Sliding driveway gates offer a number of benefits over traditional swinging gate styles. They’re easy to open and close, they require fewer moving parts, and they are more durable, making them ideal for commercial properties and larger private residences. If you’re considering a sliding driveway gate for your home, you should first think about what kind of material and design suits your property. There are several different kinds of sliding driveway gates, so it’s important to discuss your options with your installer before you begin installation.
Wood – A popular choice, wood allows you to customize your gates with a wide variety of colors and textures. It’s also a great option for creating an elegant and classic look for your home. It’s worth noting, however, that wood is heavier than other materials and can be more prone to warping and damage.
Steel – Another excellent choice, steel offers you the chance to create a sleek and modern style for your gates while remaining durable and weather resistant. It’s also a great option if you live in an area with harsh winter weather.
Choosing the right type of track will be important as well. Depending on your needs and the slope of your driveway, you might want to choose a V-track or an in ground track. The former is more affordable and faster to install, while the latter can help reduce noise and friction from passing cars.
In addition to deciding on the kind of track, you should also consider how high off the ground you’d like your gate to be. This will depend on the slope, grade, and curve of your driveway as well as how much snow or flooding you might have in your area.
It’s a good idea to have your gates installed at least 6 inches off the ground, though some areas may need to be higher in order to avoid obstructions and keep your gate functioning properly. It’s also a good idea to leave room beneath your gates for frost heave and other changes to your driveway over time.
Once you’ve decided on the material and installation type for your sliding driveway gate, it’s time to dig the holes for the posts. You’ll need to dig the holes at least 36” deep, although it’s best to dig them deeper than this if possible. The holes should be surrounded by concrete blocks and a layer of dry concrete in the bottom to prevent water from being sucked up into the post.
When the holes are finished, you can set your posts and assemble the hinge hardware for the gate. It’s important to keep in mind that your gate will require a certain amount of clearance when it’s open, so you should add this to your measurements when installing the hinges. Once your gates are in place, you can fill the gaps with cement to ensure that they’re secure and level.