Whether your garden gate is brand new or ten years old, it’s annoying when it rattles in the wind. This annoyance is especially true if it occurs at night while trying to sleep! So, how can you stop this from happening?
Here are 7 tips on how to stop a garden gate from rattling in the wind:
- Isolate the source of the gate rattling.
- Ensure all the gate screws are tight.
- Use foam tape to muffle noisy gaps in your gate.
- Install a door stopper for your gate.
- Ensure the gate is closed when not in use.
- Cross-brace the gate if it’s sagging.
- Use lubricant if your gate makes a creaking sound.
The rest of this article will discuss these tips in greater detail. Be sure to read on if you want to learn more!
1. Isolate the Source of the Gate Rattling
The first step is to examine the source of the rattling. Many things could be causing the noise, so you’ll need to know exactly where the cause is to devise a viable solution.
Some possible causes may include:
- Lack of lubrication: You may notice creaking in the wind if the hinges don’t have enough lubrication. You would also hear this noise when you open and close the gate.
- The latch is loose: When you don’t securely latch your gate, it can cause rattling when it’s windy.
- There’s a gap between both sides of the gate: This gap can cause a rattling noise, especially when it’s windy.
An excellent way to examine the source is to shake the gate lightly to figure out where the noise originated. It can be hard to locate an exact location, so it may take a while to figure it out.
Once you know where the rattling is coming from, you can figure out the best solution.
2. Ensure All the Gate Screws Are Tight
One common cause of rattling in the wind is loose screws. One of the first things you should do is check all the screws on the gate because some of them might be loose. If they are, use a screwdriver to tighten them.
Sometimes, this may fix your issue entirely, and it’s a super easy fix! In other cases, it might partly fix the problem because many issues may be at play. Either way, tightening any loose screws can’t hurt.
Hinges, bolts, and latches are the most common places where you’ll find screws on your gate, so check all these locations.
Sometimes, it might be worth it to remove loose screws and place wood putty into the holes. This product will help tighten them up and could alleviate any bothersome noise.
3. Use Foam Tape to Muffle Noisy Gaps in Your Gate
Foam tape is an excellent product for many things, including gate rattling noises. It works well if there is any space or gaps between parts of the gate, so you should look for any gaps before proceeding.
For example, the rattling might be coming from a part of the gate door hitting off the post or frame (the same issue that can occur with doors). In this instance, you can place foam tape around the post or frame, which should solve the problem. Foam tape is available in different styles and sizes, so it’s perfect no matter what size your gate is.
With foam tape, one side is adhesive. This adhesion is handy because you don’t need any glue or other materials to apply it to the gate. You only need to stick it on, and the job is done!
4. Install a Door Stopper for Your Gate
If you like to keep your gate open at certain times, but the wind blows it and bangs it against a wall or something else, you should consider installing a door stopper (if possible). This solution means that when the wind opens the gate, it will hit off the stopper and should make much less noise.
A rubber stopper is one of the best options because it will make the least noise. Most door stoppers are easy to install. All you need is the stopper, some screws, and a screwdriver.
5. Ensure the Gate Is Closed When Not in Use
This one may sound obvious, but it’s common for people to assume their gate is locked even if it’s not. Many new gates are self-locking, but if you don’t shut them all the way, they may not seal. Alternatively, you may have forgotten to lock your gate (if it’s a manual one).
Before bed every night, you should double-check that the gate is securely locked. A gate that isn’t locked will likely move around in the wind, slamming loudly throughout the day and night.
Not only does this cause a bothersome amount of noise to you (and possibly your neighbors), but it also causes problems with your gate. A gate that constantly slams in the wind will eventually get damaged and worn, and you certainly want to keep it in the best condition possible.
6. Cross-Brace the Gate if It’s Sagging
Sometimes, gates will begin to sag. This decline can cause several issues, including a rattling noise in the wind. General wear and tear are often responsible for gate sag, so it’s common in older gates. Another cause is inadequate bracing.
Another big problem with a sagging gate is that you often can’t close it correctly—this could cause the rattling in the first place. A gate that doesn’t close properly is more likely to move and make a loud noise in the wind, so you should ensure your gate isn’t sagging.
If it is sagging, you can try some different things to fix it. However, the most common fix is bracing. You’ll need to raise the sagging side to level with the raised side to brace the gate.
If your gate is sagging and you’re looking for a step-by-step tutorial, be sure to check out this YouTube video by Timothy DC:
7. Use Lubricant if Your Gate Makes a Creaking Sound
Lubricant will help if there is a creaking sound coming from your gate. The creaking sound is likely worse when it’s windy, and it would also be worse when you open and close the gate. If you think this is the issue, you can use any lubricant, such as WD-40 (which you can also use on your garden tools).
You’ll want to apply it to the gate’s hinges because that’s where the creaking sound will be occurring. It takes a few seconds, and you should fix the issue.
But you don’t have to use WD-40—any lubricating sprays will do the trick, including ones that are silicone sprays. So whatever lubricating spray you have at home should be OK for this fix.
Can You Replace a Gate Latch if It Rattles?
You can replace a gate latch if it rattles by simply removing the old one and replacing it with a newer one. This replacement is an excellent way to fix the noise issue if you don’t mind spending the extra money on a new latch. Be sure to screw it on as tight as possible to avoid more noise issues.
How you install the new latch will depend on the one you’re using. Some will be basic and only require a few screws, but others will have more complex installation requirements.
If you’re wondering how to replace a gate latch, you can check out this YouTube video by Mitre 10 New Zealand. He explains and demonstrates the process simply:
You’ll need an electric screwdriver to install a new gate latch, so ensure you have one before proceeding.
Can a Drop Rod Stop a Gate From Rattling?
A drop rod can stop a gate from rattling if you have a swinging gate. It does this by locking the gate in a specific spot once placed into the ground. A drop rod is excellent for gates that don’t have regular locks installed.
So, if your gate doesn’t have a standard lock and remains open constantly, you could consider installing a drop rod to prevent any noises caused by the gate swinging.
However, a drop rod won’t fix the rattling noise if it’s coming from somewhere else, such as a hinge or latch.
Conclusion
Many things can cause a garden gate to rattle in the wind. The cause of the rattling will determine what you need to do to fix it.
Some common fixes include:
- Tighten any loose screws.
- Use foam tape around the frame if necessary.
- Keep the gate closed as much as possible.
- Fix the gate if it’s sagging.
It might be best to call a professional if you’ve tried everything, but your gate is still rattling in the wind. Gate technicians can find the source of the problem quickly, giving you the answers you need.
