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Sliding Gates

Sliding Gates - Construction & Design

Sliding gates, typically associated with commercial use, make an excellent addition to residential spaces that prioritize efficient use of area. Crafted from customizable materials like timber, steel, or aluminum, these gates also enhance security due to their formidable resistance to unauthorized opening.

For a cost-effective automated gate system, the sliding gate stands out, requiring only one motor to service expansive openings. The flexibility extends further with the option of a track or cantilever system, allowing tailored installations for homes or businesses.

Typically featuring a single door on a motorized rail system, sliding gates necessitate a lengthy, narrow channel for smooth opening and closing. Ideal for safeguarding spacious entrances, hilly access points, or areas where swing gates would be impractical.

When selecting the appropriate motor, factors like door length and weight come into play. Our Brisbane technician is ready to assist, ensuring your specific needs are met. Safety measures are integral, with automatic gates equipped with sensitive edges and obstacle detection technology, ensuring a reversal of movement when encountering obstructions to prevent damage or harm.

Design - Colour Bond Sliding Gates

A colour bond sliding gate offers several advantages that contribute to its popularity in residential and commercial applications. Colour bond is a brand of coated steel that is known for its durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some advantages of having a colour bond sliding gate:
installing colour bond sheets into a driveway gate

Aesthetic Appeal: Colour bond offers a variety of color options, allowing you to choose a finish that complements the overall look of your property. The gates are not only functional but can also enhance the visual appeal of your entrance, contributing to the overall aesthetics of your home or business.

Low Maintenance: Colour bond sliding gates are relatively low maintenance. The durable coating helps resist dirt and grime, making it easy to clean and maintain the gate's appearance without the need for frequent repainting or extensive upkeep.

sliding driveway gate with colour bond sheets

Durability: Colour bond steel is renowned for its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and corrosion. This durability ensures a long lifespan for the sliding gate, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

Weather Resistance: The colour bond coating provides excellent weather resistance, protecting the sliding gate from rust, rot, and other weather-related damage. This is particularly beneficial in areas with diverse weather patterns, as the gate maintains its structural integrity over time.

sliding driveway gate using colour bond sheets

Customization: Colour bond sliding gates can be customized to fit the specific requirements of your property. This includes choosing the color that best matches your preferences or property design, as well as tailoring the gate to the desired size and style.

In summary, a colour bond sliding gate combines durability, weather resistance, aesthetic versatility, and low maintenance, making it a practical and attractive choice for those seeking a reliable and visually pleasing entrance solution.

sliding driveway gate with colour bond sheets

Design - Sliding Gate Frame With Timber

Opting for a timber paling sliding gate presents a range of advantages, particularly for those seeking a natural and charming aesthetic for their property entrance. Here are some notable benefits:
frame with timber palings

Aesthetic Appeal:Timber paling gates exude a warm and natural aesthetic, adding a touch of classic beauty to your property. The varied grain patterns and rich colors of timber contribute to a visually pleasing and inviting entrance.

Easy to Repair: In the event of damage, timber gates are often easier to repair compared to other materials. Individual palings can be replaced without requiring extensive reconstruction, making maintenance more straightforward.

Natural Integration: Timber gates seamlessly integrate with natural surroundings, making them an ideal choice for properties with lush landscaping or a rustic setting. The gate can become a harmonious part of the overall landscape design.

frame with timber pickets

Durability: When treated and maintained properly, timber palings can exhibit excellent durability. Regular sealing or staining helps protect the wood from pests, rot, and decay, ensuring a longer lifespan for the sliding gate.

Evironmental Friendliness: Timber is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice. With proper forest management practices, the use of timber in gates supports sustainable and responsible sourcing, reducing the environmental impact.

Insulation Properties: Timber has natural insulating properties, providing a barrier against sound and temperature changes. This can be advantageous if you're looking to create a more private and comfortable environment within your property.

frame with timber palings installed

Customization: Timber is a highly versatile material, allowing for easy customization of gate designs. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a more contemporary style, timber palings can be crafted to suit your specific design preferences, enhancing the overall character of your property.

While timber paling sliding gates offer these advantages, it's important to note that regular maintenance, such as sealing or staining, is crucial to preserving the wood's integrity and appearance over time.

frame with timber butted

Design - Aluminium Sliding Gates

Choosing an aluminum sliding gate for your property comes with a range of advantages, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. Here are some key benefits:

Lightweight and Durable: Aluminum is known for its lightweight nature, making it easy to handle during installation. Despite its lightness, aluminum is remarkably durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring a long-lasting and low-maintenance gate solution.

Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, providing inherent resistance to corrosion. This makes aluminum sliding gates well-suited for locations with varying weather conditions, including coastal areas where salt exposure can be a concern.

aluminium sliding gates

Powder Coating Options: Aluminum gates can be powder coated in a variety of colors and finishes. This not only enhances the gate's appearance but also provides an additional layer of protection against the elements, contributing to its overall longevity.

Cost-Effective: Aluminum sliding gates are often more cost-effective than their counterparts made from materials like wrought iron or steel. The lower weight of aluminum can also result in reduced installation costs.

Recyclability: Aluminum is a highly recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Choosing an aluminum gate contributes to sustainable practices by utilizing a material that can be recycled without compromising its quality.

sliding gates

Low Maintenance: The corrosion resistance of aluminum translates into minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike iron or steel gates that may require regular painting to prevent rust, aluminum gates typically only need occasional cleaning to maintain their appearance.

Customization: Aluminum can be easily molded and shaped, allowing for a high degree of customization. Whether you prefer a modern and sleek design or a more ornate style, aluminum sliding gates can be tailored to match your aesthetic preferences.

slat aluminium sliding gate

Smooth Operation:The lightweight nature of aluminum contributes to smooth and quiet gate operation. This is particularly advantageous for automated sliding gates, where a lightweight gate puts less strain on the motor and other mechanical components.

Modern Aesthetics: Aluminum gates often have a modern and contemporary appearance, adding a stylish touch to the entrance of your property. The sleek design and versatility of aluminum make it a suitable choice for a range of architectural styles.

In summary, an aluminum sliding gate offers a combination of durability, low maintenance, customization options, and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for property entrances.

aluminium sliding gate

Tips & Tricks for Sliding Gate Installation

sliding gate setup

Gate Guides - sliding gates

Gate guides are required to keep the gate upright and guide the gate as it's moving, here are 2 options available.

Slide & guide block

Below images are examples of the slide and guide block setup.
This setup is required when you have a fall across your driveway and guide/rollers are not ideal.
Also if you have a gate with timber pailings attached to the frame face or a top rail design that does not allow the guide and roller setup.
Usually this setup will require a post on the inside of the gate (near the motor) where your guide will be mounted to.
If you require your gate to sit flush/inline with the existing fence line then this option will be best.

Slide guide and block for driveway sliding gate
example of slide guide on a driveway sliding gate
slide guide and nylon block

Guide bracket with rollers

Below images are examples of the guide bracket and rollers - this is your most ideal setup.
Your guide bracket will usually be installed on your gate/fence post already installed.
If you have a fall over the driveway, this setup may still be possible, check if you can install longer rollers to suit.
Keep in mind your bracket will need to sit approx. 40 - 50mm above your gate, so make sure your post is a little higher than your gate finished height, otherwise you bracket will be sitting above your post. If you're not fussy about the bracket above your post height then this will be fine.
If you need your gate to sit inline with your fence then look at using the slide guide and block setup.
example of guide and rollers on a sliding driveway gate
guide and rollers setup for a sliding gate
guide and rollers for driveway gate

Driveway not level

Below are some images showing how gates can be fabricated if your driveway is not level,
or if you have a sloping block and the gate needs to run with the land fall and fence line.

Sliding gate double rake
driveway gate on a fall, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane
Sliding gate bottom rake only
swing gate on a gradient fall across the driveway, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane
Sliding gate double rake
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Sliding gate bottom rake only
driveway gate on a fall across the driveway made to suit, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane

Gate Bridge - sliding gates

Below images are an example of gate bridges.
If you have a steep slope adjacent to your driveway and a concrete plinth is not feasible or desirable for your gate, then these bridges can be an excellent solution. The bridge is constructed by installing three or more legs at equal intervals along its length. These legs are then securely anchored into the ground using concrete. The length of the bridge will depend on the size of the gate and the width of the area that needs to be spanned.
sliding gate bridge, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane
sliding gate bridge to suit steep driveway fall, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane
aluminium sliding gate bridge, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane
sliding gate bridge to suit steep driveway fall, sliding gate, driveway gate, front gate, driveway gates brisbane
Frequently Asked Questions For Sliding Gates
What is a sliding gate?
A sliding gate is a type of gate that operates horizontally by sliding along a track. It is commonly used for entrances where space is limited or where a traditional swinging gate is impractical.
What materials are commonly used for sliding gates?
Sliding gates can be made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, timber, and wrought iron. The choice of material depends on factors such as aesthetics, durability, and budget.
Are sliding gates suitable for residential properties?
Yes, sliding gates are a great addition to residential properties, especially where space is a consideration. They offer security, ease of operation, and can be customized to match the style of the home.
What are the advantages of automated sliding gates?
Automated sliding gates provide convenience, allowing users to open and close the gate with a remote control or keypad. They also enhance security by reducing the need for manual operation.
How does the sliding gate automation system work?
The automation system typically involves a motorized mechanism that moves the gate along a track. It can be controlled through various methods, including remote controls, keypads, or even smartphone apps.
Can sliding gates be installed on uneven terrain?
Yes, sliding gates can be adapted for uneven terrain. The installation may involve adjustments, leveling, or the use of a cantilever system that eliminates the need for a bottom track.
What maintenance is required for sliding gates?
Regular maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, checking for any wear and tear, and ensuring the gate's alignment. Wooden gates may require staining or sealing, while metal gates may benefit from anti-corrosion treatments.
Are sliding gates secure?
Sliding gates, especially when automated, can enhance security. Many models come with features such as obstacle detection and anti-crushing technology. Adding access control systems further improves security.
Can sliding gates be customized to match the property's aesthetics?
Yes, sliding gates offer a high degree of customization. They can be designed to match architectural styles, and materials such as Colorbond, timber, or aluminum can be chosen for a specific look.
What factors should be considered when choosing a sliding gate?
Considerations include the available space, the weight and size of the gate, the desired level of security, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Consulting with a professional technician can help in making the right choice.
driveway sliding gate
Aluminium sliding gate using 65mm vertical slats with small gaps. Manufactured to the fall of the land by having the bottom of the gate raked so that when the gate is in the closed position it sits level with the remaining fence line.
sliding gate
Aluminium sliding gate using 65mm horizontal slats with small gaps. Using the slide guide setup so that the gate finished flush with the fence line.
sliding gate
Aluminium sliding gate - farm design. The customer has used the sliding gate bridge in their setup due to the steep fall run off where the gate had to slide back to open. The bridge was also fabricated out of aluminium for longevity and ease of installation.