How to keep a gate that is heavy from sagging?
by
Linda
+6
I have a front gate that is a double opening. 1 half is locked in place and the other is used regularly. I have always had problems with sagging. We put a new deck on so had to raise the gates and now they are sagging.
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Hi Linda you can purchase gate tightening kits that help quite a bit in that situation. They include wire that you run from corner to corner to help tighten the gate itself up to keep it standing straight. Good luck!
This may help you Linda! (Ignore the "dummies" part
)
https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/exteriors/how-to-fix-a-sagging-gate
The gate will twist unless it is braced or pulled into tension. This tendency is exaggerated because a gate is held along only one side; the unhinged, free side sags from its own weight and from the trauma of being slammed.
https://www.oldhouseonline.com/gardens-and-exteriors/build-gate-doesnt-sag
Is the post that the gate is attached to vertically level and sturdy?
How is the post supported - has it been anchored in a concrete base?
Is the hardware on the gate adequately robust to support the weight of the structure?
Have the cross pieces on the gate been positioned and mounted properly to counter balance potential warping?
Posting a picture of your sagging gate would help illustrate the situation.
A wire running diagonally from top hinge side to lower unhinged side will help. Put a turn buckle in the middle to adjust tension. A diagonal wood brace should also work to keep gate from sagging.
You can also extend the hinge post higher and run a wire down from the new top of the post to the top of the gate.
You may be able to find a gate kit at the hardware store. Here is a helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8d0IxvDvak
Hi Linda, they make a kit for sagging gates, check out the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbxhHskgxuk
It sound like your hinges may not be strong enough for the weight of the gates.