A GUIDE TO BETTER VINYL GATES
Ranch Gate
Gates maximizing the full benefits of today’s high quality vinyl fence materials combined with Snug Cottage Traditional Heavy Duty hot dipped galvanized steel or black powder coat over hot dipped galvanized steel will result in a gate that is superior in durability and aesthetic appeal while being extremely functional and reliable. The result is happy customers and less call backs.
The key to the success and strength of our ranch design is the double strap heavy duty hinge. The horizontal members of the gate are literally sandwiched between the two straps. Bolting the two straps together utilizing carriage bolts dramatically strengthens the gate and locks the corners at right angles to prevent sagging.
Snug Cottage double straps have a three inch space between the two straps which is ideal when using readily available one and a half inch thick material.
In order to maintain the spacing and height of the horizontal rails of the gate with those of the fence we suggest that the hinge is mounted flush with the bottom edge of the top and bottom horizontal members of the gate. We suggest using a hanging bolt that will allow room for a washer and nut below the mortise for the horizontal fence members.
We also recommend the use of several wood or aluminum inserts placed inside the channels of the vinyl members to which hardware is attached. This serves two purposes. Firstly, the inserts dramatically strengthen the gate. Secondly, the hardware is much more firmly attached. While this will require some additional time while fabricating, the resulting strength and stability of the finished gate will make it well worth while.
Even the strongest of gate will only perform properly if hung on adequately secured and strengthened posts. To this end we recommend all gate posts are either cement filled or the vinyl post is used as a sleeve over a snug fitting wood post.