Sagging fence gates can create many problems, including making them tough to open and close; driving us crazy. Typically, this is caused by cheap vinyl gate materials and poor installation. The gate is integral for a fence as they are a part of everyday use for many people. In this article, we will talk about the causes of sagging fence gates and how we can have a gate that not only looks great but also functions properly.
Weak Gate Post
Well-built gate posts are a significant factor for the sturdiness of gates. It might not be a prominent issue, but you must have a strong foundation for the gates. Ensure that the hinge side of your gate has an aluminum gate post embedded into the ground for more strength. Always check to see if your professional fence contractor is following the required depth of the post below the ground. This depth is typically no less than four feet deep. Do not connect the gate to the vinyl post directly without the aluminum gate post in it. The gate post will be the meat to which you will hang your hinges off. Without this aluminum, your gate will be hung off of merely vinyl, which will cause cracking and sagging.
Lack of Gate Bracing
For large vinyl gates, bracing may be required to support the weight of the gate. Its objective is to balance the load sideways. If the gate weighs a lot and does not have bracing, it will experience sagging. This can be done in a few different ways, including gate braces such as the pictures below. Gate wheels can also be used to help support a large swinging gate.
Gate Frame Omission
Strong gate post? ✅ Gate bracing? ✅ Gate frame? What’s that? Adding a gate frame doubles or even triples the strength of the bracing and the gate as a whole. Your overall vinyl fence cost may increase, but it is not money down the drain. It will increase the sag resistance of your gate. The added strength outweighs the extra cost and you will thank yourself later when you have a solid gate for years to come.
Faulty Hinges
When you’re shopping for fence hardware or hiring fence contractors, ensure that the gate hinges are heavy-duty stainless steel. The gates need to be secured, so the hinges should be strong enough to hold them. All the above-mentioned are useless if the hardware used for the fence project is substandard and inadequate.
That’s it! We hope you’ve learned a thing or two in this article on preventing sagging fence gates. If you have any other questions about vinyl fence products, you can always contact Direct Fencing Supply. We are a supplier of high-quality vinyl fences in Canada. You can email us at [email protected] or call us at Toll-Free +1 (888) 751-5324.
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