How to make sliding gates with your own hands? This question is being asked more and more often. This model is quite attractive, does not take up much space when opened, as it simply rolls to the side. In addition, there is the possibility of installing automation so that the gates open themselves.
The main types of gates
To date, two types of gates are distinguished by the way they are opened.
The first type is called sliding. The peculiarity is that they have two wings, each of which moves off to the side at the opening. This door variant has the advantages of sliding and swing gates.
The second model is directly sliding gates. The difference from the first option is that they almost always have only one leaf, which moves off in the right direction. Those people who are looking for a way to make sliding gates with their own hands are thinking about the installation of this type.
The main advantage of sliding gates is precisely to save a lot of space. A good addition will be the installation of automation, which allows you to open the gate in automatic mode. In addition, the design itself is quite lightweight and will glide perfectly on the rollers even in the presence of snow.
Device classification
In order to successfully make sliding gates with your own hands, as professionals do, you need to know something else. Firstly, they are classified according to the degree of mechanization, and secondly, according to the type of parts acting as guides.
With the degree of mechanization, everything is quite simple. They can be manual or automatic. It is worth noting that manually opening the gates is quite simple, and therefore many install these. With automatic rollback, everything is somewhat more complicated, since it will require the connection of electricity, additional elements like signal lamps, an electric drive, and a remote control.
There are two types of gate guides - these are suspended or cantilevered. In the first embodiment, the elements are mounted on top, which limits the height of the product. The second type, that is, cantilever, differs in that the guides are mounted from below.
How to make sliding gates yourself?
In order to successfully complete all the work, you must follow a specific plan.
The first thing to do is sketch. This figure will reflect the design of the object, as well as its main elements, however, no dimensions are indicated here.
The second step is to draw up a diagram. This is no longer a sketch, but also not a complete drawing. The thing is that dimensioning is already allowed and necessary, but the proportions are not respected. However, if there are no skills in drawing up the drawing, then the scheme will become the best friend in correctly making sliding gates with your own hands, as experts do.
The last step that only a specialist or person with experience in such matters can take is drawing up a drawing. It is best to contact a construction company if there is no such experience.
Settlement part
How to make sliding gates with your own hands, the design of which will be simple and reliable? Firstly, you need to use suitable material, and secondly, to conduct good design work. For example, work with corrugated board will be presented.
The first thing to consider when carrying out the calculation work is the weight of the structure. The total mass will be a determining factor for the selection of load-bearing elements. The total weight consists of the weight of parts such as frame, counterweight, casing, decorative elements. In some cases, a gate is also mounted directly on the gate. In this case, you need to add the weight of its frame and material. The weight of all the locks is not too large, but you should not forget it when calculating.
As support pillars for the construction, a metal pipe with a sufficiently large cross section can be successfully used.
How to make sliding gates with your own hands? The advice of experts says that you need to go in detail to calculating the length of the console. This parameter is determined by the width of the opening, plus 1/2 of this value. For example, if the width should be 4000 mm, then the length of the console should be 6000 mm. 2000 mm is necessary to install a counterweight (shank). This, in turn, means that the length of the fence on the side where the gate will be rolled back should be more than 6000 mm without turns.
A little more about the weight of the structure. If the gate weight is up to 300 kg, then the guide section should be 60 x 70 mm, and the steel thickness 3.5 mm. If the mass is in the range from 300 to 700 kg, then the cross section increases to 85 x 95 mm, and the thickness to 5 mm. The last option is a gate weight of 800 kg or more. In this case, the cross section is 170 x 180 mm, and the thickness is 12 mm.
What is required for work
Before proceeding with a step-by-step instruction on how to make sliding gates with your own hands, you need to take care of the availability of all materials and tools, such as:
- corrugated sheets with a total length of about 10 square meters;
- two pipes 100 x 100 mm and a thickness of 4 mm;
- five pipes 60 x 30 mm and a thickness of 2 mm;
- you will need pipes 60 x 20 mm and a thickness of 2 mm for reinforcing jumpers, the number of pipes depends on their number;
- if the area is characterized by strong winds, then metal sheets will be needed to strengthen the frame 2 mm thick;
- you will need one channel of 2-3 m p. to install as a foundation for the shank;
- primer, screws, rivets, paint;
- you will need all the components for mixing the concrete mixture.
Naturally, you need to purchase small parts, such as handles, locks, etc. in the right amount.
Casters for gates
Particular attention should be paid to the topic of how to make rollers for sliding gates with your own hands.
This part is the main element. The rollers are installed both above and below. The upper rollers are responsible for ensuring that the sash is constantly in a horizontal position. In addition, they also prevent swaying of the canvas. The lower rollers are mounted on the ends of the console (beams). These support elements will be responsible for keeping the gate closed. They also protect the gate from sagging and spontaneous opening.
Beginning of work. Base
How to make sliding gates with your own hands? The instruction begins with the arrangement of the foundation, since the design in any case is quite heavy. All work is quite simple.
First, a deepening is done. It should be in the form of a trench. In depth and width it should be 500 mm. The length will depend on the width. In numerical value, this is 1/2 of the width. For example, if the sash is 4 m wide, then the length of the recess is 2 m.
Next, several holes are drilled to install support pillars in them. Depth should be 1/3 of the total pipe length. Usually it is 1300-1500 mm. As for the diameter, it should be approximately 2.5 times larger than the diameter of the support itself.
Further, everything is quite simple. At the bottom of the pit a pillow of sand and gravel is poured. Layer thickness - from 50 to 100 mm.
The next step is to pour concrete.
A pillow made of sand material and gravel is also laid at the bottom of the trench between its supports.
Here you will need additional reinforcement from the reinforcing mesh. It can be replaced with reinforced rods, but they need to be tied together with a wire before being used.
All recesses are concreted.
Frame work
How to make sliding gates with your own hands, the photo of which is presented? It is very important to assemble the frame correctly.
The first step is to cut all the metal elements that will be welded together to create a frame. It is important to remember that those blanks that should form a right angle should be cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Those mounted perpendicularly must be cut at right angles.
All iron elements are cleaned from dirt, rust, etc.
Further, according to the drawing, it is necessary to weld together all the elements. It is important to know that welding should be carried out by the spot method, and not by a continuous seam, otherwise the frame can quite easily lead. In addition, the "points" are much easier to dismantle if you need to repair or dismantle the entire structure.
All workpieces, as well as places for welding elements, must be sanded.
The frame is then primed to prevent corrosion.
Power frame and girders
Advice on how to make sliding gates with your own hands, most often consists in the fact that you need to carry out the installation of the power frame. This stage is carried out at the time of welding of the main element. Power frame is a longitudinal or perpendicular additional steel elements that are welded to the frame to increase its reliability and stability. In some cases, not a whole pipe is welded, but a sheet of metal at the corners of the frame, where there are joints of several pipes. This is often called a scarf.
Next, go to the console. The guide beam is usually welded to the bottom of the frame. However, as mentioned earlier, installation is possible in the upper part. On the edges of this element, you also need to mount the rubber plugs. If this is not done, then debris will clog into the console, which over time will greatly complicate the movement of the gate along the console.
Fittings and trim
After all of the above has been done, you can proceed to work with fittings.
To one of the pillars it is necessary to attach such a thing as a stripper. This is a corner with dimensions of 150 x 150 mm or channel.
The upper and lower catchers are attached to this element.
Further, on the mortgage foundation or installed channel instead of the foundation, the rollers (carriages) are mounted. It is worth noting that the clips should be as far apart as possible.
On mounted carriages, you can already install the console, that is, the guide.
At this stage, you need to finally adjust the traps.
The last step is to install all the fittings, as well as automation, if necessary.
The next big step is the sheathing of the finished and mounted frame with corrugated board. Installation is quite simple. The corrugated board is screwed with the help of self-tapping screws. The fastening step is usually from 20 to 30 cm. After they are screwed in, they can be painted to create a more attractive look.
Automation for gates
How to make sliding gates do-it-yourself automatic?
In order to achieve long-term and correct operation, it is necessary to carry out the correct configuration of equipment and software. The most common settings for the following are:
One of the configurable parameters is the current sensitivity. This parameter will be responsible for starting the protective device. If a barrier appears in the gate, then they stop. This detail is very important, because if you configure it incorrectly, the gates will close before the car has time to pass, for example.
With regard to speed control, it is allowed to change the speed of opening and closing the gate. For this, the power of the main element - the electric motor - is regulated. Too much speed is not recommended, as there is a risk of damage to the equipment. Maximum power is usually limited to 38 V.
Auto close can be implemented using a timer. However, this device can only be bought and configured, it will not work out on its own.
Gate Care
From time to time, simple procedures should be performed to help keep the property in good condition. All moving mechanical parts must be lubricated. Only non-freezing grease may be used. In winter, you need to periodically inspect the console, that is, the guide. If an ice crust appears, then it is necessary to clean it. Once a year, it is also strongly recommended that you carefully inspect all automation components. If any of them fails, then the repair must be entrusted to specialists. The last thing to watch out for is the canvas, that is, the decking itself. It has an anticorrosive coating, however, it is still necessary to periodically clean it of dirt. If scratches are found, then it is necessary to cover these places with an anticorrosive composition again.