America’s Fence Store Provides Success in Every Gate

America’s Fence Store proves that every one of their gates is a success. Any large cantilever gate that is longer than 65 feet and has a mechanical splice is fully tested in their shop. This is not an easy task. As you can see in the video below, each gate is supported with a series of blocks and lifts 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 thoroughly inspected for any separation or lips that may occur. Our fabrication and engineering recognize that even the slightest deficiency will cause a considerable disruption in the travel of the gate while the supporting trucks travel over the splice once the gate is hung.

Their unique engineering lies in the splice. Using over 32 of our ½” grade A hex bolts and almost 16 feet of ½” plate, the splice detail pulls the two halves of the gate together and holds them firmly, even when they are under immense pressure. What is also unique is their use of 5/16” cable for trussing. This heavy weight cable does not allow the gate to bounce or flex when completely cantilevered.

America’s Fence Store builds over 1,000 gates each year. Every gate is engineered with a combination of proven design concepts and materials and every gate is a success.