Picking Out the Right Gate | American Security and Gate Company – Fargo, ND

A common response customers have following the installation of a fence is “Why didn’t I get a gate?” Here at American Security and Gate Company in Fargo, North Dakota, we employ industry professionals obligated to salute the pros of each type of gate, as well as to point out the liabilities. Picking out the right gate isn’t as simple as it sounds. Factors such as terrain and grade consistency need to be accounted for; certain types of gate might not open a full ninety degrees or slide up a hilly area. This brings up the question: Do you need a single swing gate, or a double?

The most widely used type of gate is the swing gate, so how do you choose between a single and a double?

1. Consider the slope running parallel to the fence line or gate opening. Too much slope means a closed single gate hung plumb will leave a gap between the grade and the bottom of the gate wider than six inches at one end. For dividing that gap between the two leaves, double swing gates should be considered.
2. Consider the gate’s swing as well as the slope perpendicular to the fence line and/or gate opening. If a single swing gate bottoms out while opening against a slope, a double gate might be preferable. This is because double swing gates have two leaves half as long as the leaf of a single.Here at American Security and Gate Company, we seldom recommend drive gates that swing outward, as this prompts cars to back up, into the road or into each other.
3. Consider gate storage. Single gates are typically stored in drive lanes or parking stalls. Double swing gates require half as much storage space.

At this point, you might be asking yourself, “So do I need a double drive gate? Isn’t it the safer install?” Not always. In some situations, a single swing gate is a much more reliable product to have. This type of gate is secured and locked to an immovable latch, unlike the double swing gate which requires two panels secured at their ends so they can meet in the middle. The latter type of gate also uses a drop rod assembly that is installed between the two leaves and pins them to the ground when they meet. Less complicated and more secure is the single swing gate, which only needs a latch post set into concrete footing.

In addition to the previously discussed situations, a very wide opening is generally required to render a single leaf swing gate ineffective. Here at American Security and Gate Company, we have successfully built single swing gates exceeding sixty feet. No matter the type of swing gate you end up using, we always recommend use of our Ultra Latch: the only non-removable no-cut padlock latch available on the market. The Ultra Latch is available for both single swing gates and double drive gates.