Driveway gates

[kfc510]

I have a potential driveway gate job coming up, and really don't know the basics. I'm pretty sure it'll be a metal frame and auto open/close. Other than that I don't have much of a concept.

Any tips?

thanks in advance,
kevin

[Ohiobuilder]

I always get with the gate manufacturer first and have them provide the design and specs for the gate. The gates I have done have stone or brick columns and the brackets for the gate that are laid into masonry columns typically along with electrical and phone.

[kfc510]

I always get with the gate manufacturer first and have them provide the design and specs for the gate. The gates I have done have stone or brick columns and the brackets for the gate that are laid into masonry columns typically along with electrical and phone.

Phone b/c they're the entry to a property, so you have to get buzzed in? This one's going to be up the side drive and is past the front door, so probably no phone. Definitely electrical, at least for the motor, and possibly lighting.

If there are any bay area folks who know good local manufacturers, let me know. Job's in Oakland.
kevin

[David Meiland]

Second the motion for a good gate sub. You need some underground wiring for power to the unit, a keypad for access, and a sensor for automatic exit. You want to choose someone who will service the unit if it needs it--my neighbor had one done by someone who won't come back, and now it's broken and propped open.

[kfc510]

When you say a "gate sub" are you talking about someone who is going to do basically all of the building and installing of the gate (possibly minus setting the post)? What's a typical arrangement for subbing this out?

David, you don't have any contacts from your bay area days, do you?
kevin

[joseph]

To many times I find these big heavy steel gates sagging over because they are hung on a single post . All that money and effort to get a nice gate and then it sags and rubs . Gates of any type need to be hung on well supported post .usually this means a braced by some means to a second post .

[Slaughter Construction Co]

Is the driveway fairly flat? If there is a significant slope, the gate will look awkward if opening down hill. I've seen them hanging 2' to 3' off the ground when open. This can be eliminated by making a bottom portion of the gate fold up when the gate opens up hill. It is hinged and with a roller so that it folds up as it opens. This can be worked into your gate design so you don't notice it..

Also,when supporting/hinging the gate from masonry, extra care and reinforcing is required. Standard masonry is not all the strong. I prefer an independent steel post set in concrete, tight to the masonry column.

Ornamental iron fence companies can be a source of gate installations.

[Dick Seibert]

Kevin:

Morgan put most of my gates in but they're not in business anymore, the big one around here is R&S Erection, but you may get better prices just Googling "automatic gates oakland hayward ca.

[kfc510]

To many times I find these big heavy steel gates sagging over because they are hung on a single post . All that money and effort to get a nice gate and then it sags and rubs . Gates of any type need to be hung on well supported post .usually this means a braced by some means to a second post .

Yeah, there's a serious amount of moment force being generated by a ten foot gate. I'm imagining a nice piece of square tube steel well set in concrete, then trimmed out to whatever extent the client wants to pay for.
k

[kfc510]

Is the driveway fairly flat? If there is a significant slope, the gate will look awkward if opening down hill. I've seen them hanging 2' to 3' off the ground when open. This can be eliminated by making a bottom portion of the gate fold up when the gate opens up hill. It is hinged and with a roller so that it folds up as it opens. This can be worked into your gate design so you don't notice it..

Also,when supporting/hinging the gate from masonry, extra care and reinforcing is required. Standard masonry is not all the strong. I prefer an independent steel post set in concrete, tight to the masonry column.

Ornamental iron fence companies can be a source of gate installations.

Good point about the slope, I was already paying attention to that, and I think it's flat enough to not be ridiculous.

I'm right there with you on the steel post.

k

[kfc510]

Kevin:

Morgan put most of my gates in but they're not in business anymore, the big one around here is R&S Erection, but you may get better prices just Googling "automatic gates oakland hayward ca.

Thanks, Dick. What's the protocol with subbing to a company like R&S? Do they do it all? Or do they just hang a framework and let me trim it out? Do they normally set the post? Seems like I can set the post cheaper than them, I'd imagine.
kevin

[David Meiland]

Kevin, I think you want to specify some of the stuff--gate design, columns, trim details--and let them spec other stuff--mechanisms, operators, etc. I can't remember the name of the company we used, they were in Richmond. They would weld a frame and design the operation, we would put wood on the frame and stone on the columns. I never saw any point in learning all the equipment details, that's their area of expertise. You need the electrician involved too.

[Dick Seibert]

Kevin:

It's open ended, they'll do it all if you want, but I've always found it cheaper to do the columns and wiring myself. When the salesman comes out discuss the different prices and scope of their work with him, he'll tell you exactly what he wants if you elect to do part of the work yourself. I've had them deliver the metal brackets for me to install in brick and stone columns for them.

[tomthetoolman40]

You're all talking about swinging gates. Just a thought............ What about a bypass type on rollers/wheel? I think less beefiness would be required.

[kfc510]

Kevin, I think you want to specify some of the stuff--gate design, columns, trim details--and let them spec other stuff--mechanisms, operators, etc. I can't remember the name of the company we used, they were in Richmond. They would weld a frame and design the operation, we would put wood on the frame and stone on the columns. I never saw any point in learning all the equipment details, that's their area of expertise. You need the electrician involved too.

Ok, that's what I was hoping is involved. I don't really want to get too involved in the mechanics, but I also don't really want a bunch of welders doing the finish carpentry.

The only erectors I've personally dealt with was Bob's out of Richmond, but that was for moment frames. I don't know if they hang gates, roll-up doors, etc.

kevin