Covered on a Rosemead visit
- Gravity and thumb latches replaced or realigned
- Latches that open from both sides installed
- Rusted or bent hinges replaced
- Self-closing spring hinges set to close the gate
- Anti-sag cable and turnbuckle kits on wood gates
- Drop rods and gate stops on double gates
Outside what we take on
- New fences, decks or block walls built from scratch.
- Roof repairs and second-story eaves.
- Concrete work and tree trimming.
Side gates on Rosemead lots
Many Rosemead homes date from around the 1959 median build year and have a wood side gate between the house and a block wall. The gate frame works loose over the years, it sags at the latch side, and the latch no longer lines up.
Hinge screws in old gate posts strip out easily, so we use through-bolts or longer lag screws.
How it goes
Look at the sag
We check whether the hinge, the post or the gate frame has moved.
Square the gate
Loose corners are tightened and an anti-sag kit added if needed.
Hardware
New hinges and latch go on.
Adjust
We set the swing and closing so it latches every time.
Side-yard gates in Rosemead
Almost every Rosemead house has a side-yard gate, usually wood on a wood post or steel on a steel post set in the driveway. Wood gates sag as the post leans and the frame racks out of square. Steel gates drop when the hinge bolts loosen or the post rusts at the base.
We start at the post. If the post is solid, we square the gate with an anti-sag kit or a diagonal brace, then reset the hinges and the latch. If the post moves when you push it, the post needs attention first.
- Gate frames squared with a brace or turnbuckle kit
- Hinges replaced with heavier strap or heavy-duty hinges
- Latches reset or replaced, including lockable and two-sided latches
- Self-closing hinges adjusted so the gate shuts on its own
Pool gates and trash-can access
Pool and spa gates should close and latch on their own. We adjust or replace the self-closing hinge and the latch so the gate shuts and catches from any open position.
Side gates that open for trash bins on collection day get heavy use. A drop rod or a cane bolt keeps double gates in line, and a sturdier latch holds up better to daily use.
Posts and new gates
A broken or rotted gate post may need resetting in concrete, covered under fence repair. Automatic gate openers go to a gate company.
While we’re out for this, Rosemead customers often add fence and gate repair, lock and smart lock installation or wood rot repair.
What to text
A photo of the whole gate, the hinge side and the latch.
Gate questions
How do I keep my gate from sagging?
An anti-sag cable and turnbuckle pulls the latch corner up, and stronger hinges hold it.
Why won’t my gate latch?
The gate has dropped or the post has moved, so the latch misses the catch.
Can you install a latch that opens from both sides?
Yes, with a pull string or a two-sided latch.
How much does gate repair cost?
It depends on the hardware. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Is it the hinge or the post?
Lift the gate at the latch end. If it rises and lines up, the hinges or frame have sagged. If the post rocks, the post is the problem.
Do vinyl and metal gates need different hardware?
Yes. Vinyl gates need hinges made for hollow posts, and iron gates usually take bolt-on hinge parts instead of wood screws.
Related guide: Gate latch and hinge repair tips from our guide to weatherstripping exterior doors.
Outdoor tips
- Simple fixes that help the house handle summer heatRoutine repairs and upgrades that help a Rosemead ranch home stay cooler in summer, from ceiling fans and door seals to window coverings and bath fans.
- Sealing drafty exterior doorsLight, dust or drafts around your front door? How to check weather stripping, sweeps and thresholds on Rosemead homes. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Jobs like this one are everyday work for our Rosemead handyman service, from the blocks off Garvey Avenue to the streets near Rosemead Park. A photo by text gets you a quote first.
Part of door and cabinet repair. You can also browse all our services or read about repairs in postwar Rosemead homes.