Every gate begins its life with the promise of reliable, smooth operation. Unfortunately, oversights during installation can shatter this potential, leading to years of frustrating problems. In this post, we’ll highlight three key mistakes to avoid during gate installation, ensuring your investment performs as intended.
- Improper Sizing. One of the most common yet avoidable mistakes during gate installation is incorrect sizing. A gate that’s too narrow can create daily headaches, forcing drivers to navigate tight spaces and potentially causing damage to vehicles or the gate itself. You must always measure your space generously, accounting for current and future access needs.
- Suboptimal Placement. Failing to account for the prevailing terrain can result in a gate installation that scrapes or binds to the ground, swings unevenly, or fails to close properly. Therefore, it’s essential that you consider the natural contours of your land and make necessary adjustments – such as grading the area or racking the gate – before installation.
- Poor Gate Quality. As your fence system’s most actively used component, your gate demands materials and construction that can help it withstand the constant motion. Regardless of whether you choose metal, vinyl, or wood, each gate material must be designed and installed in a manner that optimizes its performance. For instance, some wooden gates may need vertical, horizontal, or diagonal framing (depending on their size) to maximize their rigidity and minimize sagging.
Looking back at these common errors, it’s clear that gate installation is a complex dance of precision and planning. Those crucial extra details – from perfect sizing to premium quality – make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary results. At Detail Fence LLC, we’re passionate about these details, and we would love to help you design and install a gate that serves its intended purpose while exceeding your expectations. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can further assist you.