Many of the designs in our portfolio are wood. Whether opaque, for privacy, or spaced picket, all wood gates are built-up (clad) over the steel framework. The woods used are Western Red Cedar, Honduran Mahogany, Teak, White or Red Oak. While cedar is used quite often, and is very resistant to rot, it is quite soft, and marred easily. No pine, poplar, plywood or composite board shall be used in gate construction, however exterior grade MDO plywood is often used as base in the wood column.
Experience has proven the following:
- Wood gates laminated over steel framework are far stronger than solid wood gates because all supporting hardware, brackets, hinges, etc. are welded to the framework, not bolted through the wood. Bolting through solid wood gates causes the holes to wear over time, enlarging, splitting, due to the force of the gate operators and wind load.
- Laminating smaller or thinner pieces of wood together with epoxies such as WEST System is far stronger and more resistant to warping and checking than using single large members.
- Wood-clad steel gates are easier to repair after being damaged by car, etc. The framework is usually intact, and damaged wood can be cut away and replaced.
What evolves from this is a rather stout gate panel, 3 1/2” in thickness minimum. If the gate design calls for large opaque panels, lots of weight and wind load, thn the framework may be up-sized accordingly. AutoGate Systems would then recommend the inclusion of magnetic locks for security, and to assist in holding gates open or closed against such loads. Obviously, these devices should be planned from the beginning, so as not to detract from the finished work. The design should not permit any water traps, or pockets, that may hold water and freeze, or promote rot.
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