Sagging Gate That Won’t Latch? Repair Before You Replace

Arizona is hard on gates. Sun bakes the wood until it cracks and warps, heat cycles loosen hardware, and a heavy gate swinging every day slowly pulls itself out of line.

Why gates sag

• Hinge screws or bolts work loose.
• The hinge post leans or shifts in the ground.
• The gate frame racks out of square from its own weight.
• Wood slats dry out, crack, warp and pull away from the frame.

What you can safely try

1. Lift the latch end of the gate. If it lines up with the latch when lifted, the problem is sag, not the latch.
2. Tighten all the hinge hardware.
3. Check the hinge post. If it moves when you push it, the post needs to be reset or reinforced.
4. Adjust or move the latch so it catches cleanly.

Pool gates need extra attention

A pool gate should close and latch on its own from any open position. If yours swings shut but doesn’t latch, or doesn’t close at all, fix it right away. Springs and self-closing hinges wear out and need adjusting or replacing.

Refurbish instead of replace

If the metal frame is sound, new cedar or redwood slats, fresh paint and sealed metal, and new hinges, latches and springs make it look better than new for less than a replacement. See before and after photos of our gate refurbishing.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. This guide is general information. When in doubt, or for anything involving gas, wiring or major water damage, call a professional.