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How to fix sagging Colorbond gate?

Hi, Just wanting some ideas on how to fix a colorbond fence gate that is sagging.

The hinges are attached to a post that is in turn attached to the end of a 6 foot high run of fence panels (pic 1). I think it is probably cemented into the ground - it seems reasonably sturdy.

The hinges aren't great. The gap is very narrow up the top and widens down the bottom. You can see the top hinge (post side) was cut to make the right side narrower. It only has one screw. 2 screws on the gate side hinge.

Bottom hinge has 1 screw (post side) and 4 screws (gate side)

It has always been like this since installation (regarding hinges and number of screws). It worked fine for many years. We thought it odd but it worked pretty smoothly.

When installed about 12 years ago I guess the installer has tried to push out the bottom half towards the left as I guess the support post and post on the wall weren't parallel.

The gate has been rubbing against the brickwork. The top-left side of the gate is butting into the support post.

The bottom left of the gate isn't really a problem.

My idea was to shorten the top bracket and bottom bracket and remove a small vertical sliver of the colorbond sheet and then reassemble. And try to marry up the left side of the gate parallel to the left support post.

Is this an option or should i be looking at something different?

Thanks in advance, Adam

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EricL

Hello @dant

I totally agree with your idea in regards to trimming the door itself. Some of the solutions that came to mind was to create a timber frame to push your fence back to its original position so that it would drag the fence post back. But re-sizing the door would be an easier option. I was also thinking that this would be a good opportunity to fix the hinges position and the number of screws attached.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles when working on your fence.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

dant

Thanks @EricL

Is the sagging likely due to the gate post on the right slowly leaning over to the side of house over the years? Because the gap at the top right between the support post and gate post certainly hasn't widened. cheers.

EricL

Hello @dant

I suspect that it is, during those 12 years the weight of the gate has slowly dragged the fence and gate post towards your house wall. On the condition that there will be no further movement, then altering the gate itself would be the viable repair option.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @dant

It's quite clear by your photos that the right post is leaning over a considerable amount. Is it a standalone post or part of the boundary fence? If its attached, it's then possible the fence is on a lean causing the issue.

There is no easy fix here without removing the post and installing an independent of fence one thats more solid. This will mean reducing the width of the gate accordingly. This might be a job for a decent handyman or gate installer/repair service if not up to the task as it's quite involved.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Good Evening @dant

I have the same problem :/ My "temorary solution was to install a timber bar from the house to the fence post and push the fence back towards being vertical. It mostly worjks but the true solution is actually what @Nailbag has suggested. I am just putting time between now and then :)

Your solution should work for a fair few years as well :) So two options and a third fixed option :)

Dave

dant

Hi @Dave-1 and @Nailbag - thanks for the suggestions.

I didn't even think to check level on that support post. The photo has distorted the angle a bit but it has to be out of level. Years of a gate and my boys jumping the fence when they forgot their house keys.

I'm in 2 minds as to which solution as we will sell once the youngest finishes high school and I reckon I can make it last that long by narrowing the gate. I have kind of done the fence thing before, where i fixed up the backyard lean from some rowdy partygoers.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/244949/how-to-fix-leaning-colorbond-fence

In the first pic I don't think the installer attached the gate post to the first post of his fence run. Will have to have a better look. It doesn't make sense that he wouldn't have.

I know one is a more permanent solution but boy, I've got a pool perf fence to put in too that I've been procrastinating on doing.

Part of me says do a permanent fix and the other part is saying, 'kick the can down the road'. Cheers.

Nailbag

Hi @dant

From someone who has renovated and sold many properties, my advice would be to fix the issue for two reasons.

1. You get to enjoy the benefits albeit for a short time

2. It's a negative you don't need observed by a potential buyer down track or easily picked up in budding reports affecting sales perfrmance.

Nailbag

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