Automatic gates create a sense of class and luxury, not to mention being convenient. They’re quite a simple invention, combining electronic sensors and motors to do away with a manual task. However, as with any mechanism, automatic gates require periodic maintenance. Caring for your custom gate increases its functional lifespan, while also keeping it looking new.
Below we’ve put together a few simple maintenance tips for you to get the most out of your motorized gate.
- Regular visual inspection
The first step for looking after your automated gate is thoroughly looking it over. There are many components involved to make it run smoothly. Checking the gates regularly can help you identify any potential problems before they become serious.
Check all visible areas, such as the metal racks, drive belt, gate opener, electrical wiring, rollers and panels. Look for dents or anything not properly aligned.
Check for loose bolts, particularly any holding springs or cables. If you find any, leave them be and call a service technician.
If you notice any other problems, call an expert for maintenance work.
- Be proactive about rust prevention
Gates are subjected to continuous wear and tear due to the weather. Dirt and dust can accumulate and eventually cause rust to appear.
The best way to deal with rust is to clean your gates regularly. You can do this with water, but make sure not to wet any electrical parts including the gate opener. Alternatively, rub them clean with a dry cloth.
If you do find signs of rusts, it can be dealt with by simply washing your gates with detergent. Another way is to scrape away the rust by using sandpaper. This is recommended for larger instances of rust that have really taken hold. Try to avoid damaging your gate when using sandpaper.
- Lubricate moving parts regularly
All the moving parts of your gate, such as the pulley, chain, roller, hinges and some screws, require lubrication to combat any wear and tear from regular movement and friction. It is recommended to lubricate these parts every six months or so.
If you have a swing or sliding gate, you will also need to lubricate the internal chain. Also find out Automatic gates: Swing gates or sliding gates?
Regularly lubricating your gates is an important part of maintenance to keep them working for as long as possible.
Always use a white lithium grease, oil or silicon-based lubricant. Don’t use a heavy oil or WD-40.
- Regularly check tracks and wheel paths for obstructions
Make sure there is no debris accumulating in tracks or wheel pathways. Leaves, dirt, twigs and the like can quickly build up and derail a gate or cause it to malfunction in some other way.
- Trim and tidy nearby gardens
Further to the above point, minimize how much can get into the tracks of your gate by trimming nearby trees and bushes. Ensure no branches overhang your gate or could get caught in any part of the gate.
Regularly rake and sweep away any leaves near your gate also.
- Check the auto-reverse function
The auto-reverse function prevents your gate from closing on anything it shouldn’t, for instance, your car. This function should be checked regularly to prevent accidents.
To test this function, open the gate and place a timber plank or log in the gate’s path.
The sensors should pick up on this obstruction and not close on it. It should instead, reverse operation and open once more.
If your gate fails this test, you will need to call a service technician.
- Listen out for strange noises
Nothing lasts forever and wear and tear will eventually overcome any maintenance you can provide. There will come a time when parts need to be repaired or replaced. You can potentially identify that something needs repairing or replacing by listening for odd sounds from your gate.
Listen for grinding, screeching or squeaking. Try and locate the source of the sound. If you’re having issues, you can also call a service technician to help narrow the problem down.
- Regular servicing
To keep any machine in working condition, like your car or automatic gate, regular servicing is required. Schedule servicing as directed by the manufacturer or installer and use a reputable gate service.
These gate experts should check the gates through and through, taking the time to clean any accumulated debris, lubricating parts as required, and undertaking any repair work or replacing broken parts. If you have any particular concerns, let them know.
Final thoughts:
If you have or are even just considering automatic gates, these tips will help you out when it comes to maintaining them. All machinery requires proper regular maintenance to keep it working at its best for the longest time possible. Avoiding maintenance can lead to costly repairs or having to replace parts of the gates, or even them in their entirety. Make a gate maintenance schedule part of your regular routine.
