On a single gate it is recommended that a small fixed stop plate be added to the post or column opposite the operator. When used on bi-parting gates it is recommended that adjustable end stops be used to assure a pleasing appearance where the gates meet in the center.

Our exclusive Universal Positive Stop is highly recommended for critical gate alignment.

Swing Gate Posts are 5” or 6” square tubular metal. The post hole should be minimum 36” deep and 20” x 20” square. Do not use a round hole because the post will work its way loose. The bottom of the metal post should not touch the earth. Use a small paving block or equivalent to keep it from making contact with the earth. A post will bend slightly when the gate is hung due to the gate's weight. When installing the post use about ½ degree of deflection in the opposite direction of the gate hinge in the closed position. This interprets to about 3/16” off plumb for a 5' - 6’ high gate.

If your earth is unstable (sandy, loamy, or clay) use Post Outriggers on single gates. Leave a few inches all around the outriggers trench for concrete fill. Outriggers are
4’ - 5’ long and should be placed in the open and closed position of the post.

Use a Grade Beam on bi-parting gates and gates with columns. The beam locks the post or columns together as one unit providing more surface area for the entire structure. This prevents any dramatic settling and the post or columns from tilting. It also keeps by-parting gate leafs in precise alignment.

Skeletons are required whenever a column is used. These are custom made to fit both the gate and column and are core to the installation. Skeletons can be quite elaborate with pre-installed underground operator units, niches for linear arm openers, lighting and brackets for flush mounting the control cabinet. Skeletons support the column, gates, gate operators, equipment cabinets and lights. A great deal of time and on-site welding can be saved by having these pre-made to fit your installation. After the skeletons are set, the equipment is hung and the masonry is built around them. Gate Depot custom makes these skeletons which makes it possible for a do-it-yourselfer to install these high-end gate systems.

Give us a call, toll free 1.888.818.4283 or 707.938.1002, send us a message in the chat room, or shoot us an email with any additional questions you might have. If we don’t have an answer for you immediately we would be more than happy to do a little research to find a solution for your problem. You can also do some more research on your own at the most complete gate installation site on the web http://www.gateinfo.org.