There are different reasons why a fence gate can sag and this ranges from the materials used to the placement of the hinges.
However, a sagging gate is an eyesore and an unwanted occurrence for different homeowners. In general, it can become unwelcoming to visitors and reduce the general outlook and value of the house enclosed. Therefore,
To build a fence gate that won’t sag, you must use the right materials such as teak, mahogany, concrete, etc, use supports and bracings to hold the fence gate in position and ensure you use quality joineries to help resist stress, gravity, and weather on the fence gate.
What Causes a Fence Gate to Sag?
A sagging gate is a situation where the gate no longer aligns perfectly with the fence, leading to a downward or sagging appearance.
In most cases, the issue is regarded as a minor aesthetic flaw and the longer it is left unattended, the worse the situation gets. Now, let’s discuss some of the causes of your sagging fence gates.
Causes of a sagging fence gate are:
1. Failed Hinges
Hinges are what is responsible for holding the gate in position, and like any other materials, they also wear out.
In a situation where the screw of either or both of the two hinges holding your gate in position comes off, a sagging fence gate becomes inevitable.
Hinges can as well wear out due to weather or climatic condition, causing your gate to shift position.
2. Rotten Fence Wood
In certain instances where woods are used as your fencing materials, this wood can over time begin to splinter and as well start to rotten causing the hinges to fall out of position and distort the position of your gate.
3. Gate Not Properly Braced
The gate as well can become distorted from its original position due to poor bracing or no bracing of the fence. This brace helps to keep the fence firmly and in position.
It often runs across the gate preventing sagging and other damages that could affect the gate.
4. Poor Maintenance
Extreme weight and pressure can affect your gate and cause it to sag.
A situation where kids run around, holding onto the gate while swinging it open or closed can as well cause the gate to sag as it constantly becomes held out of position.
Eventually, if this action isn’t dissuaded overtime to help properly maintain the gate, it could keep your gate sagging and further damaged.
Materials Needed to Build a Fence Gate that Won’t Sag
- Adjustable Hinges
- Fence Boards
- 2″ x 4″ (5.08 x 10.16 cm), cut to the desired height
- Hammer
- Speed Square or Framing
- Latch
- Jigsaw
- Screwdriver
- Carpenter’s level
- Compound miter saw
- Power Drill
- 3-inch (7.62cm) deck screw
- 1 ¼ or 1 ⅝ inch (5.08 cm) deck screws for fence boards.
To build a fence gate that won’t sag and as well stand the test of time, there are materials you would need.
Above listed are some of them but note that some of these materials vary in name and identification hence the name might be different within local communities.
However, there are alternative materials that you can get within your local community serving the same purpose as those listed above.
How to Build a Fence Gate that Won’t Sag
To build a fence gate that won’t sag, you must:
1. Select the Right Materials
To get the best in a fence gate, attention to the materials to be used is as good as having a solid standing fence gate.
Fence materials are generally expected to be strong, resilient, and can also weather any kind of storm that might arise.
The gate being the major point where activities would be taking place around your fence, choosing the right materials is pretty essential.
In situations where you are considering using wooden materials, you should consider tree materials such as Teak, Mahogany, Cedar amidst other materials to give your gate the beautiful and solid stand it needs.
Also, ensure you use quality hinges, concrete, and finishes to prevent a sagging fence gate.
2. Use Supports and Bracings
Erecting a beautiful, solid, and desirable gate requires using supports and bracings to hold it in position.
A support system running diagonally across the backside of your fence gate would go a long way in preventing your gate from sagging. This adds a bit of support using in holding the fence gate in order.
3. Quality Joinery and Hinges
Details considered minor are often capable of costing huge if not paid proper attention. When mounting your fence gate, ensure you use qualitative joineries as this would help resist stress, gravity, and weather.
Ensure you use qualitative and appropriate joinery to give a tight fit and upright fence gate.
How Does a Gate Anti-Sag Kit Work?
A gate anti-sagging kit is used to prevent a sagging fence gate. To install the antisag kit,
- Place one of the large corner brackets above the upper hinge on the inside of your gate. Position the bracket at the diagonal angle as instructed in the antisag kit you’re installing.
- While doing this, mark the spots where the holes of the bracket contact, facing your gate.
- Next, drill the recommended pilot holes with the drill bit, attach the bracket to the gate with the screw included in the antisag kit through the bracket into the pilot holes.
- Now, install the other large corner bracket below the lower hinge on the inside of your gate.
- Position the bracket at the diagonal angle as instructed in the kit you’re installing.
- Mark and drill the spots where the holes of the bracket contact facing your gate again.
- You need to unscrew the turnbuckle so it can be loosened to its maximum length.
- Position your hook on one side of the turnbuckle into the top bracket
- Insert the cable rope through into the opposite side of the turnbuckle, looping it back approximately 2 inches along the length of your cable.
- Use a Clamp over both cables where they lay alongside each other, tightening the clamp.
- Make sure the carriage bolt in the clamp is positioned adjacent to your cable.
- You can trim the excess cable with diagonal pliers.
- Pass the cable through the hole in the lower bracket, pulling it tight while you install the other cable clamp where the two cables lay beside each other
- Place the carpenter level on top of the gate, make tighter the turnbuckle until it is indicated by the bubble in the carpenter level that the gate is level.
- Adjust the turnbuckle to ensure the gate is in a level position.
Once all this is done, your fence gate should be upright as it should as expected. You can also learn How to Install a Chain Link Fence on Uneven Ground.
Conclusion
To avoid excessive spending on repairs, it is advised you mount your fence gate using qualitative and appropriate materials while ensuring it is installed as you should. If it is worth doing at all, you should sure do it best.