Automatic gates offer a stylish and secure entranceway to any property. It’s also very convenient, automatically opening while the driver waits, saving the time and effort needed to manually open and close the gate.
Of course, an automatic gate is situated outside so it faces all kinds of elements. It’s also being used every day, so the mechanisms and motors are susceptible to wear and tear, meaning an automatic gate often suffers from operating problems that may require professional repairs.
When it comes to getting repairs, you always want the job to be done as quickly as possible, so it helps to have some information ready before you call for repairs. This will help the repair company identify the problem you’re having and make it easier to get a quick solution.
Be sure to have these 4 pieces of info ready before calling for an automatic gate repair:
What the Problem Is
It seems obvious but you should always have information on what the problem is with the gate. For instance, is it not opening or closing? Does the gate stop halfway as it opens? Is it making strange noises or producing an odd smell? Is the remote controller not working?
There could be any number of reasons that your gate isn’t working properly and the repair company will know what to look out for. So, by giving them a quick rundown of the problem you are facing they can identify the cause and how to fix it.
Gate Type
There are various types of automatic gates and some problems are exclusive to each type. Therefore, you want to have the information on what type of gate you have installed so that the repair company knows exactly what they are dealing with.
For example, problems with an automatic sliding gate often relates to the gate track. It could be a problem specific to sliding gates, such as clogged gate track, or more general automatic gate problem such a faulty motor.
Always identify the type of gate you have, such as a swing gate, sliding gate, telescopic gate, or bi-folding gate. This makes troubleshooting quicker and easier for the person on the phone!
Motor Type
You should also have information on what type of motor your gate uses, as different motors have different issues. For example, underground gate motors often get flooded due to poor drainage and/or clogging, which may cause the motor to fail.
There could be any number of electrical or mechanical issues with an automatic gate motor, so it helps to know what type you have so that the repair technician can determine what the cause of the problem might be.
Gate Location
The location of the gate may be at the root of the problem it is having, which is why it helps to have some quick info on where the gate is on your property. For instance, if an automatic gate is located on a slope the motor is under more strain than a gate on level ground, so this could be the cause of the problem.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Every homeowner invests money, efforts, and time to choose and install the best gates and openers. A lot of people even prefer purchasing automatic gates from reputed manufacturers that offer longer product warranty. But the durability and performance of your automatic gate will be severely impacted if you don’t concentrate on simple maintenances. When you ignore certain things regarding your automatic gate, you further increase risks of bearing high repair and service expenses. That’s why it is recommended that you avoid the common mistakes when it comes to maintaining your automatic gate.
Make sure you don’t do these 6 things with your automatic gate:
1. Skipping on Rust Prevention Efforts
To ensure proper functioning of your automatic gate through the years, one of the most important things you can do is to prevent rust. Rust development on an automatic gate isn’t just unpleasant, it is also detrimental to its functioning. You can usually scrub the rust of your metal automatic gate via sandpaper. It is recommended that you inspect the gate for rust and remove it on a regular basis so that the metal components of your gate are properly maintained.
2. Neglecting Routine Inspections
Visual inspection of automatic gates is extremely important as it helps detect various malfunctions before they become too serious. It is highly recommended that you occasionally perform visual inspections of your automatic gate’s parts e.g. bearings, electrical connections, chain belt, drive belt, metal racks, etc. If there are any wooden parts on your gate, then you should particularly inspect them to see if they require being oiled or stained to prevent problems e.g. rot development.
3. Ignoring an Obvious Problem
Don’t ignore even a minor problem with your automatic gate. For example, a squeaky noise from your gate may seem like nothing serious but it could be very costly to repair. So, if you notice anything serious about your automatic gate, then it is highly recommended that you call an automatic gate repair company to have it professionally inspected.
4. Never Cleaning Your Automated Gate
Simply cleaning automatic gates from time to time is important to both functionality and aesthetics. You can wax and wash your gate often enough to keep the materials in good condition as well as prevent salt from accumulating on metal parts, increasing the risk of rust development.
5. Failing to Properly Lubricate Moving Parts
Moving parts of an automatic gate, or any gate for that matter, wear out and break more quickly if they are not properly lubricated. Inadequate lubrication can result in automation mechanism of your gate easily getting disabled. So, don’t fail to properly lubricate the moving parts (e.g. hinge, roller, pulley, chain, etc.) of your automatic gate.
6. Trying to Repair or Replace Parts on Your Own
In order to save money, some homeowners try to repair/replace their automatic gate parts on their own, ending up damaging the gate in the process. Automatic gates have complex mechanisms which are not easy to repair or replace. So, it is recommended that you call a professional automatic gate repair company in case you suspect any parts need repair or replacement.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.