How high should a gate be off the ground?

Posted by admin 14/05/2021 1 Comment(s) Gate Automation,Troubleshooting,

If you’re having automated gates installed, there are several things you should bear in mind. 

 

Accurate measurements need to be taken to ensure that the gates themselves are the correct size for your driveway. 

 

You also must be sure that when the gates are put in place, they can open without striking an obstacle that either slows or halts their movement.

 

When it comes to installing gates a common question is: “How high should a gate be off the ground?”  

 

It’s a key consideration and something that is important to get right the first time. 

 

Aluminium Sliding Gate With Track

Swing gates or sliding gates?

 

First, if you opt for a sliding gate then the question of how high off the ground it should be is irrelevant because it runs along on a track laid on the ground.

 

To keep your gate running smoothly, you’ll need to ensure the track is free from stones and any other debris that could cause an obstruction.

 

If you’re having swing gates installed, then a gap at the bottom is necessary.Aluminium Swing Gate

 

 

 

Too low, and your gates will either not open at all or will drag along the ground causing avoidable wear and tear and an impaired performance. 

 

Ideally, you want the gap below your gates to be high enough to permit their free movement but not so high there’s a large space below them.

 

 

 

 

What affects how high gates should be off the ground?

 

When installing swing gates, one determining factor on the size of gap required is the surface below.


Is it level and free of potential obstructions? If it’s uneven, then you may need greater clearance so the gates can move unhindered. 

Similarly, if your driveway slopes upwards as you enter the property, swing gates risk grounding as they open inwards.

 

Outward swinging gates are an option, but only if there is sufficient room on your property for them

Aluminium Swing Gate

 to do so without obstructing the public pavement or a road.

 

Alternatively, driveway gates can be mounted higher than usual on their posts so that they don’t make contact with the ground while opening.

 

However, this leaves a large gap underneath that can make them look badly-fitted and negatively affect the aesthetic appeal of your installation.

 

It also doesn’t prevent undesirables crawling underneath, stealing your possessions and sliding them through the gap between the bottom of the gates and the ground.

 

Children playing outside, inside the gates, could crawl under to chase a ball that’s rolled into traffic outside.

 

Pets will also be able to escape from your property in the same way.

 

 

Get your installation right first time

 

To be confident that your gates will be installed correctly, it’s important to use an experienced gate installer. 

 

Because no location or usage requirements are exactly the same, they will be able to suggest the best configuration for your unique circumstances.

 

That includes the different options for sliding or swing gates, and the selection of an appropriate swing gate motor.

 

At Linkcare, we work with a network of trusted gate installers.

 

To find out more about professional gate installation, call 01895 232 626 today or complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.

1 Comment(s)

Amy Saunders:
14/02/2022, 10:43:22 AM
Reply

Hey there! My next door neighbor just bought this teeny-tiny getaway cabin deep in the forest and she plans to fortify it to prevent unwanted break-ins. I really love the idea of always leaving some minute space between our gates and the ground to ease their movement. You know what? I'll definitely forward this article to her so she'll be more encouraged to install the right barrier afterwards.

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