How to fix a Colorbond fence gate not straight?

[ivanptr]

Hi Brain Trust,

Our colorbond fence gate panel is not straight.

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ksd-tED7IHo?si=aLV_TKNXzwLebUn5

What can we do to reinforce it? Please provide all materials that we can purchase from Bunnings.

Thank you for any advice

[JacobZ]

Hi @ivanptr,

Thank you for your question.

The issue looks to be because a standard Colorbond fence panel has been converted into a gate. As the frame runs around the perimeter of the panel, there is no bracing through the middle to keep everything straight. The vertical framing on the latch side is only braced by the top and bottom rails, which are thin metal, which can twist when they are not supported. 

Unfortunately, any recommendation I make would be experimental at best because this is not supposed to be a gate.

You could try attaching some 70x35 H3 Pine vertically between the top and bottom rails of the panel. Two lengths at even spacing should help brace things a bit better.

You can use Zenith 10G x 50mm Galvanised Countersunk Head Metal Screws to attach the timber to the fence.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @JoeAzza for their thoughts.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @ivanptr 

I'm concur with @JacobZ that the gate hasn't been built in a way to support that span with vertical colourbond sheeting. It's worth a try of Jacob's suggestion for the diagonal brace, but typically thats to prevent a gate/fence from sagging. You issue is that it's twisted. @JoeAzza is the metal work guru, but I think it needs a custom sized square tubed metal frame welded up that incorporated the hinges back to the fence post. This frame would have at least one possible two diagonal bracing mentioned.

Regards Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @ivanptr 

I am sitting here trying to nut out an idea and am nodding at Both @JacobZ and @Nailbag 's suggestions as well as aknowledging @JoeAzza for his skill  @Noyade would have some thoughts as well.

As I like working with timber I would actually frame out the rear of the gate, screw through the gate into the rectangular frame of new timber. I would also diagonally brace the gate with timber so top middle down to support post bottom. This will make the gate a LOT heavier and I do suspect that the hingers are solid I would still check to see if they are suitable. Also you may have to adjust how the hinge is attached to the gate.

I would also do teh same for the other gate. Having the two built the same makes it a lot easier to fix/maintain.

Dave

[ivanptr]

Many thanks for the useful advice @Dave-1 @Nailbag @JacobZ 

Another issue is that the fence gate, which relies solely on a single hinge, has started leaning and is no longer level.

We installed a fence gate wheel to address the problem, and while it did help a lot, we’re now facing two new issues:

1. The wheel is mounted on thin Colorbond sheets. Because they’re not very sturdy, the nuts loosen over time, especially in strong winds.

 

2. The wheel often shifts horizontally and gets stuck, making it difficult to open the gate smoothly.

 

Is there any way to upgrade the installation of this wheel? Any bunnings product we can get 

 

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @ivanptr 

Straight up I would shift the wheel and mount it on the edge metal of the gate, tin is not the best at supporting anything. If you are concerned about attaching it to the metal I would cut a square of timber and screw taht to the gate and then attach the wheel to the timber square (Square size is a little higher then your wheel by the same width as height.)

I notice you dont have a stay across your gate yet, it would help to add that as well. If you show your hinges and how they are now we may also be able to come up with a suggestion or two

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @ivanptr 

I'm kinda sticking with my original recommendation to get a new steel frame made up. Something designed to support the weight with dual or more ball hinges, suitable for the colourbond panels and can accomodate a decent latch and the roller support wheel. 

The tip to relocate the wheel by @Dave-1 is a good one. The only ongoing issue, is that the wheel is rolling in dirt that will be eroding away, thus lower the wheel. Its needs a solid track to run on.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @ivanptr 

Maybe a curved ark of pavers would work until something more permanant could be sorted? Just have them at the same level as the soil so easy to mow over.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @ivanptr, 

I was going to suggest pavers, but @Dave-1 beat me to it. The pavers will provide a steady base for the wheel and prevent it from getting stuck.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric