What Are the Best Gates for Hills and Valleys? | American Security and Gate Company – Fargo, ND
Proper gate installation tends to be tricky and complicated. However, installing a gate on sloped terrain—i.e., hills and valleys—presents a whole new set of challenges. In fact, as the premier fence and gate company in Fargo, ND, we recommend avoiding gate installation on sloped areas if all possible. After all, uneven terrain can become more uneven thanks to runoff and erosion; and slopes are more likely to obstruct gates as they open/close.
That said: in situations where installing gates on hilly areas is unavoidable, what types of gates do we recommend? What sort of preparations should you take? These are the questions addressed by American Security and Gate Company in Fargo in this article.
Before Installation: Smooth Out Uneven Terrain
Obviously, smoothing out uneven terrain requires preliminary landscaping work—and, depending on the degree to which your terrain is sloped, might not be worth the additional expenses. On the other hand, leveling out uneven terrain eliminates most of the above mentioned difficulties involving gate installation. What’s more, one of American Security and Gate’s sister companies is American Landscape Company. Contact us if you want their professional landscaping assistance and, following that, our expertise in gate installation in Fargo, ND.
If leveling uneven terrain is not an option, the next obvious question is: “What type of gate do I need?”
While the cantilever gate is the most popular slide gate on the market, it is not ideal for areas swept with hills and valleys. Cantilever gates are typically installed off the ground, with guide wheels and rollers set underneath the gate frame, and are designed to roll freely via sealed ball bearing rollers. This—combined with their immense weight—means a cantilever gate installed on uneven terrain might open/close abnormally fast when moving downhill. This risks not only damage to the gate but also injury to animals and pedestrians caught in the path of travel.
In short: cantilever gates are best suited for level terrain. They are not recommended for installation on hills and valleys. Install a cantilever gate only after leveling out the terrain in your area.
Rolling Slide Gates on Sloped Terrain
The rolling slide gate comes recommended for scenarios with sloped openings and/or rising elevation on the side where the gate is to be stored. Rolling slide gates are attached to rear guide wheels, which operate on a track attached to the gate’s adjoining fence or support posts. The track needs to be set up so as to follow the slope—this way, the gate follows the contour of the slope.
The downside is that rolling slide gates are not a good choice for gate automation. Because of the wheel assembly being situated on the ground, variations in terrain—not to mention severe weather—have the potential to affect the path of travel. Rolling slide gates need to be opened by human contact. They also require front wheel assembly, locking devices, rear wheels, track brackets, and other installation tidbits that will raise the price. Still, this is the top choice for gate installation on hills and valleys.
Proper gate installation tends to be tricky and complicated. However, installing a gate on sloped terrain—i.e., hills and valleys—presents a whole new set of challenges. In fact, as the premier fence and gate company in Fargo, ND, we recommend avoiding gate installation on sloped areas if all possible. After all, uneven terrain can become more uneven thanks to runoff and erosion; and slopes are more likely to obstruct gates as they open/close.
That said: in situations where installing gates on hilly areas is unavoidable, what types of gates do we recommend? What sort of preparations should you take? These are the questions addressed by American Security and Gate Company in Fargo in this article.
