Sagging or Misaligned Electric Gates

Gates that have dropped, twisted or stopped meeting in the middle are one of the most common problems I see. It might look like a cosmetic issue, but on an electric gate it's more than that – the motors have to fight the gate every time it moves, and they wear out early.

Signs your gate is out of line

• the leaves don't meet in the middle, or one sits higher than the other
• the gate scrapes or catches on the ground
• there's a gap at the top or bottom that wasn't there before
• the gate swings open or shut on its own when the motor is released
• the lock or catch doesn't line up any more
• the gate stops or reverses partway, because the motor senses extra resistance

What causes it

• Worn hinges – the most common cause
• Posts moving – leaning or loosening in the ground, especially after wet winters
• Brick pillars cracking or the fixings pulling out
• The gate itself sagging – timber gates dropping, or a weak frame
• Ground movement – frost, roots or settling under a sliding gate track

Why it matters

A gate that's out of line puts extra load on the motors and the hinges, so they wear faster. It can also stop the gate closing reliably, and it changes the closing forces – so a gate that was safe may no longer be. After any alignment fix, the gate should be tested again.

How I fix it

Depending on the cause:

• adjusting or replacing the hinges
• re-setting or replacing posts, or adding a steel plate to a brick pillar
• bracing or repairing the gate
• re-levelling a sliding gate track
• re-setting the motor positions and limits, then testing the forces

Can I fix it myself?

Adjusting hinges on a heavy, automated gate isn't a DIY job. The gate can drop suddenly, and changing its position changes how the motors and safety system behave. Leave it to an engineer.

Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433 – photos of the gap and the hinges help.

Questions people ask me