The entrance gate of a suburban area is the first thing people see. Therefore, the desire to choose a beautiful product is understandable. But the aesthetic function is not the only one - the important aspect is security and restricting access of strangers to the territory.
One popular solution is to install swing gates. Their main advantages are:
- simplicity and sophistication of the design;
- low cost of production and installation;
- no special requirements for operation;
- wide choice of gate shapes and designs;
- possibility of using automatic drives for opening and closing.
The disadvantages of this type of gate include the large area required for the gate to operate and the limited possibility of use in places with high wind loads.
Classification of swing gates
The main division occurs at the stage of selecting the number of sashes. Options are available with either one or two, opening in different directions. With a double-leaf design, it is not necessary to maintain equal lengths of the leaves.
Also, a wicket can be built into the door leaf. This solution will simplify entry and exit to the territory and help increase service life by reducing wear on the hinges.
This solution will save space if the gate is installed in a garage opening.
Gate design
The schematic diagram of swing gates is quite simple and does not require special knowledge, even if a person decides to make swing gates with his own hands:
- The supporting element is the pillars or edges of the opening. They must be securely fastened, the concreting of the pillars must be carried out taking into account the weight of the gate leaves.
- Gate frame. Usually made of metal profiles.
- Finishing or filling material for sashes.
- Loops. The number and permissible load of hinges are selected based on the weight of the gate and the length of each leaf.
- Locking elements. The most popular solution is a bolt into the ground and a lock that locks both doors through the hinges.
Advantages and disadvantages of using wood
As a texture, wood has a number of structural and aesthetic advantages, but there are also a number of disadvantages that cottage owners who want to use this material to make portals with their own hands need to be aware of.
Advantages:
- Cheap and accessible
. The range of materials and products allows a choice to suit every taste and financial capabilities. - Constructiveness
. Wood allows you to make any type. - Great possibilities for decoration
. The wood can be painted or carved. If the owner wants an antique wooden gate, then you can invite a cabinetmaker and, with the help of his services, get an excellent carved wooden gate. - All production and installation work can be done independently
. - Versatility
. The wooden texture will become an aesthetic continuation for fences made of all possible building materials.
The disadvantages include two factors that are associated with a decrease in quality over time:
- Impact of precipitation and temperature changes.
- Impact of insect pests.
All these negative factors lead to the destruction of texture and a change in aesthetic appearance. From moisture, for example, wood darkens, rots and collapses.
There are various wood pre-treatment methods that are designed to improve performance and durability. All possible pre-processing methods will be discussed further.
Gate appearance
The variety of materials and shapes is due to the freedom to choose the type of profiles for making the frame. For each type of filling, it is recommended to choose your own edging shape. Many photos of swing gates on the Internet will help you choose a suitable design.
Wooden cladding looks solid and attractive. There are options for either a picket fence or a completely wooden gate. Their disadvantage is the weight of the canvas and the price.
Metal swing gates are a steel frame with crossbars or forged elements welded to it. In the first case, corrugated sheet or polycarbonate can act as a material that prevents the “transparency” of the structure.
A popular, but rather expensive option is gates filled with sandwich panels. Such gates slightly reduce noise pollution from the street, and a wide selection of colors and panel designs allows you to choose a solution that matches the appearance of your home. These doors look good paired with sectional doors made in a similar design.
Selecting materials
It is necessary to approach the choice of materials for swing metal gates with a wicket with all responsibility. Photos, descriptions and other characteristics must be carefully studied.
Choice of skin:
For this design, durable, strong material must be used. If this is a tree, then it must be additionally protected from rotting and treated against the appearance of various wood parasites. If you plan to use corrugated sheeting, choose class C, N or NS.
Corrugated sheeting must be class C, N or NS
Choice of material for the frame:
- Welded frame – has the greatest durability and strength. Not suitable for automatic gates due to its impressive weight.
- The aluminum frame is an excellent reliable option for automation, as it is light in weight.
- The bolted frame is the easiest to manufacture, but also the least durable.
Helpful information! To create a frame, use metal, as it can withstand adverse influences more easily than wood.
Metal is the best option for a gate frame
Selection of material for pillars:
- Brick is a strong and durable option that can withstand the weight of large structures.
Brick is highly durable
- Concrete is the most reliable material, which, among other things, lends itself well to processing and cosmetic repairs.
Concrete is the best option
Automation
Any gate can be modified to open and close remotely.
The drive for swing gates is selected taking into account its load capacity and several external factors. It is important to take into account the windage of the structure and the wind strength inherent in the area. For windy regions, it is recommended to choose lattice or honeycomb doors, which will reduce the load on the automation.
In addition to the drive itself, it is recommended to install photocells to ensure the safety of the system.
When an object is in the gate opening, a command will be given to the drives, blocking the closing of the gates, in order to avoid damage to property and the gate, or injury.
The last point is installation of automation
A separate item can be considered the purchase of an automation kit. You need to choose it carefully, since the installation of the gate will be considered complete when the electric drive control system is installed.
The installation manual must be included in the main kit. As a last resort, you can make an application to the appropriate company.
You can, of course, turn to the Internet for help, but there is a risk of receiving incomplete information. So it is better to approach this problem professionally and purchase instructions of guaranteed quality, according to which a system will subsequently be installed that works without failure.
In general, if you approach the work with due care and show patience, in the end the house and the entire private territory will be under reliable protection. It will be even more pleasant to know that the swing gates were installed without the involvement of outside help in the form of professional teams.
