The Effect of Strong Winds on Sliding Gates

Sliding Gate Wind Damage, Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

In Texas, strong winds are more than just a weather concern, they can seriously affect your sliding gate’s performance and safety. Whether it’s a wooden privacy gate or an automatic electric gate, consistent wind pressure can cause alignment issues, mechanical strain, and even physical damage. Understanding how wind impacts your gate, and what you can do to protect it, can save you from costly repairs and downtime.

How Wind Affects Sliding Gates

High winds can have a major impact on sliding gates, especially in open areas where gusts can reach significant speeds. Even moderate winds starting around 20 MPH can cause the gate to shake or move out of alignment. This movement can lead to problems with the closing position, where the gate may hit the metal ears at the receiving post and automatically reopen due to built-in safety sensors. Over time, this motion can weaken components and cause wood pickets to crack or break.

When Wind Gets Severe

When winds exceed 50 MPH, the risks become much greater. Strong gusts can bend or twist the gate frame, push the gate off its track, or even cause it to fall. That’s why strong framing and high-quality materials are crucial for long-term performance and safety. A well-built frame, solid welding, and a properly installed track system make a big difference in how the gate withstands extreme weather.

Safety Tips During High Winds

When the weather forecast shows severe conditions, it’s best not to operate your gate. Keep it in a fully open or closed position to reduce movement and minimize stress on the rollers, track, and motor. In very strong winds, you can even tie the gate to the receiving post using a rope or latch to prevent it from sliding or rattling.

Design Considerations for Windy Areas

Board-on-board wood gates are particularly vulnerable because they catch the wind like a sailboat, creating heavy pressure against the frame. If your property is in a high-wind area, consider using stronger framing materials, open designs, or reinforcement upgrades to reduce drag and increase stability.

In short

A properly built and maintained sliding gate can handle Texas weather, but when strong winds hit, prevention and preparation are key. Reinforce your gate, secure it during storms, and invest in quality materials built strong for Texas.

If your gate has been affected by wind damage or isn’t closing properly, contact A.S. Gate & Fence for professional sliding gate repair in Dallas, Plano, Carrollton, and the DFW area. We’ll make sure your gate is safe, strong, and ready for any weather.