Sliding gates are an increasingly common choice in both residential and industrial settings because of their unquestionable practicality and security.
Ideal when you have a lot of free space on one side but not enough space in depth, they are a perfect solution for optimizing the use of space, providing safe and easy access to properties.
A key element for the optimal operation of this type of gate, but not only (this component is also used for sectional gates that slide in curved gates such as the Radius model) is the sliding gate rail, also known as a guide rail.
In this article, we will explore the importance of the sliding gate rail, its function, the different types available on the market, particularly those offered by Fac Srl, and how to navigate the process of choosing the right rail for your needs.
Sliding gate rail: what it is used for
The sliding gate rail is an essential component that allows the gate to move sideways smoothly and safely.
Without a proper rail, the gate could not slide properly, compromising both the functionality and safety of the system.
The rail (or guide rail) not only guides the movement of the gate, but also bears the weight of the gate, reducing wear and tear on the wheels and ensuring that the structure will last longer.
Here, specifically, are the various functions of this important component.
Structural support
One of the primary functions of the rail is to provide structural support for the gate.
Without a strong rail, the weight of the gate could cause deformation or malfunction of the structure. A well-designed rail ensures that the gate slides smoothly along the intended path, keeping the structure intact and operational.
Movement guidance
The rail acts as a guide, ensuring that the gate moves along a predefined path. This is especially important to ensure that the gate does not derail or get stuck during movement. Precision in movement guidance is critical to avoid damage to the gate and ensure safe and reliable operation.
Reduced wear and tear on other components
The rail helps reduce wear and tear on gate wheels by providing a smooth, even surface on which the wheels can slide, minimizing shocks and vibrations that can cause damage over time. Indeed, wheels running on a proper rail encounter less resistance, which means that the bearings and other internal components are subjected to less stress. This not only extends the life of the wheels themselves, but also that of the gate and the sliding system as a whole.
When choosing the most suitable sliding gate rail, it is crucial to pay attention to the quality of the materials and manufacturing processes of the component, keeping in mind that a high-quality rail reduces the need for frequent maintenance, while also increasing the safety of the gate.
To achieve these benefits, it is crucial to choose a rail made of durable materials such as galvanized steel or stainless steel, which offer greater resistance to corrosion and wear. Let us see, below, the characteristics of each material.
Materials used in rails for sliding gates
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is one of the most common materials for sliding gate guide rails. This material offers excellent value for money, combining strength and durability. Galvanizing protects the steel from corrosion, making it ideal for most outdoor applications.
In addition, galvanized steel is easy to machine and install, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
Stainless Steel
For particularly aggressive environments, such as saline, stainless steel is the preferred choice. This material offers superior corrosion resistance, ensuring a long service life even in the harshest conditions. Stainless steel is particularly suitable for applications near marine areas or in industrial environments where corrosive chemicals are present.
Of course, choosing the right rail must also consider the type of wheels used, as compatibility between rail and wheels is essential to ensure smooth gate movement.
Types of sliding gate rails offered by FAC
Fac Srl, a leading manufacturer of gate components, offers a full range of galvanized steel and stainless steel sliding gate rails or guides suitable for different needs. Let us see, in detail, each type.
V-groove wheel guide rails
These guide rails are designed to accommodate wheels with a V-groove. This type of rail offers excellent stability and precision of movement, making them ideal for gates that must operate under conditions of high frequency of use. The wheel’s V-shape fits perfectly into the guide rail, reducing the risk of derailment and ensuring linear and stable movement.
Round throat wheel guide rails
Round-groove wheel guide rails are ideal for installing heavy sliding gates. In fact, round-groove wheels offer a large contact area, distributing the weight of the gate more evenly and thus reducing wear and tear on the wheels and the rail itself.
This type of rail can support high loads without deforming, making it the perfect choice for industrial and commercial gates that require a strong and durable structure.
Ground level guide rail kit
The ground-level guide rail kit offered by Fac Srl is an innovative solution that eliminates the typical “jump” caused by the protrusion of traditional rails, thus facilitating vehicle transit. This system, which ensures structural integrity of the top profile, includes a cementing rail, supports to be inserted every few meters, and an interlocking end profile.
This kit is particularly useful in settings where the frequent passage of vehicles, even very heavy ones, could damage a traditional guide rail.
Ground rail installation: types
Ground rails can be fixed directly to the floor, and in this case they are usually pre-drilled, or they can be embedded in concrete after specially preparing the ground for rail insertion.
Let us see, in detail, the characteristics of these different types of installation.
Fixing rails or guide rails
Fixing guide rails are an ideal solution for the installation of sliding gates and light industrial gates. Due to their ease of installation, which simply consists of direct attachment to the floor as these rails are pre-drilled, they can be quickly installed without the need for construction work.
In Fac’s catalog they are available in V-groove or round-groove wheel versions.
Advantages of fixing guide rails
Fixing guide rails offer many advantages that make them a preferred choice for light gate installation. Below are the main ones.
- Ease of Installation: one of the main advantages of fixing guide rails is their ease of installation. These guide rails can be anchored directly to the ground, eliminating the need for construction work and significantly reducing installation time and costs. This is especially useful in industrial and commercial settings, where operational efficiency is critical.
- Versatility: fixing guide rails are suitable for a wide range of applications in residential, industrial and commercial settings. Their versatility makes them a required component for many projects, thanks in part to their easy assembly.
- Strength and durability: thanks to the use of high quality materials (galvanized or stainless steel), the fixing rails are extremely strong and durable. The use of stainless, in particular, offers superior protection against corrosion, ensuring that the rails maintain their optimal performance over time even in environments prone to corrosion and the constant presence of moisture.
- Adaptability: FAC’s fixing guide rails are available in different sizes and configurations to meet specific design requirements. Whether V-groove or U-groove wheels, FAC offers solutions that guarantee, always, maximum safety and reliability.
Cementing rails or guide rails
Cementing guide rails are a robust and durable solution for the installation of sliding gates and industrial doors that must support heavy loads and intensive use. Due to their type of installation, which involves drowning in concrete after suitable ground preparation, they provide an extremely stable base for the gate sliding system, ensuring perfect alignment and exceptional smoothness.
In Fac’s catalog they are available in V-groove or round-groove wheel versions.
Advantages of cementing guide rails
Cementing guide rails offer important advantages. Let’s see which ones.
- Exceptional stability: one of the main benefits is the exceptional stability that these rails provide. Once installed, cement rails provide a solid base that is less susceptible to movement or misalignment caused by daily wear and tear or environmental conditions. This level of stability is especially useful for industrial gates and large gates that must withstand high loads and frequent opening and closing.
- Reliability and safety: the solidity of cementing guide rails not only improves the smoothness of the wheels but also contributes to the overall safety of the system. A stable base prevents the risk of gate derailment and ensures that the sliding system can withstand high loads without compromise. This is especially important in industrial settings where safety and reliability are priorities.
How to choose the right sliding gate rail
As mentioned above, choosing the right sliding gate rail for your needs depends on several factors.
First, it is important to consider the context in which the gate will be installed, the type of intended use, the load the gate will have to bear, the type of wheel to be used, and the environmental conditions to which the structure will be exposed.
Here are some aspects to consider when choosing the right guide rail for your needs.
Gate type
The nature of the gate (residential, industrial, heavy, light) will influence the choice of rail.
Each type of gate has specific needs in terms of strength, stability and durability: industrial gates, for example, require stronger rails than residential ones. Understanding the specific needs of the gate then allows the most suitable rail to be selected, optimizing the performance of the sliding system.
FAC offers a wide range of tracks and rails to meet all these needs, with customized solutions and high-quality materials that ensure maximum reliability and durability.
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions play a key role in rail selection. In particularly humid or saline environments, it is advisable to opt for stainless steel rails to prevent corrosion and prolong system life. For outdoor environments not subject to adverse environmental conditions and for indoor environments, galvanized steel is the ideal choice.
Wheel compatibility
The choice of rail must be compatible with the type of wheels used. For example, V-groove wheels require a V-shaped rail, which allows them to maintain smooth and safe movement. Round throat wheels, on the other hand, require a rounded rail capable of providing uniform grip.
Size and modularity
Another factor to take into account is rail size and the possibility of purchasing in modules. FAC’s sliding gate rails are available in 3-meter or 6-meter modules, depending on project requirements and transportation options. Modules can be cut for smaller or multi-anta works, or fastened or welded together to make larger gates.
Installation mode
The installation method varies according to the type of rail chosen. Perforated guide rails to fix are designed fordirect-to-floor installations, making them an ideal choice for light gates, while cement rails are more suitable for installations requiring greater stability and load-bearing capacity.
Choosing the right rail for one’s sliding gate therefore requires careful evaluation of several factors, including the type of gate, the installation environment, the load to be supported, and compatibility with the wheels used.
Turning to a specialized company like FAC for the choice and purchase of the most suitable sliding gate rail for your needs guarantees access to high quality Made in Italy products and the opportunity to take advantage of personalized technical advice, so you can be sure to complete a workmanlike installation!
Visit FAC’s website to discover the full range of rails and accessories for sliding gates and find the perfect solution for your project! Would you like more information about our products or would you like to speak with one of our technicians? Book your appointment now by clicking here!
