Custom Gates

Stock gates work for standard situations,residential driveways, basic commercial entries, openings that match catalog dimensions. Custom fabrication becomes necessary when the site, security requirements, or design intent do not fit standard products.

Common reasons for custom work include: non-standard opening widths, height requirements beyond catalog offerings, specific material or finish requirements, integration with existing architectural elements, high-security specifications, unusual site conditions (grades, clearances, wind exposure), and designs that simply do not exist in manufactured form.

The advantage of in-house fabrication is control. We build to the actual site dimensions rather than forcing the site to accommodate standard sizes. We select materials appropriate to the application rather than accepting whatever the manufacturer uses. And we can modify designs during fabrication when site conditions reveal requirements that were not apparent during measurement.

Gate materials must handle the operational stresses that fencing does not experience: repeated motion, impact loads from wind and contact, and the concentrated forces at hinges, rollers, and operator connections.

Steel is the dominant material for commercial and industrial gates. Tube steel frames (square or rectangular) provide strength-to-weight ratios that solid stock cannot match. Frame members are typically 2x2, 2x4, or 4x4 inch tube depending on gate size and wind load. Infill matches the fence system,chain link fabric, ornamental pickets, welded wire mesh, or solid panels.

Aluminum works for lighter-duty applications where corrosion resistance matters more than strength. Residential and light commercial swing gates, pool enclosure gates, and decorative entries are common aluminum applications. Aluminum cannot match steel for large gates or high-cycle industrial use.

All steel gates require corrosion protection. Hot-dip galvanizing provides the base layer; powder coating adds color and additional protection. For gates, the finish takes more abuse than on static fencing,scratches from contact, wear at moving parts, and stress cracking at welds. Quality preparation and coating thickness matter.

Most custom gates are automated or designed for future automation. This affects gate design, support structure, and electrical infrastructure.

Gate construction must meet ASTM F2200 requirements for automated vehicular gates,specifications covering frame strength, rigidity, and attachment points for operators and safety devices. Gates not built to this standard may not be suitable for automation or may require modification.

Operators are sized to the gate: weight, width, cycle frequency, and speed requirements. Undersized operators fail prematurely; oversized operators waste money and may stress gate components. Slide and cantilever gates use different operator types than swing gates.

Electrical requirements include power supply to the operator location, control wiring for access devices (card readers, keypads, intercoms, loops), and safety device wiring. Conduit runs should be planned during fence and gate installation,trenching later is disruptive and expensive.

Safety devices are mandatory for automated gates under UL 325. Requirements vary by gate type and application but typically include photo eyes, edge sensors, and/or monitored entrapment zones. The gate system must be designed to accommodate these devices.

Automated gates are regulated equipment. UL 325 establishes safety requirements for operators and safety devices. ASTM F2200 covers gate construction for vehicular applications. These are not optional guidelines,they are adopted into building codes and enforced through inspection.

The safety requirements exist because automated gates can cause serious injury or death. Entrapment between the gate and a fixed object, impact from a closing gate, and dragging by a moving gate are documented hazards. Proper safety devices, correctly installed and maintained, prevent these incidents.

We install compliant systems. This means UL-listed operators, properly positioned photo eyes, appropriate edge sensors or monitored entrapment zones, and correct programming for the gate type and application. Cutting corners on safety devices creates liability and risks harm.

Fire department access is a code requirement for most commercial and industrial gates. This typically means Knox key switches or Opticom receivers that allow emergency override. Requirements vary by jurisdiction; we coordinate with local fire authorities during design.