Gate sagging

Causes

Corroded fixings

Rotted timber

Brace installed the wrong direction

Listed under: timber and wood-based, timber, Section, bracing, gates, durability, corrosion, rust, rot, fixings and hardware, fixings

Cause

Corroded fixings

Repair

  • check first that the post and the gate themselves are in good condition. The post should be vertical, sound and securely set in the ground (or fixed against a building). The gate should be rigid – a diagonal support across the back of the gate may be required if it is not
  • replace the corroded fixings. Hot-dip galvanized steel fixings in many sizes are widely available, but stainless steel fixings are likely to give better durability, especially in coastal and geothermal areas
  • screw into new holes where possible, or else choose new screws in a bigger size to allow them to be tightened
  • if replacing corroded hinges, pack timber under the gate to hold it up while removing the top hinge. Clean the timber behind the hinge and, if the gate is painted, apply primer to the timber to give it protection. After the primer is dry, mark the new location for the hinge to ensure it will be level, then screw the hinge to the post first. After checking again that the fence is level, screw the hinge to the gate. Repeat the process with the bottom hinge

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Cause

Rotted timber

Repair

  • replace the rotted timber (or the entire gate if necessary) with H3.2-treated timber. Fix with hot-dip galvanized steel fixings or stainless steel fixings in coastal and geothermal areas

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Cause

Brace installed the wrong direction

Repair

  • reinstall the brace correctly – braces should be angled from the bottom of the gate on the hinged side to the top of the gate on the opening side. The brace keeps the gate square and holds it at the proper angle to the post

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