5 Helpful Maintenance and Repair Tips for Your Automatic Gate System

If there are specific things that every homeowner and commercial property proprietors are thankful for, one of which is probably the invention of automatic gates.

Decades ago, you would only see it featured in movies but now, a lot of homes and properties use this gate system already.

Convenience, tight security, and ease of use are the major reasons why a homeowner would get or install an automatic gate system on his property. It would be great if you as a homeowner plans to invest in one.

And if so, you would need maintenance and repair tips for your automatic gate system since you are going to spend some hard-earned money installing it.

How Does an Automatic Gate System Work?

Before getting into the specific tips on how to properly maintain your automatic gate, you need to understand how the system works first.

By knowing the system, you would understand it more efficiently and as a result, can learn ways on how to keep unwanted damages at bay.

The two major components of an automatic gate system are the gate structure and the gate operator.

The gate structure is the physical body you can see from any angle, like any regular gate be it wooden, steel, or any material that works for you. But most of the type, several types of iron or steel are used in this type of system because it can be easier to maintain.

On the other hand, the second component is the gate operator.

This operator is the mechanism that enables your gate to move automatically whenever you need to enter and exit the property.

Most of the time, the gate operator is electric that is why automatic gates are sometimes called electric gates.

Meanwhile, in terms of using it, there are various ways how it operates. Some gate systems have control access panels, some have sensors, and others can be opened remotely or through wireless devices.

Why is there a Need for Electric Gate Repairs?

Like any other structure you have at home, electric gates also need maintenance and repairs from time to time.

First of all, the installation of an automatic gate does not come very cheaply so you would logically want it functioning for a very long time. This is one reason why maintenance should be observed.

Also, this is not your kind of regular gate. There are specific details in the mechanism that would require much attention such as the gate itself, the track, and the gate operator or machine.

For the operator, since it is an electronic device or hydraulic, problems may arise if it is not properly used. Meanwhile, for the gate structure and track, it may be subjected to weather and climate phenomenon such as intense heat and rainstorms.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Gate Running Smoothly

Now that you have an idea about how an automatic gate works and why there is a need for it to be taken care of, here are some helpful tips to maintain your gate running smoothly.

1. Keep the gate clean

The best maintenance you can do is to keep the electric gate clean all the time.

This will not just be applicable to the structure itself but also to the perimeter where it is installed.

You might already read this in every blog, discussing maintenance and repair tips on automatic gates so it would be best to follow it.

There are of course many ways to clean the system and it will also depend on the material of your gate. Sometimes, good use of cloth by wiping is already enough.

This will help prevent the iron or steel from rusting. If it does rust after a long time, you should consider coating or painting it again.

Meanwhile, important parts that you should always clean are the track and gate operator. The track of the gate, especially if it is a sliding gate, should always be clutter-free. This will prevent debris from getting stuck on the track itself. The same way should be done with the gate operator or the electric board to prevent debris such as leaves.

2. Inspect the gate from time to time.

To be able to spot flaws or at least see if it works properly, inspection should be done from time to time. Although electric gates generally don’t malfunction some months or even years after its installation, you should still not be complacent.

A quick to thorough visual inspection monthly should do the trick. In this way, you may spot damages such as rust, dents, among many others.

3. Lubrication.

Automatic gates can be considered as machines so lubrication is only natural. This of course will not apply to every component but only to the essential parts such as belt, wheel, or track.

Greasing and lubricating these components is very important because of friction. You can do this step twice or thrice a year.

4. Keep it away from pests.

No matter how we avoid it, there will be instances when pests may pose a danger to the gate structure.

Not cleaning your gate will increase this possibility. Snails, insects, and small animals can definitely damage the electric board or panel which automates the movement of your gate so best to inspect it regularly.

5. Routine servicing and adjustment.

After a long time, your automatic gate may not function as great as it used to be or may need expensive repair.

But to prevent this from happening, routine servicing and adjustment should be done. This may involve adjustments in track and minor repairs on the electric board of the gate operator. This can be done at least once a year.

Apart from the security, it gives, installing an automatic gate system will increase the value of your property.

If you live in New Orleans, consider tapping the efficient services of Big Easy Iron Works for a hassle-free installation.

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