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Gates

American Fence Company of Des Moines builds over 3,000 gates every year. Every single gate is fabricated to our customers’ unique requests. From a 100’ slide gate at a local airport to a simple backyard swing gate to a 4,000 pound ornamental swing gate at the governor’s mansion, we have you covered.

With an expert team of certified welders, 8 fabrication facilities and a group of Computer Aided Designers, we will make your gate a masterpiece. The designs and styles of gates are almost endless; limited only by your imagination. Whether you need a chain link gate for the sole purpose of getting the lawnmower in the backyard or a highly sophisticated custom gate to accent the beauty of your property and provide extra security, we can get you exactly what you need.

American Fence Company of Des Moines has done every type of residential and commercial gate you could imagine. Our gates can be found in the heart of the Yellowstone National Forest to the base of the Grand Canyon. We have secured the United States’ nuclear power plants, military bases and some top-secret facilities that we can’t even tell you about.

Gates FAQ

What types of gates does American Fence Company of Des Moines offer?

We offer a wide variety of gates, and they all have their own applications and uses. Read through America’s Gate Company’s guide on how to select your gate for more assistance on deciding the right type of gate for you.

Cantilever Gates

This gate is commonly referred to as a “sliding” gate and is most common type of slide gate. The gate itself does not touch the ground and is supported by rollers attached to large gate posts set to one side of the opening. The gate will have a tail section that is used to support the gate when it is in the closed position. The tail section is approximately half of the length of the gate opening. It is important to ensure that adequate storage space equal to the sum of the gate opening and tail section is available so that the gate can fully open. Cantilever gates can be constructed with all types of fencing, but will require a steel or aluminum frame. These gates may be built to look like Estate swing gates or covered with vinyl, wood, etc. Check out America’s Gate Company’s in-depth guide on how to select your cantilever gate.

Double Swing

The double swing gate incorporates two leaves to cover a larger opening. Double swing gates can be constructed for chain link, vinyl, wood and ornamental steel fences. Ornamental gates at a driveway entrance, otherwise known as estate gates, can be used in conjunction with a motorized gate operator to control gate access, preventing unwanted intrusion. The motorized gates can be opened and closed by a number of means including keypads, card readers and garage door style transmitters. The gate can be programmed to close automatically after a car enters the property and to open automatically when a car is leaving.

Single swing

With the smaller varieties commonly referred to as “walk” gates, these gates can be constructed in widths typically from 3’ to 20’ depending on the material used and purpose of the gate. With the proper design and materials, these gates can reach over 100’ in length. Swing gates can incorporate self-closing and latching hardware for use around swimming pools or automated gate access at the base of your driveway.

Rolling Gates

A less common type of “sliding” gate is the rolling gate. Rolling gates require a wheel on the front of the gate and a pipe track to support wheels located on the rear of the gate. These gates do not require a “tail” like the cantilever gate, so that they can be used in situations where storage space is limited. Rolling gates with a V-Groove track and wheel assembly may also incorporate automated gate access control.

Overhead Track Gates

Typically used in high security or industrial applications, overhead track gates will utilize an I-beam or bar truss system that extends over the gate opening and runs the length of the opening on either side. The I-beam or bar truss will typically be placed close to 14’ above the opening to allow semi-truck traffic to clear. Attached to and above the gate are trollies that run along the I-beam or track. The number of trollies will depend on the length and weight of the gate. As these gates are fully supported from above, automated access control may be used to safely open and close these gates. Fully supported as they travel through the opening from the track above, overhead track gates are extremely reliable.

Vertical Lift Gates

When there is no storage space on either side of the gate opening and a swing gate is not practical, you may need a vertical lift gate. Typically used in industrial applications, vertical lift gates incorporate columns on each end of the gate that are tall enough to lift the gate straight-up to clear semi-truck traffic below. Attached to the end of the gate are rollers or trucks that run vertically in tracks attached to the columns. Utilizing counterbalance weights or garage door like springs, these gates will easily lift up and down with the use of an electric gate operator.

Vertical Pivot Gates

These gates are popular for sites that do not have the storage space for a slide gate but want an affordable automatic gate. These gates are also popular for use where there is considerable snow fall. Vertical pivot gates use a single gate panel to fill the opening. On one end at the base of the panel, the gate panel has a pivot point with an axle assembly that is mounted to the gate operator. On this same end at the top of the panel is attached a very large set of springs that runs from the gate panel into the rear of the gate operator. These springs provide the counterbalance necessary to lift and pivot the gate. Adjoining where the springs attach to the gate panel is the gate operator mechanical arm that when activated will pull the top of the gate back and down, pivoting on the axle assembly. This causes the nose of the panel to rise and pivot back. When in the full open position, the panel is then rotated a full 90 degrees and stands upright out of the opening.

All of our swing gates are available with a wide variety of hinges that open 180 degrees, are self-closing, or can even lift the up as it opens. Latches are endless from padalockable, self-latching, self-locking, keyed, push button, magnetic, etc.

1. Obstructions. Are there any obstructions in the travel of the gate? Or, when opening the gate, will it interfere with on-coming or parked vehicles.
2. Proximity to roadways. Will this gate or the gate travel cause a traffic jam or accident? Is it too close to traffic?
3. Adjoining elevations. Does the ground rise or fall under the travel of the gate and will this interfere with its travel?
4. Wind load. Is this gate subject to high winds and is it engineered to remain structurally sound?
5. Local codes. Will the local building inspector allow me to install this gate? Does it interfere with public travel?
6. Overhead obstructions. Will my gate allow for semi-truck traffic to travel under the track above?

Still have questions? Check out America’s Gate Company today for even more information on gates