How to calculate the counterweight of the sliding gate?

Sliding self-supporting gates are now often chosen for private and corporate properties. These are stylish, modern and easy-to-use systems in which the key role is played by a properly selected counterweight of the gate leaf. In our article we will analyze how to correctly calculate the counterweight for a sliding gate and why it is so important.

Counterweight of the self-supporting sliding gate – what is it?

In order to be able to smoothly open or close the self-supporting (suspended) gate, it should be remembered that it must have a built-in counterweight, i.e. a type of load, balancing various forces affecting the sash during its movement and rest. A heavy, steel or forged gantry leaf, mounted on the supporting profile, without a counterweight, could not stay vertical and move smoothly on rollers.

What does the counterweight look like for most self-supporting sliding gates found in Poland? It usually has the form of a steel frame in the shape of a right triangle, the sides of which form one whole together with the gate leaf. The counterweight can be simple – consisting only of three, interconnected profiles or enriched with internal diagonal profiles, which act as an additional load and are decorative elements.

The length of the counterweight in the sliding gate

Many people who are faced with the choice of a sliding gate for their property for the first time are wondering what the optimal length of the counterweight for the sash should be and whether there is any scheme or pattern on the basis of which they could correctly estimate it. When buying a specific model of the gate – or at the stage of its design, it is worth remembering to choose a counterweight to the weight of the sash and in proportion to its length.

Too short, poorly selected counterweight causes faster wear of individual elements: drive and rollers, which is the result of uneven distribution of the weight of the entire gate. In order to avoid problems with the operation of a suspended sliding gate, it is necessary to maintain the length of the counterweight at a minimum of 30 percent  relative to the door light – some door fitters are of the opinion that this value can be increased to 40 or even 50 percent to gain perfect smoothness of sash travel.

Counterweight for sliding gates 4 m and 5 m

How long should be the counterweight to a sliding gate of 5 m or 4 m? These are lengths commonly found in most models of sliding gates of Polish manufacturers. When choosing a gate, however, it is worth making sure that the product we are going to buy has the right counterweight parameters. How can this be checked? All you need is a caliper and a calculator.

Calculations of the optimal counterweight do not require the use of advanced mathematical formulas or specialist knowledge – for the light of a 4 m gate, 30 percent should be added, which gives a value of 5.2 m, and in the case of 5 m gates, the length of the additional section should be 6.6 m (because: 5 m x 130 percent gives a value of 6.6 m). If the gate is non-standard (forged or welded to individual order in a local locksmith's workshop), it is necessary to pay attention to the specific weight of the sash and create a weight-proportional counterweight for it.

Dimensions of the counterweight in the sliding gate – it is worth knowing about it

Proper selection of the length of the counterweight in the sliding gate is a very important issue, because too short a counterweight will cause incorrect operation of the rollers and problems with smooth movement of the sash. Some people who decide to install a self-supporting gate for the first time forget about the function of the counterweight and focus only on making the mechanism take up as little space as possible.

If the entrance to the property is narrow and it is not possible to achieve a counterweight length of 30 percent relative to the gate light, it is worth considering the installation of classic two- or single-leaf models. A high-quality steel gate with decorative or simple profiles, a wicket and necessary accessories can be purchased on the website of the online store, the Polish manufacturer of fences STAL.

Advantages and disadvantages of sliding gates with counterweight

Is it worth investing in a self-supporting gate? Certainly yes, if the property is wide enough and we want the gate leaf not to take up valuable space inside the plot. It is also an excellent alternative to rail doors, which require more complicated installation and regular maintenance. A well-chosen and installed gate also has other, important advantages, i.e. a simple and quiet opening and closing mechanism. 

Unlike swing gates, self-supporting models with a counterweight take up more space along the fence strip, and within the working of the running mechanism, you can not plant shrubs or other plants, as they could be damaged when moving the wing. If the fence is openwork and has the form of a panel span, and the owners of the property want to gain intimacy and fence off from a busy street or sidewalk, then they must invest in fence covers, such as: masking nets or artificial hedges.