How can I fix the issues I'm having with large double gates? [closed]

Question

I have a privacy fence in my backyard that includes a large double gate. It was built maybe a year and half ago. The whole span is about a 11' 4" opening. The gates to meet in the middle with double hinges on each gate and a rod at the bottom of both going in the ground. There is one latch in the center (a small one I might add). The latch and rods do not adequately keep the gates from rocking during high winds (Oklahoma winds!!!) so both the bars rocked loose in the ground allowing the gates to swing even more and not stay latched. As mowing season began, I figured out I could not even open the gates because they had sagged so badly and buried the bottoms into the ground.

I had the bottoms trimmed off and the hinges raised everything back up too. This lead to a wider gap between the gates and now the latch really doesn't reach across well. Tried again yesterday and moved the latch in as much as was left to move. Unfortunately the gates are wide open this morning after a storm last night.

How should this be repaired?

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Answer 1

The first thing I would do is cross-brace the gate. You need to do something like this:

If you Google search for "wood gate diagonal bracing" you'll get lot's of images showing the proper way to do this.

Answer 2

Gates that wide are going to need extra support, otherwise they'll surely sag (as you've found out).

An easy solution might be to put wheels on the gates, so that the wheels support the weight of the gate.

Other options include compression/tension bracing built into the gates, and/or making the gates out of a more rigid material. Heavier duty hinges might work, but they'd have to be pretty heavy duty for that span.

As for holding the gates in place when closed. Pipe driven into the soft ground, will certainly not do a very good job. To reduce the amount of movement, you'll want a tube just big enough to fit the drop rod. Using concrete to set the pipes in the ground, will prevent them from loosening up over time.

Answer 3

Two things are key to eliminate sag:

• Rock-solid posts that are anchored in the ground well
• Gates that have diagonal bracing built in

If your posts are leaning, or if they wobble with the wind, you won't be able to accomplish much. They must remain plumb, and they must be stout enough to not flex appreciably.

If your gate panels are sagging in parallax, a simple wire turnbuckle may help, or additional wood straps.

The latch isn't really part of the equation. If the other issues are resolved, nearly any latch will do.

Answer 4

Use a turnbuckle and steel cable. Not only will it keep the gate level but it will also torque it laterally, depending on which side you put it on. Thus, straightening it in its entirety. Luckily, the "ugly side" is the side you need to put it on.

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Answer 5

Adding a stronger latch ought not to be difficult.

Are the gates made from wood?

It reads as if the (wooden) gates were not braced correctly and have consequently sagged and are no longer rectangular (i.e. are out of square). That could be why adjusting the hinges leaves a gap. This might be harder to fix but it depends how the gates are constructed.

You can straighten up some structures using something like fencing wire, a strainer and eye-bolts.