Gates & Driveway Gates in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Fence Pros builds and installs gates across Birmingham, from a simple backyard walk gate to a double driveway gate with an automatic opener. The gate is the hardest-working part of any fence. It swings every day, carries its weight on one post, and is the first thing to sag when it's built wrong. We build gates to stay square.
Types of Gates
Walk gates
Single gates for side yards and backyards, usually 3 to 4 feet wide. Wide enough for a person, a wheelbarrow, or a trash can.
Wide single gates
Five to six feet wide for a riding mower or garden equipment.
Double drive gates
Two leaves that open from the middle, typically 10 to 16 feet wide overall, for a car, truck, boat, or trailer to get into the backyard. Splitting the width into two leaves keeps each leaf lighter and less prone to sagging.
Rolling and sliding gates
For driveways where there's no room to swing a gate open, which is common on sloped Birmingham driveways where the ground rises behind the gate. Sliding gates run along the fence line on wheels or a track.
Arched and decorative gates
Arched tops, decorative inserts, and matching pedestrian gates for front entries and estate driveways in the Over the Mountain cities.
Gate Materials
Wood
Built on a frame with a diagonal brace, or on a steel gate frame kit with wood boards attached. Steel frames hold their shape much better in humidity.
Vinyl
Vinyl gates need an internal aluminum or steel frame to stay rigid. See vinyl fences.
Aluminum
Light, rust-free, and easy to automate. Popular for front walks and pools. See aluminum fences.
Steel and iron
The strongest option for security and large driveway gates. See wrought iron and steel.
Chain link
Galvanized or black-coated frames with mesh for utility and commercial gates.
Planning a fence? Free estimates across Birmingham and nearby cities.
What Keeps a Gate From Sagging
Heavier, deeper gate posts
Gate posts carry the whole gate on one side. We use heavier posts than the line posts, typically 6x6 for wood, and set them deeper in concrete. On Birmingham's ridges, that means drilling or barring through ironstone, sandstone, or chert to reach full depth.
Bracing
A diagonal brace from the bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner, or a steel anti-sag cable with a turnbuckle you can tighten later.
Hardware
Heavy-duty hinges sized to the gate's weight, three hinges on tall gates, and latches that are easy to use. Drop rods and cane bolts hold the inactive leaf of a double gate in place.
Clearance on slopes
On sloped driveways and yards we check the swing path so the gate clears the ground uphill. If it can't, a sliding gate or rising hinges solve it.
Automatic Gate Openers
We install swing and slide gate openers for driveway gates, with options for remote openers, keypads, and smartphone control. Automatic gates need a solid, level gate, a sturdy post or pad for the operator, power to the gate, and safety sensors to stop the gate if something is in the way. In storm country, we recommend a manual release so you can open the gate if the power goes out.
Pool Gates
Gates in a pool barrier should be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch out of a small child's reach. See pool fences.
Permits
A new fence with gates in the City of Birmingham requires a fence permit, and front-yard fences on residential lots are limited to 4 feet. Gates across driveways should not block traffic sight lines. We call Alabama 811 before setting posts.
Questions
Common Questions
Can you fix my sagging gate instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. See fence repair.
Can you add a gate to my existing fence?
Usually. We cut in the opening, add proper gate posts, and build a gate to match.
How wide should a driveway gate be?
At least a couple of feet wider than the widest vehicle you'll drive through, and wider if you'll turn into it at an angle.
How much does a gate cost?
Size, material, hardware, and automation drive the price. A free on-site estimate gives you the number.
Free estimate
Get a Fence Quote
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll call to set up a time to walk the fence line. Rather talk? (205) 254-6016