Side Gate Pillar Construction

[colin H]

 

[blup]

Seems a bit OTT but as its an arch it should stay up

 

[colin H]

Hello everyone
I'm looking at replacing my old wooden gate with something a bit more modern.
My initial plan was to remove the top of the arch and extend the pillars to a height of 2 meters , then install a flat top aluminium gate . However , I now realise that the single brick width of the pillars won't be substantial enough to support the weight of the gate . The existing pillars are tied to the house wall on the left and the garage on the right .Other than rebuild everything, is there a way to strengthen the pillars or fix the gate to make it strong enough. The hinge side will be on the left of the main image
Thanks

 

[colin H]

Seems a bit OTT but as its an arch it should stay up

Sorry, my question is in the next reply - I couldn't see anywhere to write it after I uploaded the image . Should add , the existing arch has stood for over 30; years without issue

 

[jj4091]

If you have enough room have a metal frame made to go between the pillars and hang the gate on that. A bit like a door casing.

 

[noseall]

Hello everyone
I'm looking at replacing my old wooden gate with something a bit more modern.
My initial plan was to remove the top of the arch and extend the pillars to a height of 2 meters , then install a flat top aluminium gate . However , I now realise that the single brick width of the pillars won't be substantial enough to support the weight of the gate . The existing pillars are tied to the house wall on the left and the garage on the right .Other than rebuild everything, is there a way to strengthen the pillars or fix the gate to make it strong enough. The hinge side will be on the left of the main image
Thanks

If the pillars are robustly tied in, it will be strong enough.

 

[colin H]

If the pillars are robustly tied in, it will be strong enough.

My worry is that , if you look at the left hand pillar , where the hinges will be , it only contacts the house wall by half a brick . I did tie it to the wall when I built it and can add more when I extend the pillars (5 courses) . I know it would be stronger if I fixed the hinges to the RH pillar which is directly fixed to the garage but it isn't practical . I was hoping to fix the hinges directly to the pillar rather than use an infill post as it's not that wide . Would that be ok or do I need to use an infill post and attach the hinges to that ?
Thanks for your help

 

[noseall]

My worry is that , if you look at the left hand pillar , where the hinges will be , it only contacts the house wall by half a brick . I did tie it to the wall when I built it and can add more when I extend the pillars (5 courses) . I know it would be stronger if I fixed the hinges to the RH pillar which is directly fixed to the garage but it isn't practical . I was hoping to fix the hinges directly to the pillar rather than use an infill post as it's not that wide . Would that be ok or do I need to use an infill post and attach the hinges to that ?
Thanks for your help

Remove the arch/pillar masonry, fix timber jambs and hang your gate off those.
Downside is it will be wider and you’ll have to deal with the scarring from the mortar stains.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Make or have made a large metal plate (2/3) that extends the gate hinge pin onto the pillar and wall.
This would spread the load to the main building.
It can use a ready made pin and weld it to a larger steel plate, having it powder coated or galvanised.

 

[colin H]

Thanks for the replies, guys . Some good ideas there . I'll have a think about it and post the results.

 

[jj4091]

If you don't want the opening to be any narrower then fit what ever mounting you decide on to the back of the pillars rather than between them.