When is a field gate more than a 5 bar?

Whenever a customer wants something different. When dogs need to be kept in and the owner does not want anything to ostentatious (good job for, not so old, spell check, I would never had got ostentatious right without it)

There are many alternative styles of field gate, made from numerous materials including Timber & Steel. Hardwoods, such as Iroko, Oak, Mahogany and many more, Softwood treated, P.I.S.W or natural and construction techniques that again vary from one supplier to another.

Manual operation of a gate is quite different to automatic operation and the stresses and strains across the gate vary from one to another. Therefore, these loads are known to affect the structure or stability of natural materials, more than metal. As such, the gate should be built to best suit the type of automation proposed and where able, all operational forces displaced over a greater area. Strap type hinges, with the motors driving the furniture, rather than the gate are advised.

Metal support posts are better suited for powered operation as they ensure at least half the gate's geometry and stability of fixing is secure. They can be left plan, or decorated with features or finishes to look more natural or appealing. Timber posts are still regually chosen, however they will perish below ground and fail, often without warning, sooner than most owners would like. This is usually regardless of extra care, treatment or taring, as the acidic levels within the ground, the damp and the natural state of any timber all need to remain ideal, when in reality they are not.

We once had a pair of huge air dried Oak posts (same timber, same tree), installed on a pair of beautiful solid Oak paneled gates, only for one post to rot within five years and the other is still there 25 years later. No one can be sure which will and which will not last and with the consequential cost of replacement including extra work upon the automation, running high, avoidance may be wise.

Steel post clad with timber can look ideal and yet provide all the requirements for #electric-gates and reliability most owners demand. However upkeep can be more intent so decorative steels remain our first suggestion. They are stronger and often re-usable when all else has needs updating.

Can we help you getting started or looking after automatic gate installations?