Sagging Driveway Gates and Misaligned Pillars

Sagging driveway gates and misaligned pillars are a common problem and the reason for this is in the construction of the pillars.

It should be a simple building project to erect gate pillars. Surely, it is just a case of finding a design that you like and asking a competent builder to erect them, if only it was that simple.

Your driveway gates set the scene and impression of your home to all of your visitors. They can be very simple in their design, even unobtrusive, welcoming you in or they can act as a barrier to the outside world, telling everyone to stay away in no uncertain terms.

The materials used in the construction and design can be endless, from simple wood or metal to a combination of stones and glass. Artesian; rustic; elaborate; art nouveau or art deco, any of your whims or fancies can be expressed, if you so choose.

The Problems.

Unfortunately a high percentage of driveway gates do not open and close as they should. The design of course is the most important aspect for the owner of the property and they should expect the builder that they instruct to be competent and experienced in the build process.

The majority of problems I come across with gates not aligned, arise because the supporting pillars have been built as individual items and not connected in a structural way. No consideration has been taken for the soil type the pillars have been built on, nor for the drainage requirements and the flow of water around the gates. Over a period of time, the weight of the gates acting as a counter-lever on the pillars cause the pillars to fall out of alignment and to list.

The Solution.

Understanding the type of soil and how it drains is a vital aspect of the build. Additional drainage may be required to be installed at the outset. If the land is prone to water retention or in a hollow in the landscape where water collects, aggregates may be required below the foundation to act as a bedrock.

LT Construction builds all gates and pillar systems using a ‘single unit’ system. This means that both pillars are connected together in a ‘U’ shape by reinforced concrete, which is then embedded deep into the ground. Conduits for electricity, intercom, lighting and water run through the enmeshed footing. This method ensures that the pillars remain parallel to each other and do not fall out of alignment, and therefore the gates remain flush in the long term.