Measurements and Tips
Double check and save the headache
Ensure you measure twice so we only fabricate once.
Here we will explain how to measure up for your gates.
There is no such thing as a standard opening size - heights and widths plus the slope of the ground all need to be measured carefully prior to fabrication.
Daylight Openings
measure outside in - use our check measure sheet
We want to record our gate opening between posts known as daylight opening.
Stand on the outside and record all measurements from outside looking in - known as street view. (you should be looking at the front face of the gate position)
Take 2 measurements horizontally one at the top and one at the bottom - . Record these on our downloadable check measure sheet.
Take 2 more measurements this time vertically one on the left side ground to top of post and the same on the right side.
Now run a stringline with a line level across the opening to get a level datum line. Record the distance on the Left Side from ground up to the string and the from string to top of post. now do the same for the Right side.
You should have 8 measurements on your sheet now lets give you some tips and hazards to be wary of.
Sliding Gates
Slide Gates Need A Run Off Area
Sliding gates overlap the daylight opening as a general rule they sit behind the fence inside the property line however it is becoming more common to see sliding gates running on the front of the fence line on the outside - either way the below applies.
Gate width if you have two different horizontal widths we will use the larger one to ensure we cover the opening - if the difference is greater than 50mm you may want to repost or look at rectifying the gap - in situations where you cant you will have to live with it - this could be old brick piers where they have moved due to ground movement and leveling them up is not feasible.
You need to check your back room. The standard back room required for gate with automation and a support post is the gate opening width plus 450mm - if you find you do not have this much you may want to consider leaving some of the gate in the opening when fully open a good option to save money when you have a wide driveway, or you could look at a telescopic gate for this contact us so we can discuss or a bi parting gate. Sometimes no matter what other options you investigate you will need to look at a swing gate instead as they do not need any back room.
Slide gates need the run off area / backroom and something to mount the automation to securely again we have a downloadable concrete run off spec sheet for you to go by.
As for power it is easiest to either wait for your motor to arrive to calculate correct position of hardwired cabling but we recommend that you have a power point on the house side of the run off pad behind the motor mount installed - other options include Solar or low voltage systems
Standard measurements for slide gates are
Overlap Daylight width plus 100mm
Gap under gate - wheel and track = 50mm
So gate height is post height less 50mm
Swing Gates
Swing Gates fit between the posts
Swing gates fit inside the daylight opening as a general rule they open inwards however this may not be possible - no room or the ground slopes upwards so they may need to open out towards the street again outward opening gates are fairly common place. Take a drive around your neighbourhood to see for yourself - if you are still concerned then be safe and ask your council.
Gate width if you have two different horizontal widths we will use the smaller one to ensure the gate fits inside the opening - if there is a difference and it is greater than 10mm you may want to add a post and pack it out or rectify the existing posts. The difference will be more noticeable on swinging gates than on sliding. In situations where you cant you will have to live with it - this could be old brick piers where they have moved due to ground movement and leveling them up is not feasible.
You need to check your Swing ARC - in this arc you want the ground to either be level or lower than the ground between the posts - this is because you don't want to find that the gates fit beautifully but when you try and open them the bottom of the gate impacts the ground. This can be an overlooked step and very costly.
Hinge Posts are the hinge posts capable of supporting the weight of the gate with a wind factor and possibly a child swing on them as well? Make sure you have a decent footing we suggest 800 deep x 300 wide for driveway gates and 600 deep x 200 wide for pedestrian gates but even this for bigger gates can be not enough as soil compactness also plays a part. If you are not sure seek some advice from a local builder.
As for power it is easiest to either wait for your motor to arrive to calculate correct position of hardwired cabling but we recommend that you have a power point on one side of the opening where the gate automation is and run an underground conduit to the other side if you are having double swing gates - this conduit will carry a low voltage cable. - other options include Solar or low voltage systems
Standard measurements for Swing gates are
Driveway Gates - using GT adjustable Hinges
Single Leaf = Daylight width less 100mm
Dual Leaf = Daylight width less 180mm
Pedestrian Gates = Daylight width less 25 - 40mm depending on latch / lock being used
Gap under gate - wheel and track = 75mm
So gate height is post height less 75mm
If you are not using our hardware then please let us know your hinges gap and lock / latch stile so we can account for these gaps