Installation & repair
Automatic Gates & Gate Opener Services
Operators, keypads and remotes for swing and sliding gates, plus opener service.
Installation
Sliding Gates for Residential and Commercial Properties
When there is not enough room for a gate to swing, or when wide openings and heavy use call for a different approach, a sliding gate is often the better answer. We fabricate and install them across DFW.
Call for a Quote(214) 214-7849
Every day, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
A sliding gate moves parallel to the fence line instead of swinging outward. That makes it a strong choice for driveways that slope, entrances close to the street, and openings wide enough that a swing gate would be unwieldy.
The main design question is how the gate is supported. A cantilever gate extends beyond its opening and rolls on carriages mounted to posts, so nothing runs along the ground. A track gate rolls on a groove or rail set into the pavement. Each suits different conditions.
Because sliding gates are heavy and usually motorized, planning matters. Space for the gate to retract, a solid foundation for posts, and safe operator installation all affect the result. For operator and access-control details, see automatic gates.
Sliding gates, especially automated ones, involve moving mass and safety devices. Project requirements, design coordination, safety considerations and applicable approvals are reviewed for the specific job.
Where it applies
Sliding Gates for homes and businesses
Residential and commercial applications
Residential
- Driveways that slope up from the street
- Entrances too close to the road for a gate to swing outward
- Wide estate entries where a single moving panel is cleaner than two
- Properties with neighbors or landscaping close to the gate path
Commercial
- Industrial yards and equipment storage
- Wide truck entrances where swing arcs would block traffic
- Parking lots with controlled access
- Facilities needing a reliable gate for frequent daily cycles
Why customers call
Why customers choose a sliding gate
- No swing space needed
- The gate retracts along the fence line, so there is no arc to clear in front of or behind the opening.
- Better on slopes
- Where ground rises behind the gate, sliding avoids the clearance problems a swing gate would face.
- Wide openings
- A single sliding panel can cover openings that would require two heavy swing leaves.
- Frequent operation
- Properly built sliding gates are suited to regular daily use, especially in commercial settings.
Design, materials and finish
Cantilever, track and design options
Cantilever gates
Roll on carriages without a ground track, keeping the path clear of debris. They need a counterweight section behind the opening.
Track gates
Run on a rail or groove at ground level. They can be economical but need the track kept clear of dirt and debris.
Infill and appearance
Open pickets, horizontal slats, solid panels or a combination, to match the property style.
Operator and access control
Most sliding gates are motorized. Options include keypads, remotes, intercoms and vehicle detection.
Space behind the opening
A sliding gate needs room along the fence line, roughly equal to the opening width, for the gate to retract. Cantilever gates need still more for the counterweight section. If that space is occupied by landscaping, utilities or a neighboring structure, the plan may need to change. Photographs of the fence line beside the opening help us assess this on the first call.
How the work goes
A realistic project process
Project process
Step 1
Discuss the opening and available space
Call to describe width, slope, fence line length beside the opening and how often the gate will be used.
Step 2
Plan the structure and operator
We review gate type, post and foundation requirements, operator selection and safety devices for the specific job.
Step 3
Fabricate the gate and supports
The gate frame, infill and supporting posts are fabricated and finished.
Step 4
Install, align and test
Posts, carriages or track, and the operator are installed, aligned and tested through full cycles.
Scope and pricing
What affects the scope and cost
Every project is different, so pricing depends on the details. These are the factors that shape the work.
- Opening width and gate length including counterweight
- Cantilever or track design
- Foundation and post requirements
- Operator type and access-control equipment
- Safety devices and site conditions
- Infill style and finish
Questions
Sliding Gates: common questions
How much space does a sliding gate need?
Plan for clear space along the fence line roughly equal to the opening width, and more for cantilever designs that include a counterweight section. We assess this from photos and measurements.
Is a cantilever or a track gate better?
Cantilever gates avoid a ground track that can collect debris. Track gates can suit some sites well. The right choice depends on terrain, gate width and maintenance expectations.
Do sliding gates always need an operator?
Large sliding gates are almost always motorized because of their weight. Smaller ones can be manual. We will discuss what makes sense for your opening.
Can you repair my existing sliding gate?
We can review problems such as worn rollers, misalignment and damaged sections. Contact us about gate repair and describe what the gate is doing.
Related services
Often discussed together
Related services
Installation
Driveway Gates
Swing or sliding gates sized to your driveway, with layout and material advice up front.
Repair
Gate Repair
Fixes for sagging, sticking and damaged gates, from hinges and posts to welded sections.
Installation & repair
Commercial Metalwork
Bollards, enclosures, handrails, security gates and welding repairs for commercial sites.
Arranging sliding gates across DFW
Alpha Iron Work is based in Dallas and serves the whole metroplex. These service area pages offer more guidance for planning work in specific cities.
Discuss your sliding gates project
Call to discuss the work, the location, approximate dimensions, materials and scheduling. We will tell you what the job involves and what to expect next.
Discuss Your Project(214) 214-7849
Every day, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM Central Time