Sliding gate on rail – advantages, disadvantages, construction and assembly technology

Entry sliding gates, embedded on the guide rail, are an alternative to expensive self-supporting models and are often found on private and corporate premises. What are the main advantages of modern rail doors, what elements they consist of and how do they be installed? We answer these questions in our article.

Advantages of rail doors

The moving models of rail doors are distinguished by the fact that they do not have a counterweight, that is, an additional side structure that stabilizes the wing. Thanks to this, they are narrower than self-supporting gates and, consequently, they can be more easily integrated into a narrow property, where there is no room for extensive gate systems, because it is enough to create a space equal to two lengths of the wing.

Many people appreciate rail-type gates because they are easy to operate and work smoothly for many years if their substrate is cleaned on an ongoing basis and sand, snow or leaves do not get inside the rail. The weight of the wing is distributed evenly, and the sliding on the rollers proceeds very quietly, which is of great importance on small properties, where the gate is located close to the house, and its loud opening could significantly reduce the comfort of life of the household.

What are the disadvantages of rail doors?

Rail sliding doors are only suitable for even, stable ground on which a linear foundation can be precisely placed. In the cold months, a serious problem for gate users concerns the freezing of water in the rail and the accumulation of various contaminants in it. When an obstacle in the form of ice, lumps of earth or stones appears along the route of the rollers, the mechanism may stop, the gate lock and even the wing may fall out.

The need to regularly clean the rail is a nuisance for many people – this is especially true for owners of frequently visited commercial premises, located in unpaved areas, where sandy and clay lands dominate. Intensive contamination of the rail also causes it to begin to corrode and look unsightly. Corrosion, on the other hand, contributes to the gradual destruction of metal coatings that become rough.

How to make a sliding gate on the rail?

The installation of the sliding gate on the rail consists of several stages: the first involves field measurements, that is, delining the space for the posts and the foundation bench, followed by manual preparation of the excavations, which are later concreted. This work is best entrusted to a person with relevant knowledge and experience in the construction industry, who will properly level the gate and choose the right type of concrete.

Once the posts and benches are well stabilized, you can proceed to the installation of individual parts: wings, running rails, as well as guide rollers and accessories – gate closure stops, fittings, automatic drive – if the system is to be operated remotely. When installing these components, you should strictly follow the door manufacturer's recommendations to avoid any subsequent problems with opening or closing them.

Installation of the sliding gate on the rail – the most common errors

The installation of gates on the rail requires precision and even the most experienced fitters sometimes make simple mistakes during the work, which result in recurrent defects, the need for reconstruction and even a dangerous wing slide. A common error is incorrect measurement before and during assembly and failure to protect the guide and closing pillars.

Rail gates, set on uneven, difficult terrain, should have a foundation made so that the running water does not remain in the rail. However, it happens that the spout is prepared in a reckless manner, without maintaining a proper drop, which results in corrosion and the accumulation in the rails of large amounts of precipitation impurities.

How to take care of the sliding gate on the rail?

In order to maintain the functionality and aesthetics of the rail sliding door, it is necessary to carry out regular inspections and simple maintenance procedures. In addition to routine removal of leaves, sand or snow, it is worth checking on an ongoing basis whether the steel elements are healthy, that is – whether or not there are outbreaks of rust on them.

When you see signs of corrosion on the steel coatings of the wing, posts or rails, the damaged parts need to be cleaned with a grinder, wire brush or sandpaper, and then protected with paint or anti-corrosion varnish. If in winter the problem of freezing the rail is very onerous, it is worth considering the installation of a heating cable, which, guided along the guide, prevents its icing and the formation of difficult to remove snowy lumps.