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Please note that when hanging gates the sizes given are quoted using the fittings supplied by Charltons.
These are a recommended guide only and are not instructions for hanging gates. We recommend that an experienced installer fit manual gates and a qualified installer fit automated electric gates.
Automated electric gates must have a heavy duty rail on 5 Bar Gates and a heavy duty bottom rail on Courtyard & Driveway gates. We also recommend that gates are treated with a Modern UV oil (click here for more details).
Click to view or download the following guides:
Click to view or download the following guides:
Single 5 Bar Gate Hung Between Posts
Single 5 Bar Gate Hung On face Of Posts
Click to view or download the following guides:
Some gates are hung from the left or right hand. This is because they are built to be self supporting and stronger on one side of the gate.
The hand of a gate is determined by the positions of the gate hinges when viewing a property from the outside. The hanging stile will be larger on the side that the hinges are positioned. If a pair of gates is required one will be a left hand gate and one will be a right hand gate. You will need to decide which way around you want the gates to be when opening them.
5 Bar Gates
Some 5 Bar gates will be described as Universal hand or hanging.
This means that the stiles each side are the same size and strength so can be hung from either side.
Courtyard & Driveway Gates
Most Courtyard & Driveway gates are fitted in pairs so automatically have a left hand and right hand hanging gate which the gates are hung with the bracing rising up from the hanging stile so that they have maximum support.
If, however you are only having one Courtyard or Driveway gate you will need to say which side you are hanging it from. This is to ensure that the bracing can be configured correctly. The bracing rises from the bottom of the stile to support the weight of the gate.
Pedestrian Side & Garden Gates
Charltons Pedestrian Gates are universal hang. i.e. they can be hung from either side.
However, ideally on the taller & heavier side gates the hinges should be placed on the side with both braces in the corners for maximum support of the gate.
It is worth noting that gates should not open out onto a public pavement/highway reference; the Highway Act of 1980
Gate Hinges
Galvanised for resistance against rust and corrosion and built to last.
A rule of thumb is that the gate hinges should be at least a third of the width of the gate.
5 Bar Gate Hinges
Adjustable double strap field hinge sets are suitable for all 5 Bar field gates. The double straps provides a strong grip either side of the top bar of the gate and an adjustable bolt through the base of the hanging stile which allows for adjustment if the gate should drop in time
Gate widths: 3′ (0.915m) – 4′ (1.22m) = 12″ adjustable hinge set
Gate widths: 5′ (1.525m) – 7′ (2.13m) = 18″ adjustable hinge set
Gate widths: 8′ (2.44m) – 14′ (4.27m) = 24″ adjustable hinge set
Galvanised.
Driveway Gate Hinges
30″ 2 way Adjustable Band & Hook Pin on Plate hinges for gates that need adjustment due to seasonal changes. Each hinge supports up to 80 kg in weight.
Pedestrian Gate Hinges
One way adjustable band & hook pin on plate for gates hung between posts
Cranked band & hook pin on plate hinge set for hanging gates between walls/pillars
T hinge set for hanging lighter weight gates between walls/pillars
Manual gate maintenance
Manual installations should be supported by a regular maintenance regime. The time lapses between maintenance checks will be largely determined by the amount of usage the gate is expected to tolerate. A low usage situation would represent up to 50 operations a day; Low usage gates should be checked every at least every 12 months. If there are any changes in the gate, for example, if the gate drags on the ground, this could be a sign that urgent attention required to avoid compromising the safety of the gate.
Challenging weather conditions, such as high winds/gales and heavy rain can cause damage to a gate and/or affect the
foundations. Routine checks should always be made once the bad weather has subsided. The following should be checked:
- Review hinges and eyes for signs of excessive wear and tear e.g. damage, cracking
- Check the foundations for any signs of movement
- Look out for any indication that the material from which the gate has been crafted has in any way been compromised e.g. gates showing signs of excessive cracks
- Check that all ancillary equipment e.g., drop bolts and catches are working as expected. If any is classed as featuring in excess of 15% damage, a replacement should be considered
Automated gate maintenance
Automated gates must be installed by a fully qualified installer who must ensure it complies with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
As the owner of an automated gate, you are technically the owner of a machine, which just like your car requires routine maintenance. The gate should be checked over by a qualified installer every six months as a minimum.
