Series: Building the perfect gate. Graft offers a complete range of gates, access control and automation equipment for residential use. One of our suppliers of semi-custom residential gates is La Toulousaine. La Toulousaine is based in Toulouse, France. They make beautiful, structurally advanced aluminum gates in a range that covers traditional designs to modern architectural gates. They are competitively priced and come with a 25 year warranty. Graft stocks five different models and can order any of the hundreds of different styles (with a moderate wait for delivery) from La Toulousaine. Our stocked gates range from 10’ to 16’ openings – perfect for most residential properties. They expertly powder coat their gates at their facility in Toulouse giving their products an industry-leading level of protection against the elements. All the posts that Graft sells with La Toulousaine gates are designed to eliminate the need to weld brackets on site. Graft stocks most La Toulousaine gates in black, but can special order any RAL coloured gate direct from La Toulousaine. These can be fit to Graft’s own inner masonry column post system, or to a stand alone post. Two types are offered by Graft – a low profile custom built post that is painted to match the gate, or LA Toulousaine offers a very impressive 224mm or 290mm square aluminum post. All the posts that Graft sells with La Toulousaine gates are designed to eliminate the need to weld brackets on site. Graft can even pre-fit them with motor brackets, control boxes, photocells and more in Graft’s shop to make their installation fast and easy to save project time and money. Visit our La Toulousaine page HERE ! In the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Series: Building the perfect gate. Whether it’s a swing gate between buildings or a cantilevered slide gate along the fence line, commercial gates should look good and work even better. With a full line of cantilevered slide gate hardware platforms, and their own custom aluminum extrusions, Graft makes commercial gates smarter, less costly in the medium/long term, more reliable, more robust, and better in just about every way. If you want drawings for fabrication, installation, and sales we do that too. Tousek Steel Rollco® and Aluminum Rollco® Tousek Rollco® steel and aluminum support rollers are flexible and adjustable to accommodate grade changes on site. This prevents any grinding and binding due to misalignment of rollers. Spend less time on minor adjustments during installation and replacing old, worn out rollers. ComunelloGate Albatross® comes in multiple sizes. The CommunelloGate patented Albatros system remains totally suspended off-ground and therefore trackless, allowing a clean obstacle free entranceway. It occupies half the space of a single leaf swing gate and it's frictionless bi-folding power transmission arm is mounted on the underside of the first gate leaf enabling smooth, quiet operation. With the Tousek cantilevered gate platforms in aluminum and steel (up to 12m track pieces), and ComunelloGate hinge systems – including the Albatross bifold swing gate hardware – Graft has commercial gates covered. Like always, if you want drawings for fabrication, installation, and sales we do that too. In the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Series: Building the perfect gate. Gates are used to control access. Which type is the right one for a particular job? The first distinction is usually whether the property is residential or commercial. This is sometimes a bit difficult if both a residence and a business exist on the property, but for the most part it helps define the requirements of the gate as an access control system. Broadly speaking, residential gates require more emphasis on the ‘look’ of the entryway because it becomes the first impression of the home and property. There is a higher chance that the gate is part of a larger project that involves masonry and landscaping, decorative driveways, tying into ornamental fence lines, and everything else that goes into the design of the front of the property. Of course, clients can also want something simple but this is all part of the preliminary discussion and planning that goes into providing the right gate for the client’s needs. If all they want is more security for their property, they should not compromise first impressions with a poorly executed gate that disappoints aethetically. Commercial gates should reflect the company in a positive, professional manner. Good aesthetics are still important! If all they want is more security for their property, they should not compromise first impressions with a poorly executed gate that disappoints aesthetically. Even though commercial gates tend to be more formulaic, the requirement of planning and discussing the client’s needs should not be underestimated. In the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Series: Building the perfect gate. The production of custom and semi-custom CAD plans is a service that Graft gladly offers our partners including installers, architects, designers, and everyone else who may have a part to play in the creation of automated entryways. Our drawings can detail: the conduit runs, concrete forms, masonry outlines, automation and access control locations, hinges, gate details, and structural steel. Take the guess work out of how things go together to save time, money, and pain. These can be provided for sales, installation, integration of trades, or for whatever reason you would want more information clearly laid out to work from or share. They take the guess work out of how things go together to save time, money, and pain. Plans with brackets, offsets, mounting locations, and all the other small details are included if you use equipment from Graft's product line. This makes a big difference to the time it takes to do an install and ensures smooth operation and movement of the gate . In the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Series: Building the perfect gate. Like everything, knowledge is key. What does the client know about gate systems? Usually not enough to plan a completely functional system. As the installer, do you know all the different options available to provide your clients the functionality they are looking for? Is your knowledge of access control options and automation equipment up to date? Is your knowledge of access control options and automation equipment up to date? Graft stresses the importance of installers getting in front of the gate project. The earlier the gate installer gets involved and adds their input, the more likely costly mistakes are avoided. For example: Conduits. Conduit runs are crucial to ensuring the proper insulation and protection of all cables. They're also key in preserving the aesthetic appeal of the landscape around the gate system. Driveway Loops. Detection loops are great for triggering an early gate opening, offering the property owner superior drive-up experience. Keyed Footings. Keyed footings aide the steel reinforcements in resisting lateral strain exerted at the base of the posts. They are an instrumental part of ensuring a gate system can handle its structural weight, movement, and the environmental rigours placed on it. Structural Steel Inner Column Posts. These posts make a world of difference in the aesthetic appeal of a gate. They give the hinges an indentation for motors —providing a cleaner install. Control Box and Power. Where the control box would reside dictates the box type and conduit run locations. Gate Types. Security considerations and property type will often drive the gate type. Accessibility and Security Considerations. Access controls, security monitoring, and lighting systems all contribute to protecting the property and providing a superior experience. Landscaping. Garden considerations help beautify and complete the project. Often landscaping considerations help mask visible components of an installation, creating a clean and aesthetically pleasing installation. Ultimately, the early the installer is engaged, the greater likelihood of a successful project with a very satisfied client. In the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Series: Building the perfect gate. When asked what kind of gate they want, a client usually responds with something like “I want a gate that goes up in the middle. Black. And opens with a clicker. Can we have a code?” Most installers will probe a little deeper into the plan. Maybe clarify who will be using the gate. Maybe get an idea of the security level the client is after. Maybe ask a few probing questions about whether the client plans for the gate to be always closed, or open during the day and closed at night. These questions cascade into a discussion about how the landscaper will get in, what will happen when deliveries come to the house, maybe clarification on how many remotes are included, etc. I want a gate that goes up in the middle. Black. And opens with a clicker. Can we have a code? This initial conversation is critical to understanding what a client wants, what they know and don’t know about their new secured property perimeter, and the effects it will have on their use of the driveway. Gates control access to the property. This impacts everyone: The Client Children Relatives Nannies Contractors and landscapers Service vehicles Deliveries: Canada Post, UPS, food delivery, metre readers, couriers Uber Dog walkers Burglars Everyone! And 'everyone' doesn’t come to the property only when it’s convenient. How will the client decide whether or not to let people in when they’re not home? Will the gate allow passage of everyone who is granted access to the property safely and securely? To plan an entryway is to analyse how everyone will access the property and how it will be controlled. It’s a huge question that needs to be discussed before the first shovel is in the ground! Up Next in the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Series: Building the perfect gate. This series explores the steps, materials, construction considerations and other essential aspects of building a perfect gate installation. Stay tuned for future articles in the series. Don't hesitate to call us for more information! - Joel Huws-Oussoren It’s easy to underestimate what it takes to deliver a functional, well designed and integrated entryway gate. It happens all the time. You've seen these gate installations that have been poorly thought out – they’re the ones that are left open, tilted, hit by vehicles, rusting, obviously disconnected because the property owner hates how inconvenient it is to have this broken entryway. They've paid good money to be able to control access to their property but what has been delivered is far from ideal and is now a wasteful pain to manage or try to make right. The gate could have been built correctly. The automations may have been fine. The access control could be the proper set up. But why do so many entry gates underwhelm the clients for whom the system was designed? The answer usually comes down to improper planning and/or a lack of integration of the components. They've paid good money to be able to control access to their property but what has been delivered is far from ideal... There are many factors that go into the delivery of a proper gated entryway. The path to success starts even before the contract is awarded and continues years after installation with proper maintenance and service. In this article series, Graft Gate Supply speaks to the process of providing what is right and proper to clients who invest in gated entryways. Up Next in the Series Any Questions? One of our experts will be happy to help you!

Looking for a sustainable way to dispose way to dispose of old gate operators? Gate operators are manufactured with a variety of materials. Some of which are highly recyclable. For that reason, Graft has initiated a recycling program. It's simple - just bring us the old gate operators from your retrofit projects and receive a $20 statement credit, per operator. When possible, we will disassemble the operators and recycle their separate components such as copper, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastic. In the event that we come across an operator we cannot break down, we will dispose of it responsibly. Help to save the environment and save money at the same time!

Tousek designed their cantilever hardware with the installer in mind. Available in both steel and aluminum, the little features are what make a big difference in terms of functionality and reliability. Rollco® LWS 111 & LWS 125 Steel Cantilever Hardware Adjustable Support Rollers Tousek's steel support rollers are flexible and adjustable to accommodate grade changes on site. This prevents any grinding and binding due to misalignment of rollers. Spend less time on minor adjustments during installation and replacing old, worn out rollers. Unique Track Profile Tousek's steel track has a concave sidewall which provides a channel for the horizontal rollers on the support roller to seamlessly glide along. Also, the profile allows installers to drill gear rack screws without them impacting the support roller inside the track. Installers no longer need to weld the gear rack onto the track, which tends to cause the track to bow. Drilling Groove on Track Tousek's cantilever track has a groove along the exterior profile to provide a guideline for installers when it comes to attaching the rack for automation. When installed alongside Tousek's PULL T24 slide gate operator, the operator mounting height is clearly identified. Track Length Tousek's cantilever track is available in single lengths up to 12 m. The need to weld together two pieces of track is eliminated with these longer lengths. Rollco® LWA 115 Aluminum Cantilever Hardware Nylon Support Rollers Tousek's nylon support rollers with ball bearings ensure smooth and quiet operation for many years, even at maximum load. The rollers are flexible and allow for adjustments to be made for optimal alignment on site. Hammer Head Bolts Tousek's aluminum track has a channel along the top that their single or double hammer head bolts securely slide into. Installers can attach their gate frame to to the track without welding. Slide-On Nylon Rack Tousek's aluminum track has a channel along the side for the nylon gear rack to slide into. This saves time on site for rack installation. When installed alongside Tousek's PULL T24 slide gate operator, the operator mounting height is clearly identified. Interested in learning more? Contact us today.

The inner column post is ideal for new swing gate projects where the client has requested masonry columns for the gate. The post is designed to make integration of your gate, masonry, and automations seamless and simple. Continue reading to explore the benefits that the inner column posts offer the installer. #1 - Save time on site. The inner column post saves you a significant amount of time during a gate installation because it eliminates the need to cut, grind, and weld while on site. The pivot hinges and operator back bracket are pre-mounted to allow for a quick bolt-and-hook installation of the gate and operators. The bottom hinge shoe provides a drop-in installation for the gate leaf. #2 - Cleaner finish on site. Welding and grinding on site can affect the overall look of the installation. Welding spatter can darken masonry columns and grinding dust can cause rust stains. By eliminating the need for welding and grinding on site, the inner column post provides a cleaner finish to your installation. #3 - Easy alignment. Alignment of the gate leaves is simplified due to the adjustment in the top and bottom pivot hinges. The top pivot hinge has a sealed roller bearing and provides front-to-back adjustment. The bottom pivot hinge has a grease-able tapered bearing and is mounted to the gate shoe. The bottom hinge shoe provides forward, backward, and side-to-side micro-adjustment (+/- 12 mm). #4 - Customizable to site requirements. The inner column post is customizable to meet your installation needs. The spine can be lengthened or shortened to suit the the gate height. The size of the pivot hinges vary based on the length and weight of the gate. If you wish to automate the gate with operators that we do not supply, we can modify the pre-mounted operator back bracket to suit the motor you will be installing. Also, mounting plates for photocells are optional. Want to learn more? Contact us today at 905-874-3297.

When it comes to gate applications, inductive vehicle detection loops are useful for both safety and activation. Their purpose is to detect a vehicle that is within range. Therefore, loops are ideal for preventing a gate from closing or opening on a vehicle and granting vehicles 'free exit' from the premises. When a loop is pre-fabricated with conduit by a manufacturer, it is considered a preformed loop. Preformed loops are great because they eliminate the hassle and guesswork involved in hand-winding your own loops for an install. The following is a step-by-step guide to install direct burial preformed loops for paving over. Step 1: Outline loop with orange construction paint. Configure the preformed loop into a rectangular shape in the size required for the site. Lay the loop on the ground in the area that you will be installing it. Use orange construction spray paint and outline the loop. Step 2: Excavate marked area. Use an excavator to to dig out the are marked in the first step. It is recommended to dig approximately 6"-8" deep. Step 3: Place loop in excavated area. When you place the loop in the excavated area, make sure that the 'T' and lead-in wire are closest to the control box. Step 4: Protect the lead-in wire. The lead-in wire is what connects the loop to the detector. It should be protected by an additional length of rigid conduit. Step 5: Cover with sand, dirt, or gravel. Once the loop is in place, cover it with sand, dirt, or gravel to prepare for paving. Have questions or interested in learning more about the preformed loops we offer? Contact us today.

Rack drive slide gate operators, commonly seen in Europe, have proven their benefits in the North American market. The operator has a pinion attached to the drive shaft which aligns with lengths of gear rack installed along the sliding gate. As the pinion rotates, it moves along the gear rack and consequently, moves the gate. #1 - Smooth, Quiet Operation The operator pinion smoothly runs along the gear rack and effortlessly opens/closes the gate. Since all components are tightly secured, there is no shaking or rattling of the gate while it is in motion. #2 - Secure Depending on the site security requirements, the gear rack can be welded or bolted to the gate. It would be exceptionally difficult to cause enough damage for the rack and pinion to become unaligned and open the gate. #3 - Maintain Gate Structure When automated by other slide gate operator drive systems, gates have a tendency to bow over time. This affects the gate movement and promotes premature deterioration of the hardware. Rack drive slide gate operators maintain the gate structure because of the smooth movement. There is no stress on the gate from the operator pulling on it. #4 - Simple Installation Rack drive slide gate operators typically have a smaller profile and are lighter than alternatives. This means that just a single technician is able to install the operator. Also, once the rack and pinion is aligned the first time at installation, you do not need to continuously got back to adjust it. #5 - Variety There are many options available to you with rack drive slide gate operators. Pinions are available in different sizes where the number of teeth vary. As the number of teeth on the pinion increases, so does the speed of the gate. Gear rack is available in different materials, including galvanized steel, stainless steel, and nylon. #6 - Aesthetically Pleasing Since rack drive slide gate operators have a smaller profile and the gear rack is closely secured alongside the gate, the overall look of the gate is maintained. This is especially important for residential slide gate applications. Click here to learn more about the rack drive slide gate operators we offer.