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The majority of the houses in the US do not have front fences and gates, and around half of the household population has backyard fences.
But for those who are planning to have their driveways gated, this seems to be a very good idea. Think about how convenient it would be to have a gate to keep yourself, your children, and your pets safe while also adding to your property’s beauty.
However, there is a lot to know about installing a gate. You don’t want it to be installed incorrectly. You are probably thinking, “how is there a right and wrong way to install a security gate?”
Well, there are a lot of common gate installation mistakes that you should be aware of before having a security gate installed and we will tell you what they are today.
1. Not Properly Levelled
One of the most common gate installation mistakes when installing a gate is not ensuring it is leveled properly. This can cause the gate not to open or close properly and create an unsafe situation. This can be tricky, especially if you are not experienced in construction or landscaping.
However, your gate must be level to avoid any potential problems down the road. To prevent this, use a group to check the horizontal and vertical planes before attaching the gate hinges. Be sure to measure the opening inside the posts and leave enough room for the gate to swing open and close without hitting anything.
2. Not Flushed With the Ground
Another common mistake when installing a garden gate is not ensuring it is flushed with the ground. This can create an unsightly gap that allows weeds and pests to enter your garden. It can also lead to the gate becoming damaged.
To avoid this, use a level when installing your gate to ensure it is even with the ground. You can also add a gravel border around the perimeter of your gate to further discourage weed growth. Another way to avoid this mistake is to use a template to mark the installation location of the latch before drilling the holes for the screws.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Gate
One common mistake people make when installing a gate is choosing the wrong type. There are many styles for gates, each with its specific purpose. Choosing a gate not meant for the area you are trying to secure will not be effective.
If you are trying to secure a swimming pool, you would need a different type of gate than if you were trying to secure a garden. If the gate is too small, it will not effectively keep people or animals out. If the gate is too big, it will be difficult to open and close.
Using the wrong type of gate for your needs can cause problems such as poor performance, leaks, or even fatalities. Make sure to research and ask professional driveway gate installers that can help with the proper and safe installation of the gate.
4. Overlooking the Base
One of the most common gate installation mistakes is overlooking the importance of the base. The base provides stability for the gate and keeps it level, so it is essential to be level and properly installed. If the base is not level, the gate will be unlevel and may not work correctly.
The base must be adequately secured to the ground, so it does not move or shift. If the base is not sufficiently secured, the gate will be unstable and potentially fall over. Use concrete when setting up posts, as this will provide the most stability.
5. Poorly Secured
One of the most common mistakes made while installing a garden gate is poor securing of the gate. This can be done by not using enough screws or nails, not using the right type or size of screw or nail, or not correctly pre-drilling the holes. These mistakes can cause the gate to become loose over time, eventually leading to the gate falling off completely.
To avoid this, use enough screws or nails and ensure they are the right size and type. Also, pre-drill the holes before screwing or nailing the gate, and use a heavy-duty latch to keep the gates closed.
6. Not Using the Proper Tools
One of the most common mistakes when installing a gate is not using the proper tools. This can lead to several problems, including the gate not functioning correctly or being challenging to open and close. Additionally, using the wrong tools can damage the gate, making it more difficult and expensive to repair.
Using the proper tools can avoid these problems and ensure that your gate is installed correctly. To avoid this, consult a professional or read the instructions before beginning the installation. Have all the necessary tools on hand, and take your time to ensure that the gate is installed correctly.
7. Not Following the Instructions
Not following the instructions is another common mistake people make when installing a gate. This can lead to several problems, including the gate not opening or closing correctly or being unstable and dangerous.
To avoid these problems, make sure to carefully read the gate installation process before beginning the installation. Pay attention to all the details, such as the type of screws or brackets needed, and follow the steps in the order they’re listed. Ask a friend or family member for help, or hire a professional to install the gate for you if you have any questions.
Common Gate Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Many common gate installation mistakes are made, but fortunately, they are all easily avoidable. Make sure to plan for this ahead of time, so you don’t have to make any adjustments later. You can ensure a successful gate installation by taking the time to correctly measure the area, consult with an expert, and choose suitable materials.
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