Do-it-yourself swing gates are one of the most common types of gates, which are chosen when improving small private plots and large private areas. The choice of these particular gates is justified by the fact that they are easy to install and reliable during active use. By installing such gates on your site, you can not only protect your property, but also save money. Below we will look at the features of such structures and figure out how to install them yourself.
Why choose swing gates
Depending on the method of opening, gates can be swing or sliding. Swing gate leaves are hung on metal hinges, which allow you to partially adjust their position and eliminate the possibility of them falling.
It is very important to position the gates correctly in relation to each other. Only when properly aligned do they allow them to open and close freely and smoothly.
According to building regulations, swing gates must open towards the property.
When deciding on this type of gate, you need to leave enough space for the wings to open. The above conditions do not necessarily have to be met by sliding gates.
The choice of gate depends largely on the preferences of the property owner, but is often also determined by other factors such as the size of the lot or the length of the driveway.
- The main function of the gate is to provide convenient and safe vehicle access to the territory. In addition, aesthetic appearance is no less important.
- Swing gates are a traditional solution that is very popular. This type of gate is mainly installed in areas with a large distance between the fence and buildings.
Swing gates also have a classic look and beautiful design (it can be seen in the photo of swing gates), which is suitable for most styles, and therefore finds recognition among many fans of dachas and private homes.
Sliding
Retractable ones are more popular in areas that are not subject to heavy snowfall or too much drop in air temperature. They are formed so that when closing they move along the channel in the concrete foundation. They are usually controlled by automatic mechanisms, which makes it possible to operate remotely.
Sliding with one leaf
Construction begins with a sketch on which all dimensions are marked. The width of the opening is no more than 4 m, and the height is equal to the fence.
You need to prepare all the components and tools. The most suitable canvases are profiled metal sheets and corrugated sheets. Some owners prefer wooden beams, forged, cast iron elements for cladding.
A space for opening is being prepared along the fence. The planned dimensions are established in advance.
Sliding with two doors
A rail or profile is formed on the ground. The system moves along it after being hung on rollers. Roller parts and additional brackets can also be mounted on top; they will help fix it while moving.
Characteristics of swing gates
There are both single leaf gates available, suitable for narrow areas, and double leaf gates, which are often better made and offer greater security and durability.
Due to their design, sliding gates have a limited design, so lovers of classic styles and original patterns are unlikely to find a suitable model among them.
They will love beautiful swing gates, which offer a wide range of different options and styles, both classic and modern. They often have interesting decorations that make the fence more noticeable and beautiful.
It is worth remembering that the fence and gates must be in harmony with the style of buildings on the site. An ornate carved gate will not look good next to a home designed in a modern, minimalist style.
The downside of using swing gates for a dacha will be the limited use of the space immediately behind the gate - in order to open it to its full width, there should be nothing standing on the other side.
Regulations require that gates be installed in such a way that they open inward, so swing gates should only be installed in areas with long driveways where they will not be an obstacle.
What else speaks in favor of choosing swing gates? Price is certainly one of the important factors, since such designs are relatively cheaper than massive modern sliding gates.
Of course, swing gates are the cheapest, but their use in the long term can be problematic.
Advantages of swing structures
Thus, based on the above, the main advantages of swing gates are:
- Classic appearance;
- Possibility of installation in a narrow area;
- Easier to manufacture and install;
- Low price.
Console
Difficult to arrange, unlike other types. Helps guarantee reliable operation even in severe frosts in winter. The main advantages of this type:
- no height restrictions;
- Possibility of installing just one support post.
It does not contact the ground rail, so operation is comfortable and does not cause problems in any weather.
Console
Fixed only on the prepared frame. It must be metal - made of pipes, angles, profiles. A guide is welded to the frame below, and roller carriages are already mounted inside it. It is thanks to these parts that the base can move in two directions - for opening/closing.
To clarify the size, you need to mentally divide into two parts:
- closing the opening;
- counterweight.
The length of the counterweight is about 35-50% of the width of the required opening. A foundation also needs to be formed under the cantilever part. Such a base should be able to withstand loads well during movement. For this purpose, a channel numbered 20 is prepared in advance; the length is equal to the length of the cantilever part. Then they dig a pit, it is adjacent to the pillar. The dimensions of the pit are slightly larger than the selected channel, the depth is strictly slightly less than the freezing depth for a specific area.
It is also necessary to create at least two frames of reinforcement to tie the channel to the foundation.
Placed close to the support. If you take a 16 cm channel, then it is mounted at a distance of 5 cm from the pole. Mortgages are mounted flush with brickwork or other trim.
Console system diagram
When the foundation is poured, it is left to fully harden for approximately one month. It must stand securely. After a week, it becomes as strong as possible, so it is allowed to begin work on fastening and sheathing.
Accessories
The fittings sold on the construction market are varied. When selecting a suitable one, the width of the opening and weight are taken into account. The standard fittings kit includes the following parts:
- two roller bearings;
- guide 6 m long;
- end rollers;
- limiters;
- an additional device with two more rollers;
- caps for the ends of the beams.
Accessories
Disadvantages of swing structures
However, such gates also have a number of disadvantages. Among them:
- Opens only in the center;
- There is a danger of self-closing under the influence of wind with subsequent impact on the car;
- Part of the site is required for normal functioning;
- Drives for swing gates are (about 30%) more expensive than automatics for sliding gates.
Gate drive
Modern swing gates are different from those produced a few years ago. Now, for example, they can be equipped with a drive that allows them to be controlled even from a great distance.
Automatic gate systems are usually purchased separately and their functionality varies depending on the specific model. The drive must be adapted to the weight and length of the gate leaves. Almost any modern gate can be automated. Installation of automated gates with a wicket is also possible.
What drive for swing gates
This type of gate is available in single and double leaf versions. The wings are mounted on hinges attached to the fence posts. When choosing swing gates, some owners think about buying a drive.
For some people, using a gate without appropriate automation seems like an inconvenient solution. If the owner is going to purchase a swing gate operator, then he should consider some extremely important points.
- Firstly, this is the number of leaves - completely different mechanisms can be used in single-leaf gates than in double-leaf gates.
- The second criterion is the length of the wing and its weight. These factors must be taken into account in order for the installed drive to operate correctly.
The distance of the hinge from the edge of the rack is also extremely important - the drives will differ significantly in the case of narrow and wide racks. You should also take into account the frequency of use of the gate, as it significantly affects the service life of the installed drive.
The duration of operation of swing gate drives and their functionality is also greatly influenced by air resistance, which is especially noticeable during strong gusts of wind.
For gates where ventilation is limited (for example, doors with wooden or incomplete filling), it is recommended to use a drive with a higher power.
Solid doors have significantly greater resistance, so the drive power may be lower. This can be taken into account when creating a drawing of swing gates.
Hanging canvases
The supports on which the metal doors are hung are also most often made from metal pipes of larger diameter (up to 10 cm). Sometimes a channel or I-beam can be used as a rack. Metal loops are attached to the supports, the dimensions of which also depend on the parameters and weight of the canvases, and the number is usually two on each side.
Schematic illustration of a properly designed and installed gate
The diagram according to which the gates are assembled may provide for hanging the leaves not on metal, but on brick or concrete supports (with or without reinforcement). This increases the cost of work, but makes the structure stronger. Especially if so-called embedded metal parts are placed in the brickwork.
The depth of shrinkage of the structure depends on the type of soil
When designing, it should be taken into account that the minimum recommended width of any gate should be 300 cm. If it is not possible to construct such a structure, it is allowed to reduce it to no more than 280 cm. This will ensure the passage of any vehicle, even freight transport, through the gate. And the recommended height from the bottom of the sash to the ground is taken to be 80–100 mm.
The height of the structures may differ noticeably from each other. This parameter largely depends on the installation location:
- for a garage or production workshop, the height must be no less than the maximum vertical dimensions of vehicles passing through the gate (including railway vehicles, if we are talking about an enterprise);
- for an ordinary passenger car, 2 meters is enough.
A hinged locking mechanism will ensure reliable fastening of the sashes when closed. It looks like the letter “G” and serves as a stopper when opening. In the place where the locking mechanism enters the ground, it is recommended to dig a hollow metal pipe 1 cm thicker in thickness - its presence increases the reliability of protection, although it complicates the automation of the opening or closing processes. The rack stopper should fit 40–100 mm inside this structure. Horizontal locks can be installed in the middle, top or bottom of the structure. To ensure reliability of their fastening, the parts are mounted on one of the crossbars.
Design diagram from two angles
Installation of drive and gate
Most of the automation for swing gates on the market can be installed independently in accordance with the operating instructions included in the kit.
However, installation of the mechanism by qualified personnel will be much faster and more efficient.
If it is impossible to install the drive yourself or it is too difficult, you should seek help from specialists.
The same applies to gates. You can make and install swing gates with your own hands, or you can buy a ready-made structure and use the services of professionals.
Cold Forging Tools
TORSION (Twister) - Twisting tool
With their help, tetrahedral rods or strips of metal are twisted in the longitudinal direction. The result is twisted columns, which are also called torsion bars.
Estimated cost 9000 rub.
SNAIL tool for curls
Device for forming flat curls of different sizes for gates. Market value from 15,000 rubles.
Bending machines or benders.
Bending machines or benders. Allows you to bend rods or reinforcement at the required angle anywhere. Estimated cost 12,000 rubles.
Cold forging machine
With the help of Gnutik, you can roll an arc of almost any radius in several steps. The price for this is low productivity and repeatability of elements. Market value from 6,000 rubles.
Rolling press
Devices for processing the ends of parts - inertial stamping machines or other home-made devices.
A press is needed to form the ends of the rods. This machine works on the principle of a flywheel; first, by rotating the bar with weights, the screw striker is pulled back until it stops. After this, a replacement stamp is inserted into the slot and the workpiece is placed. Next, quickly spin the bar in the opposite direction and leave it to rotate freely. Finally, the striker hits the stamp shank strongly, due to this, a force sufficient for stamping is developed.
Flashlight
On this device, the rod is also twisted in the longitudinal direction, but it is also additionally bent in the transverse direction. It turns out something similar to a flashlight (basket). Hence the name of the device.
