Success in Every Gate

America’s Fence Store proves that every gate is a success. Any large cantilever gate that is longer than sixty-five feet and has a mechanical splice is fully tested in their shop. This is not an easy task. As shown in the video below, each gate is supported with a series of lifts and blocks to replicate what would occur in the field once the gate is hung. A lift is placed at the nose of the gate at the start of the testing. Slowly, the lift lowers the nose of the gate until it is fully supported by its own structure. Now, the gate is being cantilevered. The gate in the video is almost one hundred feet long and eight feet tall.

This is where the rubber meets the road…or where the truck meets the track. Once the gate is fully cantilevered, the gate is checked for level throughout the length of the gate. The America’s Fence Store’s unique splice detail is meticulously inspected for any separation or lips that may occur. Our fabrication and engineering recognize that even the slightest imperfection will cause a considerable disruption in the travel of the gate while the supporting trucks travel over the splice once the gate is hung.

A close up picture of the custom detailing of a cantilever splice

The unique engineering lies in the splice. Using over thirty-two ½” grade A hex bolts and almost sixteen feet of ½” plate, the splice detail pulls the two halves of the gate together and holds them firm even under thousands of pounds of pressure. What is also unique is the use of 5/16” cable for trussing. This heavy weight cable does not allow the gate to flex or bounce when fully cantilevered.

The detail of the upper track splice of a cantilever gate

America’s Fence Store builds over a thousand gates each year. Every gate is engineered with a combination of proven design concepts and materials. Every gate is a success.