Gates - an integral element of the fence. They protect the private territory from the penetration of strangers, and at the same time provide unhindered passage of equipment owners and their guests. For pedestrians, a gate is provided in the design. It can be separate and built-in. Consider a gate with a gate for a private house or summer house, integrated into the canvas of one of the wings.
In this case, the gate is a structural element of the gate. It can completely coincide in design with the sash or stand out thanks to decorative details, fittings and a visor. If it is not possible to install a separate gate adjacent to the gate, the integrated door will be an excellent alternative. It eliminates the need to open the gate whenever it is necessary to leave the territory or return back. You don’t have to spend time and energy “fighting” with heavy deadbolts, you don’t have to keep the remote control handy if the gates are controlled by an electric drive.
Advantages and disadvantages
Doors with a built-in wicket have many advantages. They allow you to:
place a full-fledged entry group in a limited space;
save money on arranging and ordering a separate entrance;
reduce energy costs when using an automatic control system;
simplify the way of getting into private ownership.
Do not give in to sellers' assurances that you can do without a gate. Opening a small door is always easier than moving heavy doors.
The integrated wicket has its drawbacks. This availability:
threshold, which will be a serious obstacle for an incoming person, driving a bicycle or a stroller. Each time you have to step over the thresholds with the risk of catching, or dragging various devices for movement;
bounding the upper bar, making it inconvenient to skid elongated objects that may not pass in height;
the severity of the built-in element, which can lead to sagging of the canvas, reducing stiffness and weakening of the frame. It is necessary to minimize these risks. To do this, mount the gate next to the roller bearings or hinges.
Design features do not allow you to build a large door, and if a wide convenient entrance is important to you, choose other options.
Varieties
Modern gates with a wicket are in great demand in the private sector. The range of such products is very extensive. Therefore, everyone will find the preferred option among the available offers.
Nowadays, sliding, swinging, lifting, combined, with automatic drive or mechanical are popular. The first two options are in special demand.
Swing
Among the variety of modern gates, swing structures are rightfully the leaders. They are distinguished by convenience, practicality, reasonable cost. We will find out what the advantage of this type of gate is, their pros and cons, opening methods, and special characteristics.
Swing models with a wicket have a variety of dimensions. In height, they can reach 5 m. This allows you to reduce the risks associated with the penetration of criminal elements.
At installation it is necessary to decide on a way of opening - inside or outside. The most convenient option when the doors swing open to the street. This allows you to free the area inside the courtyard and place the necessary interior elements in it.
Advantages of swing models
affordable cost;
simple installation - you can install it yourself;
the absence of restrictions on height allows any vehicle to pass through;
any material is suitable for the manufacture of gates - wood, metal;
long service life without the need for ongoing maintenance.
At the swing type gate there are also disadvantages:
high-quality installation of supports is necessary - they must be installed at a great depth;
the bases of the pillars need to be concreted, and this significantly lengthens the process;
installation requires more space;
swing wings in windy conditions can endanger people's safety. Abrupt closing may result in personal injury or shock to the vehicle.
Sliding
Sliding gates have recently become popular. The design moves relative to the plane of the fence and does not require free space.Systems equipped with an electric drive allow you to open such gates without any effort and without leaving the car.
Advantages of sliding gates
Easy opening.
The canvas moves along and does not take place.
It is possible to control using an automatic system.
If you are going to build a gate into the sliding gates, plan at the stage of the project - which way the structure will move.
Cons of rolling models:
higher cost;
the need to equip the foundation;
you will need much more accessories and materials;
long installation;
require a large opening for installation.
Swing-out
The canvas of such a gate is most often a multilayer shield with a complex system of rollers. The position of the web is determined by the guides. It moves along them, changing the vertical position to horizontal and vice versa. Gates of this type are retractable with the ability to rotate 90 degrees. An integrated electromechanical system is responsible for the automation of movement. Stable holding the shield in suspension is guaranteed by a special balancing system. It allows you to easily control the structure even when the electricity is off.
Give preference to doors whose electromechanical drive is equipped with a device for remote control. This allows you not to leave the machine to open the wings, so do not save on your comfort.
Advantages of swing-out models:
save space;
the solid metal wall in the closed state has increased protection against breaking;
the design is simple and convenient to use - the gates are easy to open and close, even manually, thanks to the integrated balancing system. Automatic models do not require any effort at all.
Weaknesses of swivel-type systems:
high price;
complexity of installation.
Do not park the machine too close to the suspended belt. When opened, the lower edge protrudes forward and may damage the device.
Auto design
The automatic control gates swing open or move as if by magic. In fact, a miracle is made possible by the built-in electromechanical drive, which allows you to open the sash with the touch of a button.
What is the advantage of such systems?
Comfort owners. Unpredictable climate, heavy rain, snow and frost in our country can catch anyone by surprise. Just imagine how pleasant it is to drive directly to the garage or to the covered parking without leaving a cozy salon.
Such systems are a must-have for people with disabilities.
Models are equipped with highly reliable mechanism. Manufacturers guarantee excellent operability of devices for 25 thousand cycles of opening and closing the shutters.
The gates open regardless of the weather. Designs do not care for large snowdrifts and ice.
If there is a power outage, you can open the system with a regular key.
If there is a need for repair, it will be low-cost and uncomplicated.
Another plus is a presentable and stylish appearance.
Disadvantages of automatic gates
there is a possibility of acquiring a fake, which can present unpleasant surprises;
high cost, which does not allow calling these models available.
Gate and gate size
There are no prescribed restrictions on the choice of sizes. The following tips can be used as recommendations.
The dimensions of the gates must correspond to the parameters of the car - determining the size of the opening, it is necessary to measure the width of the car along with protruding mirrors. For free passage, add at least 1 meter to this number. Based on the fact that the width of cars can be from 1.5 to 1.7 m, and SUVs - up to 2 m, you need to choose a gate with a width of at least 2.5 m.
Dimensions also depend on:
type of construction and number of supports;
parameters of the frame, opening and other elements of the device.
Typically, the gap at the gate is more than 4.5 m, and at the gate - 1.2 m. The height is determined by the size of the sheet and depends on the dimensions of the car. Below you need to provide an indent of 15-30 cm, which will open the gate regardless of the presence of ice in the winter. The gate should not be too wide, but should allow free passage into it. The increased area of the canvas can become an excessive load on the loop. The gate with a width of 1 m is considered optimal. The height should not exceed 2 m. You can limit the parameters of the opening by installing a crossbar between the supports, which will also increase the rigidity of the structure and protect it from distortions.
Production material
In order for the gate with a wicket to organically fit into the overall picture, the material should be combined with the rest of the buildings on the site. The gates can be deaf or through, depending on the desire of the owners. A third option is also possible - mixed. In such models, the lower dull element limits visibility, and the upper forged or carved part makes the composition easier and more elegant.
Wooden
Gates made of wood - one of the most expensive options. They have the following advantages:
any configuration can be selected due to easy wood processing;
just made;
such gates can be produced independently, as special narrow-profile tools are not required;
a large number of wood species is suitable for construction;
with proper processing, the material will serve for many years;
presentable appearance;
huge finishing possibilities.
Minuses:
regular care and recovery is necessary;
mandatory treatment with antiseptic and moisture repellent compounds.
Welded metal from profiled sheet
Simple and efficient designs. They have the following advantages:
aesthetics - a professional sheet with a polymer coating can have any color, which allows you to successfully fit it into the design;
profitability;
the ability to create a relief surface;
anticorrosive properties;
durability;
simplicity of installation;
You can choose the sheets of the desired thickness, dimensions, color and configuration.
Among the shortcomings can be identified:
outward simplicity;
noise during rain;
susceptibility to destruction upon damage to the polymer layer.
Use large sheets to reduce the number of joints, each of which must be carefully sealed.
Europacket
Recently, new material is gaining popularity, presented in the form of metal strips. The width of the element is close to 10 cm, and the length is from 1.5-3 m. Europacking is made of galvanized steel and coated with a protective layer of polymers. This is a strong, durable and unpretentious material that does not require special care and is able to serve for many years. Europacking does not lose color under the influence of sunlight, the paint from its surface does not exfoliate. The gates from it combine perfectly with brick and stone, have a presentable appearance. Products can be piece or combined into a single canvas. The product is presented in a huge number of shades, there are samples with interesting prints that mimic natural wood or stone. For all its merits, the euro-package is affordable and affordable for any budget.
Metal forged
Luxurious openwork gates are characterized by high strength and unique style. Such products are often made according to individual sketches. The patterned surface does not block the surrounding area. Usually, such products are chosen by the owners of reputable country houses. To support the design, you can use similar forged designs in the design of the entrance group, parking, gazebo.
Advantages of forged gates with a gate:
long service life;
original design;
the forged elements are perfectly combined with other materials - wood, stone.
Of the shortcomings highlight the high cost of production and the need for mandatory compliance with production technology. Forged grilles are surprisingly beautiful. But to create a gate with a built-in gate without loss of aesthetics is practically difficult. Therefore, it is better to use these elements as a decor.
Decor and style of the gate
The color and design of the gate can be very different. Among the many options, you can always choose a design that will ideally match the appearance of the house and other elements of the site. Various combinations of materials - forged openwork with brick, wood, stone allow you to create a unique style.
As an option, you can arrange the gate with a gate by installing a forged arch or a small canopy of bent polycarbonate above them. Such an element will simultaneously decorate the structure and protect it from the effects of rainfall.
The gates and the gate should be made in the same style, but the door can be distinguished from the general background. It can be decorated with shod elements, various accessories.
How to do it yourself
To install a home-made gate you need to have knowledge and construction skills. It is necessary to carefully plan the installation site, develop a design, take into account many nuances.
In order to calculate the required amount of materials and correctly determine the stiffness of the parts, it is necessary to prepare a drawing indicating the exact dimensions.
Should be considered:
dimensions of each leaf;
total width of the opening;
the number and size of support pillars, as well as the depth of their digging;
location and dimensions of the gate;
place of installation of loops;
design and dimensions of locking elements;
placement of reinforcing parts - metal corners, jumpers.
Necessary tools and accessories
To make a gate with a built-in gate, you need to stock up:
basic materials - wood, euro-piling, decking;
self-tapping screws;
different-sized metal pipes for making racks;
profiles for carcass production and reinforcement;
sheets of metal;
loops;
shutters;
locks;
paint on metal of the chosen color;
tassels;
decorative elements.
In addition, you will need tools:
Bulgarian;
electric drill;
plumb line;
welding machine + protective mask;
scissors for metal work;
building level;
roulette.
Installation of supports
Installation steps
First of all, we prepare the columns - we cut off the tubes of the required length with the help of a grinder. Next, you need to make holes to a depth of 1/3 of the height of the support. If possible, use a garden drill to do this. The diameter of the hole should be twice as wide as the diameter of the stand.
We fill in sand pit mixed with crushed stone to a level of 15-30 cm.
We install supports strictly vertically and concrete their bases.
We close the racks with any facing material that can prevent precipitation. Brick, stone and even wood will do.
Sash Creation
We make repeated measurements to eliminate possible errors and cut out the details. We carry out an aperture for installation of a gate. We carefully clean all edges. We weld the sheets, pre-punctually baiting them together.
We process places for welding parts. To do this, we perform:
joint cleaning;
degreasing;
padding;
painting.
You can abandon the primer and coat the surface with paint for metal, which can even be applied to rust. After drying, paint again.
The next step is to weld the hinges on the support post, and then to the frame with a spacing of 20 cm from the frame. The way of opening the doors will depend on the location of the hinges - only one way or in and out. In order to prevent the parts from dangling and not spoiling the coating, limiters are installed. Heavy gates are equipped with three hinges on each side, two are enough for lighter options.We attach the sheets to the frame through one protrusion of the profile. We fix the material to the frame and amplifiers. If there is a need to connect two sheets - one is not enough for the manufacture of the leaf, then it is necessary to lay professional sheets with an overlap with the overlapping of one wave on one or both sides of the door, depending on the owner's desire. It is better to fix corrugated board using roofing screws made in the color of a polymer coating.
If a profiled flooring is used on the roof, an identical product should be selected for the gate.
Welding frames and other structural elements
Ideally, metal pipes should be used to make the frame. Their cross section should be at least 60x40. It is possible to assemble a structure from wooden bars treated with protective impregnations. Choose the material that is available to you.
To make the frame, you need a smooth horizontal base. It will be convenient to organize the assembly on it. We carry out welding of parts, strengthening the joints with steel corners or spacers during the course of work. For the assembly of wooden structures we use screws or bolts.
Features and installation tips
When installing the gate, a number of conditions must be observed. This will help to do the job efficiently and get a durable and reliable product.
it is better to design sashes of such a size that only one sheet of corrugated board can be used for them. Avoiding the connection of paintings, you will ensure the absence of seams, which are always a weak point of the structure;
if the gap formed from below is too wide, close it with a removable panel for the summer period;
in the manufacture of a wide sash, more thorough reinforcement is required. When purchasing material, it is necessary to foresee this point and purchase products in excess of the planned limit;
if you are not a pro in welding, get pipes with a wall thickness of 3 mm. It is much simpler to weld such metal rolling and even the layman can do it;
cut parts for assembling corners recommend at an angle of 45 degrees. This tip is especially relevant when cutting parts forming the upper joints;
it is necessary to carefully measure. The size of the frame should correspond to the dimensions of the wings. If a mistake was nevertheless made, it is easier to correct it when the flaps were slightly smaller than the frame. In this case, we weld the patch to the doors, which will close the gap. Otherwise, you will have to cut off the parts, reduce their size and weld together again;
in the manufacture of gates with a wicket, it is preferable to use a professional sheet No. 8, 10. This can be a “C” grade, but the “NS” option with the highest margin of safety will be the best choice.
In the manufacture of sashes should strive to ensure that at the edges there are no sharp protrusions of the profile. It is better that the sheets at the edges end in "depressions." In the opposite case, the gates will look sloppy, and their edges will be dangerous both for the owners and visitors of the house, and for their clothes.
Priming and staining the gate
In the absence of a polymer coating, the metal can be painted on its own. First, the surface needs to be prepared - coated with an alkyd primer. The material has anticorrosive properties, due to which it reliably protects the metal from the formation of rust. The primer eliminates the need for a large amount of paint. On the processed professional sheet, the paint lasts much longer, it lays in a more even layer, without forming stripes and stains, and dries many times faster. It is necessary to select a primer for the type of paint, for example, there are compounds suitable for acrylic or alkyd enamel.
Skipping the priming step is unacceptable. Without a preparatory layer, it will not be possible to color the gates qualitatively. The soil will smooth out the roughness, give the surface smoothness, and contribute to an increase in the adhesion of the coloring composition to the metal sheet.After applying the composition, you need to let it dry thoroughly, and only after that you can begin to stain. If there is a need to apply several layers of primer, you need to give time to dry well for each of them.
The doors are painted with a roller. Brush worked out inaccessible places. Strips of paint should be applied in parallel, overlapping each previous stroke with a subsequent 1-2 cm. It is unlikely that you will be satisfied with the result obtained after applying the first coat of paint. Perform the procedure several times using a roller, contour and paint brush. Continue staining until the desired color is achieved and the surface becomes uniform.
Most accurately it turns out to apply paint with a spray gun. He will not allow the formation of gaps, streaks, will not leave marks, unlike a brush or roller.
When choosing a shade of paint, remember that dark gates remain visually attractive longer. On bright wings, dirt is more visible, but they better reflect the burning sun.
When planning to make a gate with a gate, you need to study all possible design options and choose the best option for yourself.
Gates - an integral element of the fence. They protect the private territory from the penetration of strangers, and at the same time provide unhindered passage of equipment owners and their guests. For pedestrians, a gate is provided in the design. It can be separate and built-in. Consider a gate with a gate for a private house or summer house, integrated into the canvas of one of the wings.
Content
Features of a gate with a gate
In this case, the gate is a structural element of the gate. It can completely coincide in design with the sash or stand out thanks to decorative details, fittings and a visor. If it is not possible to install a separate gate adjacent to the gate, the integrated door will be an excellent alternative. It eliminates the need to open the gate whenever it is necessary to leave the territory or return back. You don’t have to spend time and energy “fighting” with heavy deadbolts, you don’t have to keep the remote control handy if the gates are controlled by an electric drive.
Advantages and disadvantages
Doors with a built-in wicket have many advantages. They allow you to:
The integrated wicket has its drawbacks. This availability:
Design features do not allow you to build a large door, and if a wide convenient entrance is important to you, choose other options.
Varieties
Modern gates with a wicket are in great demand in the private sector. The range of such products is very extensive. Therefore, everyone will find the preferred option among the available offers.
Nowadays, sliding, swinging, lifting, combined, with automatic drive or mechanical are popular. The first two options are in special demand.
Swing
Among the variety of modern gates, swing structures are rightfully the leaders. They are distinguished by convenience, practicality, reasonable cost. We will find out what the advantage of this type of gate is, their pros and cons, opening methods, and special characteristics.
Swing models with a wicket have a variety of dimensions. In height, they can reach 5 m. This allows you to reduce the risks associated with the penetration of criminal elements.
At installation it is necessary to decide on a way of opening - inside or outside. The most convenient option when the doors swing open to the street. This allows you to free the area inside the courtyard and place the necessary interior elements in it.
Advantages of swing models
At the swing type gate there are also disadvantages:
Sliding
Sliding gates have recently become popular. The design moves relative to the plane of the fence and does not require free space.Systems equipped with an electric drive allow you to open such gates without any effort and without leaving the car.
Advantages of sliding gates
If you are going to build a gate into the sliding gates, plan at the stage of the project - which way the structure will move.
Cons of rolling models:
Swing-out
The canvas of such a gate is most often a multilayer shield with a complex system of rollers. The position of the web is determined by the guides. It moves along them, changing the vertical position to horizontal and vice versa. Gates of this type are retractable with the ability to rotate 90 degrees. An integrated electromechanical system is responsible for the automation of movement. Stable holding the shield in suspension is guaranteed by a special balancing system. It allows you to easily control the structure even when the electricity is off.
Advantages of swing-out models:
Weaknesses of swivel-type systems:
Auto design
The automatic control gates swing open or move as if by magic. In fact, a miracle is made possible by the built-in electromechanical drive, which allows you to open the sash with the touch of a button.
What is the advantage of such systems?
Disadvantages of automatic gates
Gate and gate size
There are no prescribed restrictions on the choice of sizes. The following tips can be used as recommendations.
The dimensions of the gates must correspond to the parameters of the car - determining the size of the opening, it is necessary to measure the width of the car along with protruding mirrors. For free passage, add at least 1 meter to this number. Based on the fact that the width of cars can be from 1.5 to 1.7 m, and SUVs - up to 2 m, you need to choose a gate with a width of at least 2.5 m.
Dimensions also depend on:
Typically, the gap at the gate is more than 4.5 m, and at the gate - 1.2 m. The height is determined by the size of the sheet and depends on the dimensions of the car. Below you need to provide an indent of 15-30 cm, which will open the gate regardless of the presence of ice in the winter. The gate should not be too wide, but should allow free passage into it. The increased area of the canvas can become an excessive load on the loop. The gate with a width of 1 m is considered optimal. The height should not exceed 2 m. You can limit the parameters of the opening by installing a crossbar between the supports, which will also increase the rigidity of the structure and protect it from distortions.
Production material
In order for the gate with a wicket to organically fit into the overall picture, the material should be combined with the rest of the buildings on the site. The gates can be deaf or through, depending on the desire of the owners. A third option is also possible - mixed. In such models, the lower dull element limits visibility, and the upper forged or carved part makes the composition easier and more elegant.
Wooden
Gates made of wood - one of the most expensive options. They have the following advantages:
Minuses:
Welded metal from profiled sheet
Simple and efficient designs. They have the following advantages:
Among the shortcomings can be identified:
Europacket
Recently, new material is gaining popularity, presented in the form of metal strips. The width of the element is close to 10 cm, and the length is from 1.5-3 m. Europacking is made of galvanized steel and coated with a protective layer of polymers. This is a strong, durable and unpretentious material that does not require special care and is able to serve for many years. Europacking does not lose color under the influence of sunlight, the paint from its surface does not exfoliate. The gates from it combine perfectly with brick and stone, have a presentable appearance. Products can be piece or combined into a single canvas. The product is presented in a huge number of shades, there are samples with interesting prints that mimic natural wood or stone. For all its merits, the euro-package is affordable and affordable for any budget.
Metal forged
Luxurious openwork gates are characterized by high strength and unique style. Such products are often made according to individual sketches. The patterned surface does not block the surrounding area. Usually, such products are chosen by the owners of reputable country houses. To support the design, you can use similar forged designs in the design of the entrance group, parking, gazebo.
Advantages of forged gates with a gate:
Of the shortcomings highlight the high cost of production and the need for mandatory compliance with production technology. Forged grilles are surprisingly beautiful. But to create a gate with a built-in gate without loss of aesthetics is practically difficult. Therefore, it is better to use these elements as a decor.
Decor and style of the gate
The color and design of the gate can be very different. Among the many options, you can always choose a design that will ideally match the appearance of the house and other elements of the site. Various combinations of materials - forged openwork with brick, wood, stone allow you to create a unique style.
As an option, you can arrange the gate with a gate by installing a forged arch or a small canopy of bent polycarbonate above them. Such an element will simultaneously decorate the structure and protect it from the effects of rainfall.
The gates and the gate should be made in the same style, but the door can be distinguished from the general background. It can be decorated with shod elements, various accessories.
How to do it yourself
To install a home-made gate you need to have knowledge and construction skills. It is necessary to carefully plan the installation site, develop a design, take into account many nuances.
In order to calculate the required amount of materials and correctly determine the stiffness of the parts, it is necessary to prepare a drawing indicating the exact dimensions.
Should be considered:
Necessary tools and accessories
To make a gate with a built-in gate, you need to stock up:
In addition, you will need tools:
Installation of supports
Installation steps
Sash Creation
We make repeated measurements to eliminate possible errors and cut out the details. We carry out an aperture for installation of a gate. We carefully clean all edges. We weld the sheets, pre-punctually baiting them together.
We process places for welding parts. To do this, we perform:
You can abandon the primer and coat the surface with paint for metal, which can even be applied to rust. After drying, paint again.
The next step is to weld the hinges on the support post, and then to the frame with a spacing of 20 cm from the frame. The way of opening the doors will depend on the location of the hinges - only one way or in and out. In order to prevent the parts from dangling and not spoiling the coating, limiters are installed. Heavy gates are equipped with three hinges on each side, two are enough for lighter options.We attach the sheets to the frame through one protrusion of the profile. We fix the material to the frame and amplifiers. If there is a need to connect two sheets - one is not enough for the manufacture of the leaf, then it is necessary to lay professional sheets with an overlap with the overlapping of one wave on one or both sides of the door, depending on the owner's desire. It is better to fix corrugated board using roofing screws made in the color of a polymer coating.
Welding frames and other structural elements
Ideally, metal pipes should be used to make the frame. Their cross section should be at least 60x40. It is possible to assemble a structure from wooden bars treated with protective impregnations. Choose the material that is available to you.
To make the frame, you need a smooth horizontal base. It will be convenient to organize the assembly on it. We carry out welding of parts, strengthening the joints with steel corners or spacers during the course of work. For the assembly of wooden structures we use screws or bolts.
Features and installation tips
When installing the gate, a number of conditions must be observed. This will help to do the job efficiently and get a durable and reliable product.
Priming and staining the gate
In the absence of a polymer coating, the metal can be painted on its own. First, the surface needs to be prepared - coated with an alkyd primer. The material has anticorrosive properties, due to which it reliably protects the metal from the formation of rust. The primer eliminates the need for a large amount of paint. On the processed professional sheet, the paint lasts much longer, it lays in a more even layer, without forming stripes and stains, and dries many times faster. It is necessary to select a primer for the type of paint, for example, there are compounds suitable for acrylic or alkyd enamel.
Skipping the priming step is unacceptable. Without a preparatory layer, it will not be possible to color the gates qualitatively. The soil will smooth out the roughness, give the surface smoothness, and contribute to an increase in the adhesion of the coloring composition to the metal sheet.After applying the composition, you need to let it dry thoroughly, and only after that you can begin to stain. If there is a need to apply several layers of primer, you need to give time to dry well for each of them.
The doors are painted with a roller. Brush worked out inaccessible places. Strips of paint should be applied in parallel, overlapping each previous stroke with a subsequent 1-2 cm. It is unlikely that you will be satisfied with the result obtained after applying the first coat of paint. Perform the procedure several times using a roller, contour and paint brush. Continue staining until the desired color is achieved and the surface becomes uniform.
Most accurately it turns out to apply paint with a spray gun. He will not allow the formation of gaps, streaks, will not leave marks, unlike a brush or roller.
When choosing a shade of paint, remember that dark gates remain visually attractive longer. On bright wings, dirt is more visible, but they better reflect the burning sun.
When planning to make a gate with a gate, you need to study all possible design options and choose the best option for yourself.