Sliding gates are one of the preferred methods of securing the entrance to a property. These gates are easy to use, take up relatively less space than swing gates, and can easily be automated. However, not many people know how much these gates rely on their track or how to install them.

That is why we decided to write this article, to take a look at how sliding gates rely on their tracks, and how to install a sliding gate track. We will also go through the basic steps of installing a sliding gate. We hope this will help you determine if a sliding gate is the right choice for your property’s unique security needs. Additionally, you will be able to see if installing the track and gate is something you can do or if it is best left to professionals.

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Components of a sliding gate

Before we can look at how to install a sliding gate track we need to understand what the function of the track is. To understand this we must look at the entire sliding gate and all of its components. We will examine the components of a manual sliding gate as they are the same as an automated one, minus the automation system.

Gate

The gate is the physical metal structure that will slide along the track to block the entrance of your driveway. It is always best to ensure your gate is made of strong materials to make it difficult for intruders to break through it.

Wheels

The wheels are attached to the bottom of the gate. This allows it to easily be moved without needing to lift the heavy gate. These are often attached directly to the bottom of the gate or can be installed into the bottom rail of the gate. This can lead to low clearance which may cause the gate to make contact with the ground should the track dip. It is important to note that you never use more than two wheels on a gate as only two will make contact at any time. This causes a third wheel to lift off the track and can cause the gate to derail.

To determine where to attach the wheels to the gate there is a simple formula. You will take the gate size and divide it by four, then subtract another 10%-15%. So as an example with a 10m gate, you will work it out as follows:

10/4 = 2.5

2.5 – 10% = 2.25m

This result is the distance from each end of the gate to the centre of the wheel. This will ensure that the weight of the gate is shared equally between the two wheels. Reducing the likelihood of the rocking effect.

Track

The track is installed across the driveway and along the boundary wall/fence on the side, the gate opens towards. This allows the wheels to run along it guiding it to the correct open and closed position. We will look at how to install a sliding gate track further below.

Guide Post

The guide post is either a column or fence post positioned in the middle point of the track. Meaning it is on one side of the gate in the open position and on the other side of the gate when it is closed. It provides important structural support to the gate helping to keep it upright.

Guide Rollers

The guide rollers are mounted on the guide post at the top of the gate. They are a pair of rollers in a bracket that sits on either side of the gate. This keeps the gate upright and helps to guide it along the track.

Hard Stop

The hard stop is a solid stopper mounted at the end of the track. This is intended to stop the gate from moving too far when opening and going off the end of the track.

Keeper/Catcher Bracket

The keeper/catcher bracket is mounted on the wall or post on the opposite side of the gate from the guide post. This bracket is intended to catch the gate and guide it into the closed position.

How to install a sliding gate track

Now that we have a better understanding of all the components of a standard sliding gate and what they do to ensure your gate functions correctly. We can now look at how to install a sliding gate track.

Step 1: Preparing concrete footing

A sliding gate track is best secured to the concrete footing. This means that if you have a concrete driveway you are half done with this step. You will need to pour additional concrete parallel to the fence/wall on the side of the driveway that the gate will open towards. It is important to note that if you plan on automating your sliding gate you will need to include a pad for the motor.

You will need to dig a trench of at least 100mm deep or more until you dig into firm ground. If you need to install a guide post it is best to dig this into the ground at the same time. The dimensions of your concrete footing will depend on the size of your gate. However, for a standard 50mm thick gate frame it will need to be 200mm+ in width. The length of the footing off the side of the driveway is generally the length of the gate +400mm.

Concrete for the footing can be mixed on-site and then poured into the trench. It is important to ensure that the concrete is level with the driveway and surrounding ground, or slightly raised. As should it be lower debris and dirt will constantly get trapped in it and obstruct the track.

Step 2: Check clearance

Once the concrete footing is in it is best to attach the wheels on the gate and place the track in the desired position without fastening it to the footing. Then you can check the clearance of the gate by temporarily fixing the guide rollers and brackets using clamps. This is to make sure everything is lined up and the gate can open and close without any collisions. This also allows you to ensure that the track is level enough for the gate to function properly. While the track doesn’t need to be 100% level too many irregularities can cause problems.

Step 3: Fasten the track

Once you have checked the clearance of the gate you can move on to the next step in how to install a sliding gate track. At this stage, you must fasten the track to the concrete footing. This is done by drilling 8mm holes every 500mm on the side of the track. Where the track will be driven over, on the driveway, you will need a hole on both sides of the track at each 500mm interval. Where the track goes off the driveway you will need a hole every 500mm on alternating sides of the track. The reason for this difference is the track in the driveway must be more secure as it must not shift when cars drive over it. Whereas the part of the track off the driveway must only contend with the gate moving over it so is less likely to shift.

To fasten the track it is advised that you use 6.5mm metal pin anchors, so be sure to drill holes that are 6.5mm in diameter to accommodate these.  Pin the ends of the track first then put the gate on the track to ensure everything lines up, and the gate can open and close properly. Then install the remaining pin anchors to securely fix the track to the concrete footing.

Installing a sliding gate

Now that we know how to install a sliding gate track it may comfort you to know this is the hardest part of a sliding gate installation, aside from automation. As once the track is in you have already ensured everything is properly aligned. Therefore it is simply a matter of fitting the guide rollers and other components securely in their appropriate position.

Leave it to the professionals

As you can see there is a great deal of work that goes into installing a sliding gate track. While this article does cover how to install a sliding gate track not everything always goes according to plan. Therefore it is advisable to leave this type of job to professionals, like those at Lockfront Automation.

Lockfront Automation is a trusted gate and garage automation company. They work with all makes and types of automation systems handling everything from installation to servicing and repairs. Best of all they are committed to providing the best service at affordable prices. Therefore if you are looking to install a gate on your driveway, now that you know how to install a sliding gate track and how much work it is. Trust Lockfront Automation to complete the installation. To save yourself the trouble and ensure it is properly installed without any problems. Ensuring you and your loved ones are as secure as possible on your property.