A gate that no longer opens or latches correctly

Gate Dropping, Sticking or Not Closing

Gates take more abuse than any other part of a boundary. All the weight hangs off one post, and every swing puts leverage on it.

Most faults come down to the hinge post, the bracing in the gate frame, or seasonal timber movement.

Gates and Fencing work by Gardenscape in Essex

The hinge post

If the gap at the top of the gate has widened and the bottom now catches, the hinge post is leaning. It usually needs to be excavated, re-plumbed and set in a larger, deeper concrete foundation than a fence post.

For heavy or wide gates, a larger section post makes a real difference.

Bracing and sag

A timber gate needs a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner upward. Fitted the wrong way it does nothing and the gate sags.

An anti-sag cable and turnbuckle can pull a dropped gate back square without rebuilding it.

Seasonal swelling and latches

Timber swells in wet months. Easing the leading edge slightly and sealing the cut face stops a gate that binds in winter and rattles in summer.

Where latches no longer align, correcting the hinge side first is essential — moving the latch just hides the sag.

Frequently asked questions

Can a dropped gate be repaired?

Often yes, with re-hanging, bracing or an anti-sag kit rather than replacement.

Should the hinge post be bigger than the fence posts?

Yes for anything heavy or wide — it carries the whole load.

Do metal gates avoid this?

They avoid swelling and sag, but the hinge post still has to be set properly.

Gate catching or sagging?

We re-hang, brace and replace gates and hinge posts.

Book a gate repair Call 07535 661664