Why Gates Sag Over Time Gate sag is one of the most common problems installers and property owners run into after a gate is installed. A gate that starts out level can slowly drop on the latch side, scrape the ground, or refuse to close properly. In many cases, the problem is not the gate itself but the way it was installed. Sagging happens because gates are heavy structures that hang from one side. Gravity constantly pulls down on the free end of the gate. If the posts, hing

Why Gates Start Sagging After Installation A gate that begins sagging after installation is a common issue for property owners and installers. A gate that once closed smoothly may start dragging on the ground, misaligning with the latch, or becoming difficult to open and close. In most cases, the problem develops gradually as the gate hardware and structure begin to shift under load. Gates sag because they hang from one side and constantly carry their own weight. Gravity pull

Series: Building the perfect gate. Graft offers a complete range of gates, access control and automation equipment for residential use....

Series: Building the perfect gate. Whether it’s a swing gate between buildings or a cantilevered slide gate along the fence line, commercial gates should look good and work even better. With a full line of cantilevered slide gate hardware platforms, and their own custom aluminum extrusions, Graft makes commercial gates smarter, less costly in the medium/long term, more reliable, more robust, and better in just about every way. If you want drawings for fabrication, installat

Series: Building the perfect gate. Gates are used to control access. Which type is the right one for a particular job? The first...

Series: Building the perfect gate. The production of custom and semi-custom CAD plans is a service that Graft gladly offers our partners...

Series: Building the perfect gate. Like everything, knowledge is key. What does the client know about gate systems? Usually not enough...

Series: Building the perfect gate. When asked what kind of gate they want, a client usually responds with something like “I want a gate...

Series: Building the perfect gate. This series explores the steps, materials, construction considerations and other essential aspects of...

Tousek designed their cantilever hardware with the installer in mind. Available in both steel and aluminum, the little features are what make a big difference in terms of functionality and reliability. Rollco® LWS 111 & LWS 125 Steel Cantilever Hardware Adjustable Support Rollers Tousek's steel support rollers are flexible and adjustable to accommodate grade changes on site. This prevents any grinding and binding due to misalignment of rollers. Spend less time on minor adjust

When a client requests masonry columns for a new swing gate, the installation introduces a set of challenges that standard hinge-and-post setups are not designed to handle. The inner column post solves those challenges directly. It is a structural post that sits inside the masonry column and integrates the gate leaf, pivot hinges, and operator back bracket into a single, pre-assembled unit. The result is a faster, cleaner, and more precise installation — without cutting, grin

Installing a direct burial preformed vehicle detection loop is one of the most reliable ways to detect vehicles at automated gates, barrier arms, and access points. These loops allow your gate operator to detect the presence of a vehicle and respond correctly, whether that means opening the gate, preventing it from closing, or triggering an access control system. When installed correctly, preformed loops provide dependable detection for years with minimal maintenance. This gu

Rack drive slide gate operators have been the standard in European gate automation for decades, and the technology has earned its place in the North American market for good reason. The system works by mounting a pinion — a small toothed gear — to the drive shaft of the operator. The pinion aligns with a length of gear rack installed along the bottom rail of the sliding gate. As the motor turns the pinion, it travels along the rack and drives the gate open or closed. It is a

The access controls you select for a gate application are not one-size-fits-all — they depend on who needs access, how often, and whether the site has network connectivity. A residential driveway gate and a commercial parking facility gate may use the same operator, but the access control systems for each look completely different. Getting this right is one of the most important parts of specifying a gate system. This guide walks through three common application scenarios and

The control unit is the brain of a gate system — it ties together the operator, the safety devices, and the access controls into one functioning system. Choosing the right controller determines how well the gate performs, how easy it is to program, and how reliably it holds up over time. The SEA UNIGATE controller delivers on all three, and it does it across a range of gate types and operator configurations. If you are an installer working with SEA gate operators, understand

Barrier gates are one of the most practical and widely used solutions for vehicle access and traffic control, and once you understand why, it is easy to see them everywhere. You will find them at apartment parking garages, hospital lots, distribution centres, airports, and commercial yards across Ontario. Their popularity is not accidental — barrier gates solve a specific set of problems and do it well. Whether you are an installer quoting a commercial parking facility or a p

As you browse the wide range of operators available for your next gate project, you will notice two common drive types: hydraulic and electromechanical. Both get the job done, but they are built differently, perform differently, and suit different applications. Choosing the wrong type means higher maintenance costs, premature wear, or an operator that struggles with the demands of the site. Understanding how each type works — and where each one excels — puts you in a position

Gate safety standards in Ontario are clear on one thing: an automated gate that closes on a person or vehicle is a liability. Whether you are installing a swing gate on a residential property, a slide gate at a commercial facility, or a barrier arm at a parking entrance, every automated gate installation requires safety devices that prevent the gate from closing on an obstruction. Choosing the right combination of safeties — and installing them correctly — protects the site,

Swing gates cycle open and closed hundreds of times a week, and the hinges carry that load every single time. Selecting the wrong hinge — one that is undersized for the gate weight or the wrong type for the post material — results in sagging, binding, premature wear, and callbacks. The right pivot hinge supports the full weight of the gate leaf, delivers smooth movement with no friction, and holds alignment over years of daily use. This guide walks you through what pivot hing