The topic of this article is how to make sliding gates with your own hands. In it you will find information about the technology for manufacturing gate structures of this type, learn about some tricks and nuances, failure to comply with which will lead to a decrease in the quality of the manufactured product. Knowing the information offered, you can calmly speak on equal terms with specialists in this field of construction.
Sliding gates on a suburban area
Advantages and disadvantages of sliding gates
Before moving directly to the analysis of the topic: how to make sliding gates yourself, it is necessary to outline the pros and cons of this design.
Advantages:
- ease of opening, not requiring much effort;
- reasonable cost of the product;
- easy to automate;
- there is no need to fix the gate in the open state; the wind will not close it, like swing gates.
Flaws:
- for manufacturing it is necessary to purchase special fittings; you can make them yourself, but the quality of the product can only be guaranteed by a highly qualified specialist;
- rollback will require space;
- a solid foundation is poured under the gate itself, which increases material costs.
Accessories for sliding gates
As for the section for sliding gates, its length is calculated using the following formula:
L = H x 1,4,
where L is the length of the gate, H is the clear width of the gate opening.
The increasing coefficient can be 1.33, but not less. Why is this particular section length chosen? In principle, it is equal to the length of the gate itself. The thing is that the design has a so-called shank. It acts as a counterweight to the gate structure itself so that it does not collapse during the moving process. And the displacement itself with a shank is much easier.
If the sliding section falls within this size range, or is larger, then you can safely manufacture and install sliding gates. If the area of the territory does not allow this, then you will have to choose a different type of entrance gate.
And a few more subtle points regarding the shank:
- if the width of the gate opening exceeds 5.5 m, then the tail should be made not triangular, but rectangular;
- in this case, the length of this part of the gate structures should be made in the range of 45-50% of the size of the opening width.
On the left is the shank, not covered with finishing material
Calculation of the strength of fittings
It is better to purchase these gate parts. Making it at home requires special knowledge and tools and will cost much more than buying from a good manufacturer.
Rollers that are installed on top to support the blade,
It’s better to buy steel ones with a thickness of at least 3 mm. The lower guide rail must be made of high-quality steel (from 3.5 mm). It should not be deformed and should withstand winds well. Roller fittings take on the entire weight load of the gate structure, so it is better to purchase products made of cemented steel. The seller may offer roller fittings made of plastic, focusing on the fact that it reduces the noise of the gate during operation. Here it is worth keeping in mind that they will have to be changed after a certain time, since this material is not intended for high long-term load. Before purchasing, the rollers should be inspected: there should be a lot of lubricant - this will ensure a minimum noise level during operation and uninterrupted operation of the product.
The reliability and stability of sliding gates is ensured by a supporting bracket - its minimum thickness should be at least 4 millimeters. Catchers serve as sash latches when sliding gates are closed. They must be metal, at least 5 mm thick.
Opening for sliding gates
Let's start with the fact that usually the opening is limited by two pillars made of brick. For sliding gates, you will need to insert three 60x60 mm mortgages for each post. Mortgages should be located on the vertical plane of the pedestals located towards the yard. The hermits will subsequently be attached to them. It is optimal if you install a steel pipe in the pillars, to which the embedded parts will be welded.
Requirements for brick pillars:
- they must be assembled vertically;
- high strength of the structure, so that during operation of the sliding gates the pillars do not wobble or collapse;
- they are collected on a foundation, the depth of which should be below the freezing level of the soil in the construction area.
Attention! If the pillars are one of the types of metal profiles, then mortgages are not required in them. The guards will be welded to the posts.
Complete opening for sliding gates
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the installation of metal structures.
Gate foundation
Before you make sliding gates yourself, you need to figure out how they will open. Their design will include fittings, which are rollers attached to the lower supporting beam of the gate. They will move along the rail. The latter is a base with high load-bearing capacity.
To prevent the rail from moving or shifting, it is concreted in the ground. That is, they are building a foundation. The simplest and most reliable option is a strip foundation.
Its dimensions:
- length – half the width of the gate opening;
- depth – 1-1.5 m depending on the type of soil at the construction site;
- width 40-50 cm.
They begin digging a trench from one of the pillars, towards which the rollback will be made.
A channel with a width of 10-16 mm is usually used as a rail. Reinforcement with a diameter of 10-14 mm is welded to it, from which a reinforcing frame is formed.
Construction of a strip foundation for sliding gates
The following operations are performed next:
- install the channel and the reinforced frame welded to it into the trench so that its upper plane is at the level of the final finishing of the territory of the summer cottage: paving slabs, asphalt, paving stones, etc.;
- the channel is aligned strictly horizontally;
- the rail must be pressed against the post;
- if necessary, formwork is installed for the part of the foundation protruding above the ground;
- the trench is filled with concrete;
- After a week, the formwork is removed, and the foundation can be loaded through another.
Ready foundation for sliding gates
How to equip them with automation
If you plan to improve your mechanical gates, you will need an automation kit, it is sold as a set. The automation kit includes the following components:
- Remote Control;
- electric drive;
- Control block;
- photocells;
- signal light;
- rail.
An electric drive is installed to the profile pipe of the gate using a toothed rack. The mechanism is then installed to the supporting surface by welding. In the open gate position, the gear rack is connected to the guide so that a margin of 10 cm is provided. Photocells are mounted on it, and a signal light is installed on the last post. After completing the installation of the elements, turn on the electricity.
Manufacturing the supporting frame of sliding gates
Let's move on to the main section of the article - how to make sliding gates for your dacha yourself, that is, we will deal directly with the assembly process.
Please note that components for assembly can be purchased separately or in ready-made kits. For example, examples of such ready-made kits for assembling sliding gates can be found at the manufacturer of gates and components "ALUTECH"
First of all, you need to make a frame. For this purpose, one of the types of metal profiles is used. Today craftsmen give their preference to profile pipes. It is easier to work with, plus, this material has low mass but high load-bearing capacity.
The frame is assembled from two frames inserted into each other. The outer one will serve as a supporting structure, the inner one is used for cladding and increasing the rigidity of the overall product. Therefore, for the first it is better to use a pipe with a cross-section of 60x30 mm, for the second 40x20 mm.
Variant of sliding gate frame diagram
First, the outer frame is assembled. Before welding sliding gates, meaning a frame structure, you need to decide on the dimensions. Everything is clear about the length; this was written above. As for height, the optimal size range is 1.8-2.0 m.
Therefore, the profile pipe is cut to these dimensions, taking into account the required quantity. Please note that the lower guide should have a length equal to the width of the opening, plus 40%. The top one should be equal to the width of the opening. Two vertical posts are also cut off, as well as an inclined element that will form the shank.
Now you will need a flat area where all the cut pipes are laid at their location and welded to each other by electric welding.
If you ask a master how to make a sliding gate yourself, he will draw your attention to the following requirements for the frame:
- all corners of the structure must be straight;
- the door leaf itself must be in the same plane without distortions or curvatures;
- the seams are made continuous.
Frame made of external and internal frames
Weight calculation
The weight of gates made of corrugated sheets is the smallest - about 200 kg. The frame of a four-meter fence, made of a square metal pipe (sections 60/30 and 30/20 mm), weighs about 130 kg. For a sliding fence 2 meters high and 4 meters long, painted corrugated sheeting will require 8 sq.m., weight - 32 kg.
If you calculate the weight of a structure made of sheet steel, it will depend on the thickness of the sheets: 8 kg/sq. m – 1 mm. sheet and 16 kg/sq.m. – 2 mm. sheet.
The minimum weight of a standard 6 m guide for a 4-meter opening starts from 35 kg. It varies due to the different thickness of the beam walls. Guides with thick walls (up to 5 mm) are installed with fences weighing up to 800 kg. And the standard ones are for gates of 250-300 kg.
Internal and external fence frames of the same width will have an approximate weight of 28 and 65 kg respectively.
Using a simple calculation, it turns out that a four-meter sliding structure will weigh: 32+35+28+65 kg = 160 kg. To add to this weight, automatic equipment is also necessary - its weight is stated in the product passport. We omit the rollers and fittings - their total weight is small - it is also indicated in the instructions for the products.
Gate installation
Let's move on to the next stage - how to install sliding gates:
- It is necessary to install the carriages included in the sliding gate fittings. There are two of them. They must be located at the maximum distance from each other within the length of the shank.
- We insert the rollers into the frame guide.
- We install the frame on the carriages, align and weld the latter to the channel located in the foundation.
- It is necessary to weld spotwise so that there is an opportunity to level or correct something. If everything is fine, cook with a continuous seam.
- Next, we weld the upper support rollers and one end roller. And also catchers: upper and lower. Both of these fittings are attached by welding to the flashing - this is a profile pipe, which itself is welded to the gateway post embedded parts. If the post is a pipe or channel, then go straight to it.
Installation of carriages for sliding gate fittings
And some nuances that you need to know when implementing the task - how to make sliding gates with your own hands:
- the end roller has a standard size of 110 mm, so the front carriage is installed taking this value into account, away from the opening;
- the far carriage is installed so that it does not knock down the plug;
- the larger the span between the carriages, the better, but without much effort;
- the rolling roller is mounted so that when the gate is opened, it rolls onto the lower catcher, in this way it reduces the load on the gate in its closed state;
- Today, manufacturers of fittings for sliding gates offer carriages with adjustable platforms, with their help you can adjust the height of the gate within a small range and eliminate distortions.
Counterweight calculation
Typically, the counterweight is calculated based on the length of the opening:
If there is a shortage of space, then the minimum possible length of the counterweight for normal operation of the gate will be 33%; less is no longer possible - the gate will be difficult to “move.”
1/3 or ½. If we take a 5-meter opening, it turns out that the total length of the structure will be 7.5 meters. The counterweight will rest on rollers and extend 2.5 meters beyond the opening.
Experts installing structures such as sliding gates recommend installing a square counterweight - it can be made 1/3 the length of the opening. If the counterweight is triangular, then ½. The shape of the triangle “eats” the weight – so if such a counterweight is short, then it simply will not bear the daily loads. The rollers will wear out quickly: with a service life of 10 years, they can fail after 2-3 years if the counterweight is too light.
Video description
The video shows how to install sliding gates with your own hands, step by step:
At this point, we can assume that the answer to the question of how to make sliding gates has been given in full. Of course, there are many additional nuances that you need to pay attention to. But, as practice shows, each master with extensive experience has his own approach to the implementation of the task. Therefore, anyone who solves the problem of how to make sliding gates with their own hands must understand that the quality of the final result is experience in carrying out construction operations of this type, plus skills in working with tools: an electric welding machine, an angle grinder, and others.
Height-adjustable carriage
Necessary tools for work
To carry out all the work, you will need to have the following tool:
- Inverter welding material. Such a unit will not damage the metal.
- Bulgarian.
- Air compressor for painting.
- Pliers.
- Drill.
- Roulette.
- Level.
- Riveter.
Peculiarities
Sliding gates began to be actively used more than 50 years ago. At first, they could be seen mainly at the entrance to large industrial and warehouse areas. Over time, the design and fittings improved and became more accessible and easier to install. Gradually, various options for sliding gates began to be installed in private areas, and today they are not uncommon for summer cottages.
Unlike lifting and swing-type structures, sliding gates have many more advantages:
- Compactness. This is especially true in cases where travel between neighboring areas and space in the yard are limited. Also, sliding gates practically eliminate the possibility of damage to the car by the doors.
- Wear resistance. The main disadvantage of swing gates is the presence of hinges that are susceptible to sagging under the weight of the leaves. Sliding gates do not have such problems due to the uniform distribution of the weight of the structure over the roller supports.
- Burglary resistance. A properly designed and manufactured system can withstand the ramming of heavy vehicles.
- Windage protection. Even heavy gusts of wind do not damage such structures.
- Availability of automatic drives. The motor and components of automatic sliding gates are cheaper than equipment that is installed on swing and lifting structures.
- In winter, there is no need to clear snow before opening the sash.
First you need to calculate the width of the span for vehicle entry. Typically, for the private sector, an opening of 4 meters is recommended: both cars and trucks can freely enter it. If necessary, the entrance width can be reduced to 3 or increased to 6 meters or more.
The free space along the fence on the rollback side of the sash must correspond to:
- for suspended and wheeled types of structures - the width of the canvas,
- for cantilever gates - 40-50% more than the width of the leaf.
If you study the instructions in detail, prepare high-quality materials and tools, you can make strong and beautiful gates with an individual design in a short time.
Selection of automation system
When assembling gates with an electric drive, you should select the correct automation elements. To do this, it is important to consider the dimensions and weight of the structure:
- For systems with an opening of 4 m, a drive unit of 500-600 kg is suitable.
- If the opening size is 6 m, it is better to use a device with a capacity of 600-1300 kg.
- In case of intensive use (applies to production facilities), you will need to install a device with a capacity of 1200-1800 kg.
Special attention is also paid to other equipment parameters:
- The presence of a temperature control option for operation in cold weather.
- Supports changing the speed of the sash movement.
- Availability of backup power supplies.
Beautiful examples
Sliding gates look great on the exterior of any area. You can choose the option that suits your main characteristics. Take advantage of interesting ideas proposed by experienced designers.
This is a very stylish design made of wood. The sliding gate fits perfectly into the exterior as it is complemented by a white fence. The material itself is treated with special coatings that protect it from negative factors. Wood will last as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy comfort.
Sliding gates are the most popular and popular type of construction. This is because they are incredibly easy to use. Just press one of the buttons on the remote control for them to open. The width of these gates was perfect for installation on this site. They are created in a strict and laconic design, which makes it possible to decorate and complement any exterior.
Such gates can be made in any style. This design looks very modern and presentable. For its production, the popular and in demand high-tech style was chosen in our time. A shiny sheet of metal reflects everything around it. This design is an excellent solution for modern areas where the latest fashion trends are embodied.
Forged sliding gates, the top of which is decorated with various elements, look presentable and respectable. Fences are made of high-strength materials. This can be a standard design, which is distinguished by a minimal number of decorative elements.
But there are more interesting options. In such designs, forging elements are combined into intricate patterns and interesting weaves. Such a fence will become a worthy decoration of your territory, since it is simply impossible to ignore it.
Among the main types of sliding gates, suspended structures deserve special attention. They provide maximum comfort and safety. Typically, such gates are controlled using a special remote control. It is enough to press just one button for the gate to rise up. Their support is strong, reliable and durable.
If we talk about rail-type sliding gates, they are also common. Bright and non-standard designs transform the territory for the better right before your eyes. You can easily install them without the help of professionals.
Complex and intricate designs look incredibly presentable and solid. They reflect the unique solutions of designers. You can complement your territory with a luxurious fence, which will become its main feature and highlight. The variety of designs is amazing, allowing a person to bring his basic ideas to life.
Durable metal sliding gates can be additionally decorated with interesting details. These are various inclusions, holes and other elements that make up interesting compositions. Such products look very original, since their surface can be decorated in various ways.
If you manage to deal with all the important points and nuances, then problems in the future are completely excluded. You can seek help from designers who will help you choose the best option for a specific area. They will give you the opportunity to decide on the appropriate material for making the fence, its decor and other important points, thanks to which you can create a unique and original exterior.
You can choose a simple design, or you can pay attention to the intricate design of the fence. The final choice depends on your wishes and financial capabilities
Remember that forged gates are considered the most popular and widespread. Their presentable and stylish appearance will win any heart, because such luxury cannot be ignored. Whatever sliding gates you choose, they will successfully complement the exterior of your site. The variety of different designs is amazing, allowing you to look at your territory with different eyes. You can install the gate on your own without encountering problems or difficulties.
Watch the master class “Do-it-yourself sliding gates” in the following video.
