Side Gate Repair in Burnage | Handyman Fix for Swollen Wooden Gate
Side Gate Repair in Burnage – Fixing a Swollen Wooden Gate After Rain
At Heaton’s Handyman (Home Improvement Contractors Ltd) in Stockport, we’re often called to sort out side gates that stop closing once the weather turns.
This week’s job in Burnage, near the tram station, was for a lady who couldn’t close or lock her gate after recent rain. The timber had swollen, and a previous helper had fitted the hinges poorly — leaving the gate skewed and creating a security risk.
The client was understandably worried; someone had entered her yard the night before, and she wanted the gate secured properly and quickly.
What We Repaired
We inspected the existing gate and confirmed two key issues:
The hinges were misaligned from a previous repair attempt.
The frame gap was uneven — around three centimetres out from top to bottom — which meant the gate would never close flush.
Because the gate timber wasn’t tanalised, it had expanded with the damp weather. A full replacement wasn’t necessary, so we carried out a clean, practical fix:
Trimmed ½ cm from the wall side for alignment.
Cut the opening edge to follow the frame’s curve and fit perfectly.
Re-hung the hinges at the correct angle.
Re-secured all fittings with new weather-resistant screws.
Once done, the gate opened and closed smoothly with no sticking or bounce-back — a proper job, level top and bottom. If you need a quick fix like this, our handyman repairs in Stockport cover everything from doors and latches to full replacements.
Challenges & Solutions
The main challenge was correcting someone else’s mis-set hinges without replacing the gate entirely.
We worked carefully to keep the integrity of the timber, cutting only what was needed and maintaining balance across the frame.
Weather and moisture content made the wood unpredictable, but accurate measurement and minor planing ensured a perfect fit.
Client Reaction
The client was delighted. She commented that she normally tackles small repairs herself but now finds it difficult with age and limited tools.
Having the gate shut properly — and lock securely again — gave her instant peace of mind.
Pricing & Duration
Duration: Around one hour of on-site work
Price: £65 all-in
Materials: New screws and minor consumables
A simple but valuable fix — avoiding the cost of a new gate.
We also handle fence and gate installations in Heaton Moor
if you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor space.
If your side gate in Burnage or South Manchester is sticking, swollen, or won’t close after rain, we can help.
Call 07441 356128 for a same-week repair.
We serve Stockport, Heaton Moor, Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey, Cheadle, Reddish, Denton, Hyde, Didsbury, and Burnage.
FAQs
Q: Why does my wooden gate stop closing after rain?
A: Moisture makes untreated or lightly treated timber swell. The gate expands, pushes against the frame or hinge side, and won’t latch.
Q: How do you fix a swollen wooden gate?
A: We trim or plane small sections from the edges, re-hang hinges square, and seal the wood to prevent future swelling.
Q: Is it worth replacing old hinges?
A: Yes. Misaligned or rusted hinges cause stress on the frame — new screws and alignment extend gate life.
Q: How long does a gate repair take?
A: Most adjustments take under two hours, depending on timber condition and access.
Home Improvement Contractors Ltd
Also trading as: Heatons Handyman
Address : Heaton Moor, SK4 4NS
📍Serving Manchester | Reddish | Heaton Moor | Heaton Chapel | Edgley | Stockport | Denton | Hyde | Didsbury | Heaton Norris | Cheadle | Cheadle Hulme | Bramhall
Phone: 07441 356128
Monday–Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
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