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What Makes a Quality Automatic Driveway Gate?
December 2nd 2009
I have been in the Metal Fabrication Industry for over 13 years and more specifically the Driveway Gate business for 11 of those years. In my career I have learned the difference between a quality hand-crafted driveway gate and a cheap out-of-country pre-manufactured imitation.
There are a few core components that make up quality aluminum, steel, or wrought iron driveway gates. The first key to a quality gate is selecting the best material from a high quality distributor. Personally, I use 2x2x1/8th Framing on every project to ensure that there will never be any sagging or warping after the gate has been installed.
In my opinion, the most important part of building a gate is fabrication process. More specifically, in the structure that the gate is fabricated. A proper knowledge of automated entry structural fabrication is important to the way that the gate is designed and built. A consistently solid weld on high quality material can only lead to a product that will maintain its structural integrity.
After the gate is built there is still an important step in the painting process. A high quality powder-coat is the best method for a long lasting, rust free product. Be careful when selecting a fabricator for your estate gate because many companies cut corners that will leave you a lower quality product that will give you problems down the road.
Quality gate operators from a reputable manufacture are crucial for a long lasting, low maintenance gate system. I would recommend any of the top manufacturers: Chamberlain, Lift Master & Door King
Setting the posts is one very important step when installing automatic driveway gates. There are a few basic fundamentals that if followed will guarantee long lasting, problem free driveway gate posts.
When installing posts on any project it is best to be sure and dig the post-hole 3 feet deep to ensure a professional application. Post wall thickness should be Ό thick to make sure a secure setting of posts is achieved and also that no bending will occur after the gate is hung. 4x 4x1/4 thick steel tubing for posts is structurally proper for most aluminum or steel driveway gates.5x5x1/4 thick posts should be used for all wood gates because they are typically heavier than driveway gates made from other materials.
There are two main methods that are used to dig the post holes. The first, and simplest, method is a post-hole digger, which is a simple tool that digs a perfectly sized hole for the 4 posts. A post-hole digger can only be used on semi-soft ground. If the ground is heavy with rocks we in the industry we call this DG meaning dirt & gravel and a more powerful tool must be used.
Once the hole is dug then the next step is to set and level the posts. This step is very simple but it is recommended to measure twice before pouring the concrete to ensure a level driveway gate. After the concrete has been poured and mixed the solution should be dried for at least 36 hours before hanging the driveway gates. If the gates must be hung before the concrete has solidified then they should be blocked up with a wedge in order to take the stress off of the posts and prevent a un-level application.
If these simple guidelines are followed than it can be expected that a professional post installation will be achieved.
These are a few of the individual aspects that together make up a high quality automatic estate driveway gate system. My name is Frank Allen and I have been working for Premiere Gate Systems in San Diego, California for 6 years as a lead fabricator & project coordinator.
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