Do you live in a windy area? If you do, you know it is not uncommon to get gusts up to 40 or even 50mph. Yes, your property might be completely fenced in. And the fence has metal reinforcement and all of that to keep it stable. But what about your gates?
How to windproof a double gate? That is a question for many homeowners living in windy areas. Should you pay a professional to come and completely re-do your gates? Or can you figure out an option to reinforce the gates until you are in a position to pay and invest in new gates?
These are all valid questions. Sometimes fences have to be installed in areas subject to strong winds. That applies to the gate as well. Whether it is a garden that backs onto an open field, or anything else, some locations have higher exposure to natural elements.
How to avoid double gates blowing shut?
When it comes to the question of gates versus the wind, as a homeowner, you have to know how to windproof a double gate.
You can never know what the mischievous wind might be up to. Can you count on the wind to pass on your house, fence, and gate post? Can you risk it?
The reality is that the wind is an unruly element that can sometimes bring soot to your toilet seat. Sometimes, the wind can shut your double gate without giving it a second thought.
Sadly, you cannot take action against the wind. It is a natural occurrence. What you can do is enforce and reinforce the double gates.
Before you call in the professionals, you can try doing something yourself. How to windproof a double gate?
We have the answer for you that will deliver a wooden gate that can stand up against the wind.
The simplest way to reinforce your double gate
When it comes to how to windproof a double gate, we have one easy, simple, and practical way to do it. The simplest way to reduce pressure from the wind is to make holes in the door.
This might sound ineffective, but it gets the job done. Just remove all planks except the two at the edges. Then, set aside one of them, and put the rest back in place with a bit of spacing between them.
Now, if it bothers you that people can see through the gate, you can put planks on the other side. Make sure they are shifted a bit to the left and right but also spaced. It will leave a path for the air to go through the door.
“You can make things look good by adding some shrubbery or creeper plants which also act as a gap for the wind to run through,” comments Ruban Selvanayagam of Norwich auction house Property Solvers.
Now, if people seeing through your door and gate doesn’t bother you, then you can make the space between the planks wider. The wider this space is, the more wind will go through instead of pushing on the door.
We have to say, this solution for the problem is not perfect. But it will reduce the wind force on the door. And the best part is, it is pretty cheap. It will only cost you a bunch of screws.
We have to also note that the solution will not fix the hinge, but it will prevent it from breaking.
More Ways to Secure your Gate
When you have an unsecured gate you have problems with your yard. In windy areas, wind can pull the gate off its hinges and cause damage to the fence. We talked about how making holes in your double gate can reduce pressure. But here are three more ways you can secure your gate.
Replace hinges
You can replace the standard gate hinges with self-closing gate hinges. Find them at most home improvement stores. Just use a screwdriver or a powerful drill to remove the old hinges, and then attach the new ones to the fence post first, and then to the gate.
Replace the latch
The next step is to replace the standard gate latch with a latch that you can lock. Again, use a screwdriver or power drill to remove the old latch and attach a new one that will cover the holes left by the screws of the old one.
For best security, use a latch with a key lock.
Drop Rod
The third step is to install a drop rod at the bottom of your gate. A drop rod keeps the gate stable, reducing the stress on the hinges and adding longevity to your gate. Screw in the rod near the bottom of your gate at a height where it will be able to press into the ground and when you lift it, it will be able to lift high enough to allow the gate to open.
Choose a fence that can allow wind to pass
Besides the wooden gate, you also have to pay attention to the fence as well. If you live in a windy area, it is important that you choose a type of fence panel that can withstand strong winds or a storm.
Semi-solid or slatted fence panels are great for aesthetics and offer less wind resistance. Venetian offers varying degrees of wind resistance, thanks to the gaps between panels that allow air to pass through.
As you can see, same as with the gate post, the goal with the fence is to have space and gaps where wind can pass through. Here are some types of fencing that are great for windy areas.
Wind resistance privacy fencing
If you want more privacy than what the slatted fence panel offers, you have to get one specifically designed for windy areas. Hit and Miss or Venetian Hit and Miss fence panels feature the same stylish design, but with additional pales that will give you a bit more private garden. At the same time, this type of fence still allows air to pass through the panel.
It will relieve the fence from the full force of the wind.
Wind resistant demarcation fencing
If your goal is to get a fence for demarcation purposes, opt for shorter fences that provide improved wind resistance. For example, you can try Jaktop fencing. This traditional fencing allows wind to flow through and decreases the strain on the fence when strong winds happen. At the same time, it creates an attractive perimeter.
How much space do you need between the double gate?
This is another question a homeowner should know. Because the space between the double gate plays a role in your windproof, it is essential for stability and security. The minimum distance between double gates has to be half an inch. This way, friction won’t act between the gates.