Sliding Gate Questions

[texagg04]

We're planning on putting a gate across our driveway behind our house. We'll be limited to sliding gates. Swinging gates opening outwards would block the alley and not be close-able once in the alley. Gates opening inwards would preclude parking in the driveway.

Looking at 2 options (I've attached images, but not sure how to associate those images with the text explanations, so I hope it's all clear, existing fences are brown, proposed fences are orange, the gates are red):



Option 1: Would be one long sliding gate. This seems simpler to me, but the problem would be that the proposed fence on the left side there would be among alot of underground utility lines, and would also limit the sight-lines of people driving in the alleyway (we're on a sharp curve).



Option 2: Two smaller sliding gates. This puts the proposed fence well away from underground utilities, keeps sight-lines open for drivers. Just seems more complicated, and my primary question here is:

Since you can see the two sliding gates would close at an angle to each other, is this ultimately problematic or would it work fine, just be a unique situation?

 

[Farrier]

From my experience, I'd stay away from double gates. The operators, whether commercial or home owner types, will fail at some point. I have a single 16' gate on a Viking opener that cost me a fortune and it has had failures over the last 8 years. Keep your gate simple and buy a decent operator.

 

[CraigStu]

I'd be concerned about the under ground utilities. I think you need to get them marked for sure and then get definitive answers as to what kind of post installation that gate would require.

 

[kd3pc]

double has twice the mechanism, power and so on....stick with one and get the best rolling stock you can afford. Properly installed will go a long way to reliable operation.

 

[kbs2244]

Go with one gate and kick in for a mirror for the curve.

 

[jb garage]

one gate as others said for simplicity and ease of maintenance. the gate runs on a track which will have to be on your property not on the city utility easement. You could put it on the easement, but you might get eventually called out on it. Plus there are the utilities, why bother. I put mine so that the gate track is inside my fenceline. No problems with utilities. No problem with the curve either. You pull out slowly and by the time your front bumper is in the alley you can see both ways. Love the gate. Gives one more level of security. Does need some tlc usually once a year needs something has been my experience over 17 years, but the motor itself is still going strong!

 

[texagg04]

Thanks for the input!

Have a couple gate companies coming by to weigh in as well

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for the input!

Have a couple gate companies coming by to weigh in as well

What he said. I have worked on sliding gates and the major concern is installation and setup. They require maintainance and adjustment.

 

[NZGarage]

Hi,
Yes like others said Defiantly go with one large gate and single motor, simplest, cost effective and reliability are my reason.

I installed my own sliding gate and chose Centsys D5 Evo which is mains supply to the internal battery charger and then
everything else works powered by the 12V internal battery, gate motor, keypad, opening switches and intercom.

The gate motor is made in South Africa and is excellent reliability.
Plenty of information on https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=centurion+d5+evo

When the new drive was installed I had a galvanised 2inch right angle beam installed in to the wet concrete exactly inline with the concrete posts for the gate to roll along.

Please click on this to see the video.

 

[CarmelitaYoung]

from an experienced I'd stay away from double gates.