Preventing Warping in 5 Bar Gates

 

Introduction

The first thing to remember is that wood is a natural product and reacting to the weather conditions and aspect that they are in, particularly heat and humidity. By choosing a Charltons gate you are starting with a quality kiln dried gate that is Made in Britian.

When warping in 5 Bar Gates occur it can affect the function of the gate as well as its aesthetic appeal. To make sure that your 5 Bar gate remain in good condition follow these tips on hanging and maintenance.

Correct Installation

By using the correct fittings it will give you a good starting place.

Clearance

First of all, a suitable clearance should be allowed for (standard is 50mm) so that the gate does not drag on the ground.

Posts

Make sure that suitable posts are used and installed. Ideally a post will need to be about 3ft into the ground to support the weight of a gate. Especially heavier wider gates.  If the gate posts are too shallow the post may be loose and easily moved. It may also start to lean, putting stresses on the gate and if a fence is attached to the other side may start pulling the rest of the fence out of alignment.

Hinges & FittingsAdjustable field hinges for 5 bar gate; correct hinges help prevent warping in 5 bar gates

Make sure galvanised fittings are used to prevent rusting. Wood is a natural product and is prone to seasonal movement with the changing temperature and humidity. Therefore, hinges should be adjustable to allow for  seasonal adjustments. Make sure that the hinges are correctly aligned as misaligned gate hinges can quickly create a stubborn obstacle, can lead to warping or damage of the gate or at worst the gate can become dangerous. 

Drop bolts

Adding a drop bolt to both gates, if a pair, is a great way of avoiding any WARPING. Once gates are fitted outside they will adjust to their surroundings. So for example, for a gate in the winter the moisture content of the air will be around 20%. The gate will therefore absorb moisture. Then onto the summer where the moisture content is lower and the water will evaporate from the gate. If your gate is south facing then one side is going to dry out more than the other side is, as one side will be in sun and the other shade. 

Extra sockets

If a gate is going to be left open for any time then fit an extra socket in the ground to use with a drop bolt to safely hold the gate open. This way there is no “dragging” of the gate if not secure, which can cause a gate to warp in time.

Adding components to a gate

Sometime people with pets add wire or mesh to the bottom of the gate to stop pets from crawling underneath. Whilst this is an easy fix, if the wire or mesh is pulled too tight or is uneven this can lead to incorrect stresses on the gate and warping can occur. There are alternative solutions such as a flush bottom rail or a gate with an extra rail to make the gaps between bars smaller.

5 Bar Gate Treatment

The benefits of oil in the protection of 5 Bar gates

Surface coatings, such as paint, lie on the surface of the timber preventing the ingress of moisture into the timber (which is the cause of rot and decay in timber).Applying oil helps prevent warping in 5 Bar Gates

However, if the gates are too wet when they have been painted then you are essentially “trapping” the moisture into the wood and it will start to rot underneath the paint. Paints are also susceptible to cracking and chipping which can let moisture in. It is for this reason we do not recommend paint as a finish for our wooden gates. Charltons recommend treatment with a modern UV oil. This is an easy way to treat gates.

Using oil on timber solves these problems and has significant advantages over surface coatings:-

  • Oil penetrates the timber and fills the microscopic holes as it is absorbed into the wood.
  • Moisture will be repelled by the oil in the timber. Therefore, eliminating much of the absorption and evaporation that can case wood movement.
  • Oil is quick and easy to apply and relatively low maintenance compared to other coatings.

Softwood 5 Bar gates

Whilst less durable softwood 5 Bar gates are pressure treated, this is against insect attack. These treatments do not provide all round protection against weathering. The elements and UV rays will slowly degrade the effectiveness of the pressure treatment so treating a gate to extend the life span and help alleviate warping is essential.

Hardwood 5 Bar gates

Charltons Hardwood driveway gates are made from Iroko. Iroko is a durable hardwood that left untreated will silver over time. However, Charltons recommend the gates are still treated to ensure that gates do not warp. Using oil will also preserve the colour of the gates for longer.

Regular maintenence

Regular Checks

Routine checks should always be made after bad weather has subsided. The following should be checked:

  • Review hinges and eyes for signs of excessive wear and tear e.g. damage, cracking
  • Check the foundations for any signs of movement
  • Look out for any indication that the material from which the gate has been crafted has in any way been compromised e.g.  gates showing signs of excessive cracks
  • Check that all ancillary equipment e.g., drop bolts and catches are working as expected. If any is classed as featuring in excess of 15% damage, a replacement should be considered

Early detection allows for timely repairs and stops potential warping of the gate.

Cleaning

Keep the gates clean and free of debris. Dirt and moisture can accelerate wood deterioration.

Seasonal Adjustments

Use the adjustable hinges to make necessary tweaks as the wood expands and contracts with seasonal changes.

Conclusion

This all sound a lot but in reality an inspection and treatment once a year is relatively easy.

By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your 5-bar gates remain in excellent condition, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal for years to come.

For more detailed information, visit Charltons’ guides on Hanging Gates and Timber Treatment and Gate Care.