Fabrication
Regardless of any other decision you make the most important element of any gate installation is the fabrication of the gate itself. Since 1996 we have been dedicated to manufacturing some of the highest quality gates in the business.
Every gate has similar elements but every gate is not created the same. Elements such as the construction of the gate, how the gate is welded, the types of hinges or rollers used, and the finish each contribute to a driveway gate that will stand the test of time. We strive to optimize each element of your gate to make sure that it will surpass your every expectation and work flawlessly.
Construction
The way the gate is designed and constructed contributes greatly to the way in which it will function. We have seen countless times gates that were designed for the aesthetic appeal only and the details such as structure were left behind in the fabrication process, only to have to come in after the fact and resolve structural issues causing the gates to sag, bind or overload hinges rollers or operators.
Moving parts
Hinges or rollers are the most important part of any functional gate and are often overlooked when selecting a gate. Almost every swing gate we fabricate and install includes our custom hinge. The basic design, in use for over twenty years has held up for tens of thousands of cycles. Our hinge features a strong steel pin as well as an oil impregnated bronze bushing to provide an exceptional wear surface. We have tried other commercially available hinges and designs and you cannot build a better hinge for most applications. Be careful of any hinge you select especially steel on steel designs. These can wear quickly and allow gates to sag as they wear requiring hinges to be replaced.
Rollers are the most important factor in the operation of a slide gate. Cheap gate rollers quickly wear out requiring service and replacement much sooner than a quality roller. Advances in manufacturing have made better rollers available. Safety is another concern with rollers, any cantilever gate roller should be covered as many people have lost fingers to uncovered and unsafe rollers. It’s not worth losing a finger especially considering the minimal cost of a cantilever roller cover.
Welding
Welding is an important factor in the fabrication of your gate.
Good welds are structurally important and understanding where the largest stress points are and how to prevent damage to them contributes greatly to the durability of your gate. Welded Gates are much stronger than riveted or screwed together gates. Welded gates and welded walk gate frames are less likely to distort, sag, or fall apart. We have a number of techniques learned through the years to set our custom manufactured gates apart both in style and in durability.
Finish
The finish is the most obvious part of the gate. A great finish can perfectly accompany an entry but a bad one will distract and cheapen the perceived quality of even the best gates. When we fabricate a gate we also offer in house powder coating to ensure that we provide the best possible finish and meet your expectations. We have hundreds of colors available and custom colors and specific formulations are possible.