What is the "Right" Way to Brace a Gate?

  First let us all agree that the reason we brace gates is primarily to keep it from sagging, to keep it looking good and functioning as it was intended to from the beginning.

   From my extensive research in gate bracing I have come up with four primary categories:

      Compression Bracing - 
A compression cross-brace takes weight from the top bar and transfers it by pushing down against the bottom hinge or a vertical component that transfers load to both hinges. (see photo and/or drawing)

   


 Hinge Side on Right with Brace running from Top of latch side to bottom of hinge side. Typical on Wooden Gates.

  Now, compression bracing can be used on Cantilever gates as well since the load is transferred differently than a hinged gate. Interesting Fact: Cantilever gates are some of the strongest designs because of how they transfer loads. Our ULTRACK gates can be chain link, plain pickets, decorative pickets, vinyl, wood, composite boards our our Eclipse Aluminum Privacy boards.

Ultrack Gates can even be made to look like Estate Gates

 Here you have a fine example of having the fine architectural appeal of an estate gate, with the maximum mechanical advantages that come with a cantilevered gate that is more often used in Commercial or Industrial settings. 
  







This installation was done before we had our BFT USA rack and pinion options as part of Ultra Access Controls.





Suspension or Strut Bracing -  strut - brace consisting of a bar, cable or rod used to resist longitudinal compression a structural member used to stiffen a framework. (see photo and/or drawing)

  







 Notice the through bolting used as well as a compression brace "kick-leg" used on longer suspended areas

 Now a typical cable and turnbuckle is also a form of suspension brace that is often added as a retro-fit to remove the effects of gate sag or as a preventative and adjustable method. 

  The adjustable truss rod on chain link gates and cantilevers gates is also a version of a suspension brace.









   Horizontal Bracing -  Horizontal Bracing is just what it sounds like, using a brace or series of braces that are horizontal and parallel to the top and bottom of the gate frame.

 The traditional "Farm Gate" or "Ranch Gate" utilizes Horizontal Bracing.  Often used in conjunction with Counter Bracing, which is pictured below but is not categorized as a type of  gate bracing, since it has a main purpose of supporting and reinforcing the strength of the hinge post and not effecting weight transference from the gate itself. 

 Counter Bracing (Post Reinforcement)

Sometimes integrated adjustable hinges will eliminate or off-set sagging when gates are in a closed position but do not offer a solution when the gate is in a fully open position. In my opinion, any gate over 16' wide that swings needs a suspension brace with some form of adjustment, like a truss rod. Because Horizontal Bracing alone is often NOT enough on wide spans.

      Gusset Bracing -   Gusset Bracing is the use of diagonal braces in the corners of a gate frame to maintain the original shape of the gate, be it square or rectangular. These gussets come in many varieties and are often used in conjunction with other forms of bracing.  There are even companies like systems for use on all types of gates, primarily marketed at DIY types.

Gusset Bracing done with wood

Gate Kits, this one works extremely well since  it is integrated with the hinges and connects securely to horizontal and vertical members of the gate frame. This technique is often used on aluminum and steel gates as well.

There are of course many hybrids that utilize two, three or all four of these bracing techniques. Some common examples are:

Compression Brace with Suspension Cable Brace

"X" Bracing, or in this case double "X" bracing with gussets

While the decorative gate on the left uses traditional compression bracing, the decorative gate on the right uses compression bracing, suspension bracing and even incorporates board in-fill to add support. This is a great example of letting the bracing become a major design component for the overall aesthetics of the gate.

Some companies like Gate Solutions make kits that make bracing a wooden gate extremely fast and easy. If you do contact them, tell them Darrin sent you.


For addition information or comments and suggestions, please use the comment section or contact me directly at UltraAluminum@gmail.com or on LinkedIn at our Ultra Fence and Railing Group.

And please visit our main website ate UltraFence.com and/or UltraAccessControls.com