This article will talk about how to make sliding gates with your own hands. Such structures have been used in industry for quite some time, but they have entered private households relatively recently. In recent years, a large number of technical solutions have appeared; a lot of components can be found on the market. Therefore, many owners of private homes install such structures. Moreover, all the work can be done independently without the involvement of external specialists.
Gate device features
The design is based on a panel that moves horizontally on rollers. Such structures are also called sliding or retractable. Having installed the gate, you can rationally use the entire space of the yard. Firstly, there are no large wings, which require a lot of space to open. Secondly, rails are not needed for work - thanks to this, contact with the soil is completely eliminated.
By default, such structures are opened manually; it is not difficult to make all the components and parts yourself. But if you wish, you can install an automatic drive - thanks to this you get a functional and convenient gate. That's just the cost will increase, and significantly. The main advantage of the design is simplicity, durability and reliability. That is why the gates have gained wide popularity among owners of private houses.
Construction details
From the correct choice of components depends on how easy the installation will be, as well as indicators of durability and reliability. The main components of sliding gates (fire and entrance):
- Roller carriages.
- Traps and holders.
- Guide rail.
Before choosing fittings, you need to determine what space is needed to open the sash. The type of material used depends on the load. The load directly depends on the size and weight of the entire structure.
Gate classification
The gates can be classified according to two parameters - mass and opening dimensions:
- Large - have a mass of more than 600 kg and a length of 6 meters.
- Medium - the leaf length at such gates is 4-6 meters, weight is 400-600 kg.
- And small structures - sashes no more than 4 m and weight does not exceed 400 kg.
In the event that the gate weight does not exceed 400 kg, you can use light materials in construction - siding, profiled sheet. There are no additional requirements for fittings.
If the design is more massive, then you will have to use reinforced elements. Be sure to make the frame rigid, since there is a high windage. To reduce the weight of the entire structure, it is allowed to use a profile pipe. The article contains photos of sliding gates made of such materials.
Stage 1. Installation of a mortgage element
When installing a sliding door type, foundation is required. First, mark the site for construction. To determine the extent, it is necessary to measure half the length of the opening from the extreme point. The width of the foundation should be approximately 50 cm. If a capital fence is installed, then the use of poles as supports is allowed. If your fence is not very strong, you will have to install a reciprocal support. The pit used for it should adjoin the inner side of the fence, while the reduction in the width of the opening should not occur.
At the stage of excavation, it is necessary to take into account the cable management for automation. The wires must be placed in the pipe. The depth of the trench should be greater than the freezing of the soil. At the base, you will need to install the embedded part - this is channel number 16 with reinforcing bars welded to it, the diameter of which is at least 12 mm. After this, it is necessary to weld a lattice made of reinforcement to the structure. When the mortgage element is ready, immerse it in the pit so that the free edges of the reinforcement are directed downward. The channel end must rest against the fence post.
Stage 2. Installation of support columns
Please note that if the clearance between the posts and the embedded element is reduced, the fastener technology will be violated. If the width of the aperture is more than 4.5 meters, it is necessary to install two support pillars - due to this it will be possible to ensure rigidity of the entire structure. And the gate will be able to function normally even if the windage at the canvas is high.
Poles must have a height equal to the distance between the top of the goal and the foundation. An additional 50 cm must be added to this value. To increase the stiffness index, it is necessary to insert the embedded element and the lower part of the supports by welding. Also pay attention to the fact that when pouring a mortar of concrete, the embedded element should not be covered entirely. Concrete hardens for at least three weeks - it is during this period that it will be able to gain strength.
Step 3. Designation of the sash opening path
Before making a sliding gate, you need to outline the path along which the wings will subsequently move. Pull a thin cord at a height of 20 cm above the roadway. About 3 cm should be retreated from the installation site of the counter column. The lace will serve as a guide for the correct installation of the main supporting profile, in which the rollers with carriages are installed.
The latter must be shifted closer to the center of the gate structure. After this, the sash and carriages must be installed in the embedded element. Next, the supports are installed and adjusted so that they are in contact with the cord. Make sure that both surfaces are parallel.
Stage 4. Fastening of carts on a channel and adjustments
When installing the gate, it is necessary to correctly fix the roller carriages. In this case, it is necessary to observe the order - first the adjustment platform is connected by welding with the channel. Then roll out the sash into the opening and repeat the installation procedure for the site of the first roller support. Then you need to remove the carriages from the supports. The latter also need to be removed from the adjustment pads.
Around the perimeter, you need to weld a mortgage element to the adjustment pads. Only after these manipulations can you fix the supports on the canvas. To adjust the horizontal required to completely close the gate. The process is not very complicated - the key loosens or tightens the fastening of the site. This changes the position of the entire structure.
To adjust the free play, loosen the nuts that connect the adjustment pad to the embedded part. After loosening, the sash must be moved to its extreme positions. So the supports will find a position that will correspond to easy and unhindered movement. After making adjustments to the mount, be sure to tighten.
Step 5. Installing End Caps and End Roller
An end roller is installed on the front side of the profile. It is fastened with bolts. Sliding door kits include plugs that are installed on the back of the profile. It is fixed by welding. Using a plug completely eliminates the possibility of penetration of foreign objects into the profile. As a result, the entire mechanism works flawlessly.
To install the upper guide, loosen the roller fasteners. Then install the bracket so that the rollers touch the top edge of the web. In this case, the mounting holes should be turned towards the support column. Elements are fixed with each other by bolts, tightly pressed.
Step 6. Sheathed with profiled sheet
After completing the installation of the gate, you can begin to decorate, namely, to install a profiled sheet on the frame. To do this, it is enough to correctly mark and cut the sheets. The starting point of the sheet fastener is the leading edge. Fasteners can be made both with rivets and self-tapping screws.
Rivets are best used, as they are less susceptible to corrosion. The sequence must be observed - the waves of the next sheet fit into the previous one. In this case, you can provide the best design for sliding gates. Do it yourself with your own hands will not be difficult to install.
Stage 7. Installation of catchers
The final stage is the installation of catchers. The lower one is set only after the gate is fully assembled. In other words, only under the condition that they will be affected by maximum force. Part of the load passes to the trap, roller bearings are freed from significant weight. The location of the fastener can only be determined if the gate is completely closed. The end roller and catcher must be combined.
The function of the trap located on top includes getting rid of vibrations that occur due to wind. An element is installed near the protective corners. Make sure that the brackets on the catcher do not touch the corners. On this installation of sliding gates can be considered completed. If desired, you can install automation - electric motor, sensors, control unit. Such modernization can facilitate the use of the gates - you can easily open them even from the passenger compartment.