Common Problems & Solutions

Problem - Size Options

I have looked through the designs i like but have been unable to find a size to fit the opening i need to span!

Solution

Although we sell hundreds of sizes and design combinations, we are all too aware that it is only sometimes possible to find the right product to meet your requirements. In these instances, we generally recommend three choices to you:

1. Reduce the width of the existing opening down to suit one of our available standard sizes. The simplest way to achieve this is by adding timber packers or a narrow timber strip drilled and secured on the hinge side of the opening. Once painted the same colour as the gate, you will hardly notice the filler piece.
2. If the opening needs to be reduced by a significant amount, we recommend adding metal posts (these can be set into the ground in concrete or mounted to an existing wall).
3. Where neither of the options detailed above is acceptable, or the size you need to order is more significant than any of the options shown online you will, we recommend you look more into ordering a made-to-measure size. This way, no posts, packer pieces, or similar adjustments would need to be made, leading to a faster installation time.

For more details on measuring the opening to ensure you order the correct size take a look through our easy-to-understand measuring guide or contact Garden Gates Direct now. We will be happy to provide advice about your requirements.

Problem - Safety Concerns

I have a young family and am concerned about the children injuring themselves if they trip or fall against the gates and railings.

Solution

In this instance, we recommend any design that does not feature any sharp edges, a small gap where fingers can get trapped or spikes and spear tops where severe injury could occur as a result of a fall. Depending on your available budget and preferred material, we have several popular options to quell your safety concerns.

Wrought Iron Style Designs

Manor ►

Court ►

Weston ►

Verona ►

Abbey ►

Timber Designs

Gloucester ►

Derbyshire ►

Quorn ►

Devon ►

Dalby ►

Alternatively, if these excellent value standard designs are unsuitable for your requirements, you could always consider taking advantage of a bespoke design service where we could modify the gates to suit your exact specification. For more information on our custom options, send an email to sales@gardengatesdirect.co.ukdetailing your size, material and modification required, and we will be happy to provide you with a competitive quote.

Problem - Ground Conditions

The ground slopes upwards in the area where the gate needs to swing open causing it to catch the ground part way open.

Solution

If you need to overcome this problem, there are a few options available, including the following.

1. Remove the gate, reposition the hinges higher up the wall, and re-install.
2. Buy some appropriately sized metal washers and fit them onto the hinge pins to lift the gate slightly higher than usual (this option removes the need to completely re-install the gate).
3. If the gate has not yet been installed, but you are aware of a foreseeable issue, it is possible to mount the gate out of plumb (tipping forward – as viewed from the front face/roadside). This minor adjustment will mean the gate swinging radius is not level resulting in it lifting higher off the ground as it is swung open.
4. Where a large opening needs to be spanned, the addition of a set of bi-folding gates will reduce the size of the swinging radius to about half that of a set of standard 50/50 split driveway gates.

Problem - Support Structure

The existing wall is not vertical and is in a poor condition.

Solution

The common sense solution is to demolish the wall and rebuild to the required standard; however, we understand this is expensive and time-consuming. Instead, a faster and more affordable solution would be to install metal posts between the current opening. Whilst this will reduce width, it will guarantee the gates are fixed securely in place.

Problem - Security Concerns

I want to secure the gate with a key rather than using a fiddly padlock.

 If you wish to use a key to lock the gate, we can offer numerous locks to suit many of our gate designs. To find out more details about this increasingly popular option, contact us now to get a quote.

Problem - Maintenance

I want to install wooden gates, but I want to avoid painting or to stain them regularly.

Solution

If you want to spend money on a wooden gate that will be exposed to the weather for a long time and you do not want the hassle of regular maintenance, our range of pressure-treated options is an excellent solution. If this option sounds appealing, we can offer the following design options.

Quorn ►

Carlton ►

Hampton ►

Windsor ►

Drayton ►

Alternatively, we can provide any other wooden gate design with a pressure treatment, but this will incur an additional charge. Don't hesitate to contact us using the enquiry form if you want to find out how much this would cost.

Problem - Privacy Concerns

I need gates for the driveway, but I want them to offer a high degree of privacy.

Solution

Our range of aluminium gates is an excellent option if you want to increase privacy at the front of your property. These are available in modern designs, have a solid infill panel and will require virtually no maintenance. You can also order them in a range of double and matching single gate designs at a very reasonable price.

Problem - Sloping Ground

We want to install gates across the driveway, but we live on a hill and the ground slopes from one side to the other. 

Solution

If your driveway entrance is not level, we can supply gates with a sloping bottom rail that will consider the height differential. To find out more details about this, contact us with the size of the opening, the design you require, and any other relevant information that will enable us to provide you with a quote.

Problem - Matching Designs

I have seen a wooden gate design I like, but I need a matching fence panel.

Solution

If you have an awkward space to fill, we can supply a matching infill panel in the same desingn as one of our wooden gates. Constructed the same way as the gate, they will provide a uniform appearance to suit your requirements.

Measuring Guide ►

Buying Guide ►

Useful Tips ►

Ordering Guide ►

Frequently Asked Questions ►

Installation Guide ►