Browse six topics or search for “tail,” “slat length,” “track,” “motor” or “swing.”
Planning, gate type & kit selection
What does fully framed aluminum gate mean?
The horizontal slats are captured by top, bottom and vertical frame members. Center uprights divide wider layouts into supported bays. This guide follows Alumission’s current two-channel frame assembly in the supplied sliding-gate video.
Does this guide cover a sliding gate or a swing gate?
The illustrated cutting sequence is for the track-supported sliding gate in the main video. A swing gate needs its own leaf sizes, hinge details, support design and clearances. Use the swing-gate section below to choose the correct next step rather than copying the sliding tail.
Can I assemble the gate without welding?
The demonstrated kit uses screws, steel extension inserts and corner braces to assemble the aluminum leaf without field welding. Accurate cutting, clamping and square connections still matter. Installation also requires suitable rolling hardware and support.
Which style is shown in the main video?
The video assembles the Los Angeles pattern using 5.5-inch horizontal slats with 1/2-inch gaps. Compare the Los Angeles sliding gate kit with the other styles before ordering; slat quantities and patterns differ.
What sizes are currently listed?
The current sliding gate range offers opening options up to 12, 16 or 20 feet wide, with 4, 5 or 6-foot height choices. These are selected kit limits, not the final cut length of every profile. Confirm unusual openings, exposure or custom sizes with Alumission.
Can I build the 32-foot gate mentioned in the video?
The video describes an extended system capability, but it does not make every retail kit or site suitable for a 32-foot gate. Obtain a specific configuration, support and hardware plan. The currently listed kits and the chosen operator have their own limits.
What does the kit include and what is extra?
Check the exact variation and parts table. Current listings include wheels even with No Hardware. Add Hardware adds the listed track, catcher, guide and chain-bracket package. The motor, drive chain, controls, power supply and safety sensors are separate.
Measurements, tails & cutting
How long are the top and bottom rails?
In this video, each horizontal rail is the measured opening width plus a 24-inch tail. For its 123.5-inch opening, the total is 147.5 inches. Confirm the required layout before cutting; the tail is not additional slatted opening width.
Is the 24-inch tail a cantilever counterbalance?
No. This guide follows a wheeled gate supported on V-track. Its 24-inch rear extension is part of the shown assembly, not a cantilever sizing rule. A cantilever gate needs a different support, carriage and counterbalance design.
How much runback space is needed?
Allow space beside the opening for the complete moving leaf, its tail, guides, stops and operator clearances throughout travel. Measure obstacles and the usable path rather than assuming the clear driveway width alone is enough.
How do I calculate equal-bay slat length?
For the demonstrated profiles, use (W − 5 − 1.5 × N) ÷ (N + 1), in inches. W is the measured opening width and N is the number of center uprights. Confirm the bay layout, channel engagement and one test piece before batch cutting.
What changes if the bays are unequal?
Do not divide by the number of bays. Measure each bay using the correct channel engagement for the profile and make a separate cut list. Unequal layout, special hardware or a changed frame section can invalidate the equal-bay formula.
Why does the video subtract 3.5 inches from the height?
That is the demonstrated allowance for the wheels and V-track. The front upright length is the target installed height minus that allowance. Verify the actual hardware stack and reference points; it is not a universal ground-clearance requirement.
Why are the center and rear uprights 7 inches shorter?
They fit between the demonstrated top and bottom frame members, while the leading upright meets the mitered corners. The video subtracts 7 inches from the front upright length. Confirm the current frame dimensions rather than transferring an older profile’s allowance.
Frame extensions, slats & trim
What connects the frame extensions?
The video uses 1-1/4-inch galvanized square steel tube, 4 feet long, with about 2 feet inserted into each frame section. The current kit parts tables list the specified insert. Match its dimensions and wall thickness to the kit rather than substituting a loose-fitting tube.
Which screws secure the extension insert?
The demonstrated splice uses three #12 screws on each side through the outer channel into the steel. Use the specified screw and driver, keep the joint flush and follow the kit connection detail. Aluminum assembly screws and steel-splice screws are not interchangeable.
How many center uprights should I use?
Use the quantity and positions specified for your selected gate configuration. They establish the supported slat bays and affect the cut calculation. Do not choose the count solely to make a convenient slat length or remove one to create a wider unsupported bay.
How do I keep the frame square?
Work on stable supports, clamp the joints and check corners with a speed square. Compare the frame diagonals and inspect alignment as the bays are added. Correct the geometry before closing the top and hiding connections with trim.
What if the last slat is too tall?
The video rips the final slat lengthwise when necessary and retains 7/8 inch above the uprights for top-channel engagement. Check the stack, spacers and cap detail before cutting. Use a suitable supported saw setup and deburr the edge.
When should the front post cover be installed?
Slide it into the front outer channel before fitting the top horizontal rail. The closed miter blocks later insertion. You can temporarily fit and tape covers for matched cutting as demonstrated, then remove and retain them until the correct assembly stage.
Are the channel cover and snap cover the same part?
No. The video uses sliding covers for the outer channels and snap covers to conceal the screw channels. Identify each profile before cutting and fitting; do not force a mismatched cover into a channel.
Wheels, track, guides & foundations
Does the main video show the complete track installation?
It primarily shows gate-leaf assembly and finishes with the leaf ready for the next installation stage. Use the selected hardware’s instructions and site plan for wheels, foundations, track, guides, catcher and mechanical retention.
Can I run the gate directly on soil or loose gravel?
The demonstrated V-groove wheel system needs a suitable aligned track and support. Loose soil or gravel is not a substitute for that detail. Plan a foundation and drainage arrangement appropriate to the site and hardware.
Can I install the track on an existing driveway?
Inspect the supporting concrete or other proposed substrate and confirm the anchor and track arrangement. Cracks, edges, thin toppings, slopes and buried services can change the detail. Do not select anchors from the video image alone.
What keeps the sliding leaf upright?
A correctly designed guide system controls the leaf while the wheels carry it on the track. The catcher, stops and other retention details serve different roles. Confirm support and restraint throughout the full travel, including the fully open position.
Why does my gate bind or roll roughly?
Check track alignment and debris, wheel condition, frame geometry and guide pressure. Find the mechanical cause with the gate safely supported and the operator isolated according to its instructions. A stronger motor is not a repair for poor rolling alignment.
Can I use this setup on a sloping driveway?
Have the complete movement and support arrangement assessed for the grade. A gate on an incline can move under gravity and needs a suitable design. Do not simply tilt the track to follow paving or rely on the motor to hold an unsuitable installation.
Do I need separate travel stops?
Provide the mechanical stops and retention required by the gate and operator design. Programmed motor limits alone are not a substitute for the physical measures that keep the gate on its intended path. Verify both travel ends before powered testing.
Motor installation & access controls
Which motor is featured in the secondary video?
It demonstrates the LiftMaster RSL12UL slide-gate operator. The video is a model-specific example; confirm the actual operator, manual revision and installation layout before using any mounting or wiring detail.
Is the LiftMaster motor included with the Alumission gate kit?
No. Current sliding-kit listings separate the aluminum kit and selected rolling hardware from the motor, chain, controls, power supply and safety devices. Plan those items as a complete compatible automation package.
Can any sliding gate operator be fitted?
Select the operator for the completed leaf’s size, weight, rolling resistance, use frequency and site conditions. Its drive and mounting geometry must fit the gate. Have the installer confirm compatibility rather than choosing by opening width alone.
What should be checked before adding the chain drive?
Complete the mechanical installation and confirm free travel, correct guiding and secure stops. Then use the operator’s specified bracket, chain path and tension details. Keep the work isolated from power while the drive is being installed or serviced.
Are photo eyes and edge sensors optional?
Required monitored entrapment protection must be selected and installed for the operator and all affected zones. The secondary video includes photo-eye and edge-sensor stages. Have the installer follow the current manual and test the complete protection arrangement.
Can I follow the video’s exact wiring on a different control board?
No. Terminal assignments, compatible sensors and setup procedures depend on the model and revision. Use the current operator and accessory instructions. Do not bridge an input or disable a sensor to make the gate operate.
Can I add a keypad, remote or phone access later?
Often, if the operator supports the chosen accessory and the installation allows its wiring or wireless connection. Plan control locations and power in advance. Access controls do not replace the required safety devices or a suitable pedestrian entrance.
Swing gates, maintenance & project help
Can the fully framed concept be used for a swing gate?
A fully framed leaf can be part of an appropriate Alumission swing-gate configuration, but the sliding dimensions and hardware do not transfer directly. Confirm the hinge-bearing frame, supports, leaf clearances, latch, stops and any operator brackets for the selected swing system.
Should a swing gate have the 24-inch sliding tail?
Do not add the sliding tail to a swing-gate leaf. Its width is determined by the opening, hinge geometry and closing clearances. Double leaves also need the correct meeting gap, stop and any drop-bolt detail.
What if my older kit uses bolt-and-connector corners?
That is a different assembly from the current mitered frame and corner-brace video. Match the instructions to the profiles and connectors you actually have. Send photos and the order details to technical support instead of combining the two connection methods.
How do I care for the gate after installation?
Keep the track clear, clean the finish with suitable mild soap and water, and inspect wheels, guides, fasteners, stops and covers. Follow each hardware and operator manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Investigate new noise or movement promptly.
Why does the motor stop or reverse unexpectedly?
Look for a visible obstruction or mechanical binding and note the operator’s displayed diagnostic code. Keep clear of the moving gate and follow the manual or contact the installer. Do not increase force or bypass sensors to conceal the problem.
How long does installation take and what affects cost?
Leaf assembly is only part of the project. Foundations, track alignment, lifting, power, controls and commissioning can add substantial work. Opening size, site access, substrate, grade and the selected hardware determine the scope; the video duration is not an installation-time estimate.
What should I send Alumission for a quote or help?
Send the opening width, target installed height, runback length, ground slope, support and driveway photos, ZIP code, preferred style and manual or powered operation. For a swing gate, include the number of leaves and swing direction. Add your order number if you already have a kit.