Over the past few years, there has been an improvement in sliding gate systems. The cantilever gate is one of the strongest and most powerful solutions. A cantilever gate is a sliding design of gate that does not use a ground track but rather rollers and a counterbalance design. It implies that there are fewer parts that are exposed to wear, fewer chances of being obstructed, and a smooth operation. This type of design, according to industry sources, is the most suitable type in uneven terrain, snow, gravel or high-traffic entrances.
This article will discuss what cantilever gates are, their operation, advantages, critical features and specifications, how to select the appropriate one, installation and maintenance guidelines, and why they are such a good value to both home and commercial buildings.
What is a cantilever gate?
A cantilever gate is a type of sliding gate which does not have a track to be mounted on the ground over the driveway opening. Rather, the support of the gate is placed on one side by very heavy rollers or carriages, and part of the gate is hung out over the throwing aperture in order to counterbalance it.
This is track-free and therefore most of the problems associated with the use of traditional sliding gates like blockage of the tracks, collection of rubbish or roughness are prevented.
The gate is suspended in the air, therefore, providing a cleaner appearance and generally a smoother performance.
The main characteristics of cantilever gates.
There are a number of typical features that should be considered when studying a cantilever gate:
- Track-free sliding mechanism: Due to the absence of a track in the middle of the entrance, the system is not prone to being blocked by stones, snow, mud or debris as much.
- Counterbalance design: The frame or the long tail of the gate has been designed to offer balance and stability to the sliding movement.
- Good-quality construction materials: These gates are built with galvanised steel or aluminium or heavy rollers to make them durable.
- Finfish and infill: Infills (mesh, bars, panels) and powder-coated finishes are customisable to suit aesthetics or security needs.
- Applicability in expansive openings: Cantilever gates have the ability to cover large areas of openings, which is why they are suitable in a business or industrial facility.
Advantages of cantilever gates.
The benefits of a Cantilever Gates are the following:
- Less maintenance: No ground track to clean and/or fix, and fewer parts in operation at the ground level, the system requires less maintenance.
- Ability to move smoothly on deviated terrain: Since the gate is not dependent on a track in the surface of the driveway, the problem of slope, cambers or gravel is reduced.
- Increased security and stability: The heavy-duty construction and permanent mechanism offer a powerful aid to preventing illegal entry.
- Compact to open up wide doorways: Sliding along the fence horizontally, these gates do not occupy the space that a swing gate would occupy.
- Aesthetic flexibility: Due to the fact that the mechanism is not visible and the finishes can be customised, the gates can be applied in both high-security business locations and luxury residential driveways.
Residential, commercial applications.
Residential Use
Where the driveway slopes downwards, the entrance is gravel, or there are other features that render a ground-track sliding or swing gate unnecessary, a cantilever gate provides a very sophisticated answer. It is also attractive in the household environment due to its sleek, low-compensation design and clean appearance.
Commercial & Industrial Use
In business environments, including logistic hubs, production locations or residential developments, the capability of a cantilever gate to cover large gaps, support intense pedestrian and combine with control access is a significant benefit.
The selection of the appropriate cantilever gate.
To choose a cantilever gate, the following are some of the criteria to be considered:
- Opening width/height: Measure the size of the entrance and make sure that the width/height of the gate is appropriate to the size of the entrance.
- Counterbalance tail: Since there has to be room in the gate to move behind the opening, there has to be adequate space on the fence line laterally.
- Material and finish: Select a material that is weather-resistant (e.g. galvanised steel or powder-coated aluminium) as well as a finish that suits the appearance of your site or corporate identity.
- Infill style: Bars, mesh, panels or palisade infills have varying degrees of visibility, security and aesthetic.
- Type of operation: Choose between manual and automated (motorised) operation. The cantilever mechanism is useful even with manual gates, although it is convenient to automate it.
- Compliance & safety characteristics: In automated or commercial installations, ensure the gate is of suitable standards (e.g. BS/EN safety standards, photocells, safety edges).
Design-related issues during installation and maintenance.
Installation
- Installation is essential to performance and durability. Key aspects include:
- Strong base of roller carriages.
- Precise carrier-gate rail alignment.
- Adequate lateral runback distance of the counterbalance.
- Making the gate leaf stiff and satisfactorily supported.
- Combination with any automation, safety sensors and controls.
Maintenance Tips
To maintain your cantilever gate:
- Periodically check rollers and bearings due to wear
- Inquire about the frame and infill corrosion or fatigue.
- Always maintain powder-coated finishes; repair by chipping where necessary.
- In the case of automated gates, test emergency release/manual override and safety edges.
- Clear the adjoining fence line of debris to make sure that the sliding path is clear.
Cost and value perspective
Although the cost of a cantilever gate may be a little more than a simple swing gate or a more traditional sliding gate at first purchase, the value is justified:
- Reduced maintenance costs throughout its lifetime due to track-free operation.
- Less risk of mechanical failure or of having been clogged by debris.
- Increased value of property due to better security and visualisation.
- Extended life as a result of strong construction and minimal points of wear.
- Budgeting should include not only the cost of the gate, but also the cost of installation, civil work to provide foundations and any automation or safety required.
Summary & final thoughts
To conclude, in most cases the Cantilever Gates are a better choice than the post-and-lintel-type gates in terms of durability, low maintenance, aesthetic versatility and high security when you are thinking of a gate solution for your premises. It is particularly strong in situations where the surfaces of the driveways are irregular, and there is the concern of ground track obstruction, or where the sliding gate has to be of large dimensions and clean.
Although the consideration of the initial cost and the space is a critical aspect, the lifetime benefits can justify such aspects. When added to residential and commercial properties, the well-installed cantilever gate can make a big difference, as far as performance and appearance and value are concerned.
