Have you noticed one of your metal gate posts beginning to lean to one side? Don’t worry, it’s a common problem that can be easily rectified when addressed quickly.
So how do you go about doing so without causing any further damage? With the right approach and some simple tools, you can support your gate post and have it looking its best in no time.
What might have caused your gate post to start leaning in the first place?
A leaning gate post can be a frustrating and alarming sight, especially if it hasn’t been too long since the installation was carried out. There are a few possible reasons why your gate post has started to lean:
The gate material is warped or weakened
Gate posts can become warped or weakened over time due to various factors, such as exposure to harsh weather, general wear and tear from regular use, or even sudden changes in temperature. Warping of gate material can cause posts to lean and eventually lead to instability in the entire structure.
Insufficient or poor-quality hinges
Another common cause of a leaning gate post is insufficient or poor-quality hinges. If the hinge screws are not correctly tightened, they can eventually become loose, resulting in instability and uneven weight distribution.
Lacking structural components
A lack of structural components or reinforcement within the gate frame can lead to a leaning post. Even if your posts are correctly aligned, they may become unstable if there is not enough support around them.
Concrete footing has deteriorated
If the concrete base that supports your gate post has deteriorated or weakened over time, then this may be causing it to lean.
How to support a leaning gate post
Fortunately, there are some simple solutions you can try without needing to be a DIY expert. Firstly, you must determine where the problem lies before taking action. Inspect the post for any damage on its surface or structural weaknesses; this will give you an indication of what the underlying issue may be. If you're unsure, it's best to enlist the help of a professional, but here are some tips to help you out:
Wedging
This is a popular method for supporting leaning posts, as it provides an easy solution without requiring any major structural work. If your post is rocking inside its concrete footing, steel wedges are a good solution. These can be secured between the post and concrete footing to straighten a leaning or wobbly post.
Re-securing hinges
If you determine that insufficient or poor-quality hinges are causing your gate post to lean, then simply re-secure them with stronger screws. Check that the screws are correctly tightened and evenly distributed in order to ensure the hinges are firmly secured.
Brackets
If the problem is more serious, additional structural components such as brackets may be necessary. These strong metal plates can be attached to either side of the gate post and concreted into the ground to provide the most support.
Replacing the concrete footing or post
If the concrete base has become very weak or deteriorated over time, or the gate post itself is beyond repair, you may need to replace them entirely. This process is slightly more complicated, so if you're not confident tackling it yourself, enlist the help of a professional tradesperson.
So there you have it, these are jus a few handy tips on what to do if you find that your gate post is starting to lean. By following these methods and carrying out regular maintenance, you can help keep your gate posts secure and upright. Be sure to clean the posts regularly and check for any signs of damage or structural weakness; taking action quickly will prevent further damage from occurring and save you from potential future headaches.
If you're in need of some metal posts to hang your gates or support fencing and railings, give Metal Gates Direct a call on 0844 804 5577 or email us your requirements and we'll be happy to provide a quote.