Swing Gates
Single and double swing gates for residential, commercial, and industrial applications,the simplest gate type when adequate clearance exists.
Swing gates are mechanically straightforward: hinges on one side, the gate pivots open and closed. That simplicity translates to lower cost, fewer maintenance requirements, and reliable operation. The tradeoff is space,swing gates need clear area for the arc of travel. When that clearance exists, swing gates are often the best choice for residential driveways, commercial entries, pedestrian access, and light industrial applications.
What We Do
- Single swing gates for pedestrian and light vehicle use
- Double swing gates for wide vehicle access
- Ornamental and decorative swing gates
- Industrial-grade swing gates for heavy duty use
- Swing gate automation integration
- Hinge, post, and operator selection
Best Fit For
- Residential driveways with adequate space
- Commercial entries with room for swing arc
- Pedestrian access points
- Low-traffic vehicle entries
- Estate and decorative entries
How We Deliver
- Site assessment for swing clearance
- Hinge post sizing based on gate weight
- Fabrication to match fence system
- Operator selection and installation
- Safety device integration
Standards & Compliance
- UL 325 for automated swing gates
- ASTM F2200 compliance
- ADA accessibility at pedestrian gates
Single vs. Double Swing
Single swing gates use one panel hinged on one side. They work well for pedestrian gates, narrow vehicle entries, and openings up to about 12 feet. Beyond that width, a single panel becomes heavy, puts excessive stress on hinges and posts, and presents substantial wind load.
Double swing gates split the opening between two panels, each hinged on opposite sides. They meet in the center when closed. This configuration handles wider openings,up to 20-24 feet total,while keeping individual panel weights manageable. The tradeoff is coordination: both panels must operate together, and the meeting point requires proper alignment and latching.
For automated applications, double swing gates need two operators (one per panel) or a single operator with mechanical linkage. Two independent operators provide better reliability,if one fails, the other still functions. Linkage systems cost less but create a single point of failure.
Clearance Requirements
Swing gates need clear space for the arc of travel. The minimum clearance equals the gate width plus a safety margin,typically the gate width plus 1-2 feet. A 12-foot gate needs roughly 13-14 feet of clear space in the swing direction.
The swing can go inward (toward the property), outward (toward the street or approach), or both directions depending on hardware selection. Each has implications:
- Inward swing: Most common for residential and commercial. Keeps the gate arc on private property. Vehicles must stop clear of the swing path before the gate opens. Works with grade that slopes down toward the property.
- Outward swing: Used when inward space is limited or grade prevents inward swing. May encroach on sidewalks or right-of-way,check local codes. Vehicles can pull closer before the gate opens. Works with grade that slopes up toward the property.
- Dual swing: Gates that can swing both directions, useful for emergency egress. Requires special hinges and prevents use of standard drop rods or center stops. Less common for automated gates.
Grade Considerations
Swing gates and sloped driveways require careful planning. The gate bottom scribes an arc as it opens,if the ground rises within that arc, the gate will drag or stop.
For inward-swinging gates on uphill approaches, the ground must remain below the gate arc throughout the swing. This may require excavation, raising the gate, or accepting a larger gap at the bottom when closed. Outward swing avoids this issue but creates others.
Significant grades may make swing gates impractical. Slide or cantilever gates handle grades more gracefully because they travel parallel to the fence line rather than scribing an arc across changing elevation.
Hinge Posts
Hinge posts carry the full gate weight plus dynamic loads from opening, closing, wind, and impact. They are the most critical structural element in a swing gate system,undersized hinge posts cause sagging, binding, and premature failure.
Post sizing depends on gate weight, height, and wind exposure. Residential gates might use 4x4-inch steel tube; heavy commercial gates may need 6x6-inch or larger. Post depth and concrete volume must match,a properly sized post in an undersized footing will still fail.
For automated gates, hinge posts may also support operator mounting brackets, adding load and requiring additional consideration. Posts should be set plumb and allowed to cure fully before gate installation.
Hinges and Hardware
Hinge selection affects gate operation, longevity, and maintenance requirements. The basic categories are strap hinges, barrel hinges, and ball-bearing hinges.
Strap hinges mount to the gate face and post face. Simple and economical, suitable for light to medium gates. Adjustment is limited once installed.
Barrel hinges (also called J-bolt or pin hinges) wrap around the post with a vertical pin. Common for chain link and industrial gates. Allow vertical adjustment and easy gate removal.
Ball-bearing hinges use sealed bearings for smooth, low-friction operation. Preferred for heavy gates and automated applications. More expensive but longer-lasting under high-cycle use.
All hinges should be sized for the gate weight with safety margin. Grease fittings allow periodic lubrication without disassembly. Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized hardware resists corrosion.
Automation
Swing gate operators mount to the hinge post and gate, pushing or pulling the gate through its arc. The two main types are articulated arm operators and linear actuators.
Articulated arm (or ram arm) operators use a folding arm that attaches to the gate face. They handle various gate sizes and provide good speed and cycle capacity. Common for residential and commercial applications.
Linear actuators use a telescoping arm,simpler mechanically but with more limited range of motion. Often used for lighter residential gates.
Operator sizing must account for gate weight, width, wind load, and desired cycle frequency. Undersized operators run hot, cycle slowly, and fail early. We size operators with margin for real-world conditions rather than optimistic catalog specifications.
Underground operators hide the mechanism below grade for aesthetic applications. They require drainage provisions and are more expensive to install and service, but eliminate visible hardware.
Safety Devices
Automated swing gates require safety devices under UL 325. The specific requirements depend on gate classification, but typical installations include:
- Photo eyes: Infrared beams across the opening that stop or reverse the gate if broken. Required at the gate plane; often installed at multiple heights.
- Edge sensors: Pressure-sensitive strips on the leading edge of the gate that trigger reversal on contact. Provide protection if photo eyes are bypassed or fail.
- Monitored entrapment zones: For gates that could trap a person against a fixed object, additional photo eyes or sensors cover the entrapment area.
- Emergency stop: Manual stop button accessible from both sides of the gate.
- Battery backup: Allows safe operation during power failure, including opening for egress.
Maintenance
Swing gates require less maintenance than slide or cantilever gates,no tracks, fewer rollers, simpler mechanism. Basic maintenance includes:
Hinges: Lubricate every 6-12 months depending on cycle frequency. Check for wear, play, or binding. Tighten mounting hardware as needed.
Operators: Follow manufacturer maintenance schedule. Typically includes lubrication, limit adjustment verification, and battery replacement for backup systems. Most residential operators need annual service; commercial operators may need quarterly attention.
Safety devices: Test monthly. Photo eyes should stop/reverse the gate when the beam is blocked. Edge sensors should trigger on light pressure. Document testing for liability protection.
Gate structure: Inspect for damage, rust, loose fasteners, and proper alignment. Address finish damage before rust spreads. Check latch and drop rod operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How wide can a swing gate be?
- Single swing gates work well up to about 12 feet. Beyond that, weight and wind load become problematic. Double swing gates handle openings up to 20-24 feet total (two 10-12 foot panels). Wider openings generally require slide or cantilever gates.
- Can swing gates work on a sloped driveway?
- It depends on the grade and swing direction. Mild slopes are manageable with proper planning,the gate must clear the ground throughout its arc. Steep slopes often make swing gates impractical; slide or cantilever gates handle grades better. We assess slope during site visits and recommend the appropriate gate type.
- Should the gate swing in or out?
- Inward is most common,it keeps the gate arc on your property and avoids right-of-way issues. Outward swing may be necessary when grade or space prevents inward swing, but check local codes as outward-swinging gates may not be permitted if they encroach on sidewalks or public areas. We recommend inward swing when site conditions allow.
- How fast do automated swing gates open?
- Typical residential operators open a gate in 12-18 seconds. Commercial operators can be faster,8-12 seconds,but speed increases stress on hinges and operators. Very fast operation requires heavy-duty components and more frequent maintenance. We balance speed with longevity based on the application.
Related Services
Custom-designed and fabricated gates for vehicle and pedestrian access,swing, slide, cantilever, bi-fold, and vertical pivot configurations built to site requirements.
UL 325-listed gate operators for swing, slide, cantilever, and barrier applications, sized for your gate weight, cycle frequency, and operational requirements.
Safety devices and compliant installations to prevent entrapment and injury, meeting UL 325 and ASTM F2200 requirements for automated vehicular gates.
Code compliance and permitting information.
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