Walk gates
A single walk gate is the most common gate on a residential fence. Think about what has to fit through it. If you'll push a mower, wheelbarrow or trash cans through, ask for a wide enough opening. A riding mower needs more room than a push mower, so measure it.
Double drive gates
Double gates open wide enough for a vehicle, trailer, boat or RV. They also matter for utility access. New Braunfels Utilities only allows fences on its easements with written approval, and it requires 16-foot gates so crews can get through. Check your plat for easements before you choose a gate width.
Swing or sliding?
Swing gates are simpler and cost less, but they need clear, fairly level ground to swing across. On a sloped driveway, which is common in the Hill Country, a swing gate may scrape. A sliding gate rolls along the fence line instead, which suits slopes and tight spaces but needs room beside the opening.
Automatic gate openers
Openers are popular on long rural driveways around Canyon Lake and Bulverde. Solar-powered openers avoid running power to the gate. Ask about safety features such as obstruction sensors and reversal. Gate operators sold in the US are generally built to the UL 325 safety standard, so ask your contractor which standard their equipment meets.
HomeGuide lists a single-car driveway gate with an automatic swing opener at $4,000 to $6,000 installed for wrought iron, and gate repairs at $50 to $400.
Pool gates
Pool barrier fences in New Braunfels require a building permit, and pool gates have specific requirements such as self-closing and self-latching hardware. Your contractor should build to the code the city enforces. Confirm the details with the city's building division before work starts.
Why gates sag, and how it's fixed
- Hinge post moving. The hinge post carries the gate's whole weight. A larger post set deeper in concrete, or a steel post, fixes most sagging.
- No brace. A wood gate needs a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner. Anti-sag cable kits are a cheap fix for existing gates.
- Worn hardware. Hinges and latches wear out and loosen. Heavier hinges and a gate frame made of steel inside the wood skin hold up longer.
Common questions
How wide should a driveway gate be?
Wide enough for your largest vehicle or trailer plus room to turn in. If the fence crosses a New Braunfels Utilities easement, NBU requires 16-foot gates for access.
Can a sagging gate be fixed without replacing it?
Often yes. Resetting or upgrading the hinge post, adding a diagonal brace or anti-sag kit, and replacing worn hinges fixes most sagging gates.
Can I add an automatic opener to my existing gate?
Sometimes. The gate, posts and hinges have to handle the opener's force and the gate's weight. A contractor will check them before recommending an opener.