4 Spring Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Your Automatic Gate System
Spring cleaning involves a long list of things that should be taken care of. Because of this, many people forget the maintenance of their automatic gate systems. This is one of those things that should be on your spring cleaning checklist because just like your home and vehicles, automatic gate systems also require proper maintenance and upkeep in order to work efficiently.
Following are 4 spring cleaning and maintenance tips for your automatic gate system:
1. Visual Inspection
Check your gate’s condition and identify inefficiencies and failure. Generally, automatic gates do not fail very quickly and if there are any issues, they can be traced to slow degradation. Examine the main body of the gate for tears, dents, and other forms of damage. If it is a sliding gate, then make sure that the chain drive or belt is in good condition. Clear the tracks on which the gate moves. Furthermore, inspect the electrical connections and the gate opener as well as the bushings and bearings. If there are any anomalies, then it is recommended that you consult a professional for troubleshooting.
2. Cleaning
Clean your automatic gate in order to get rid of all the accumulated dust and dirt. If your gate is metal, then you can easily wash it with water, a soft sponge, and mild soap. These products are sufficient to get rid of any type of grime that accumulates due to exposure to harsh weather and environmental conditions. When you are wiping the gate, look for any signs of rust and if you find them, then clean off the affected area by scrubbing it gently. After you have cleaned your automatic gate, rinse off the soap deposits and then let the surfaces dry. After that, apply protective wax. By doing this, you will minimize the chances of rusting. If your automatic gate is made of wood, then it is recommended that you repaint it.
3. Lubrication
Lubrication is an essential part of automatic gate maintenance. Friction can damage the moving parts of the gate that control the automatic operations. The gate will move with difficulty if the surfaces are completely dry. The internal components will also grind roughly. This entire process can lead to the premature failure of essential parts of the gate. That’s why it is very important to keep the automatic gate operation seamless and smooth. An appropriate lubricant will help you ensure that. Some of the components that require lubrication include screws, rollers, hinges, chains, and pulleys. Don’t use petroleum-based lubricants as they attract dust.
4. Pest Control
You might think that your automatic metal gate is safe from pests, but it isn’t. They can sabotage the operation and performance of automatic gates. Automatic gates consist of electronic parts that ensure their smooth operations and functioning but insects such as spiders, snails, and bees can damage such parts. Slugs and snails can damage the gate’s circuit boards. That’s why it is important to check for any pests in your automatic gate system. Call a professional pest control provider if you encounter the presence of any pests.
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.
6 Benefits of Using Wrought Iron for Fencing and Gates
Many homes nowadays have some type of gates or fencing surrounding them. While there are a number of options available such as vinyl, wood, aluminum, etc. when it comes to material for your fencing and gates, wrought iron is considered the best among them because it offers many benefits.
Following are 6 benefits of using wrought iron for fencing and gates:
1. Security
Security is the primary concern of homeowners and when it comes to gates and fencing, wrought iron is the perfect material to provide security to your property. Having a sturdy wrought iron fencing around your property acts as a deterrent to intruders. You can also use automatic openers on wrought iron gates for enhanced security and convenience.
2. Easy Installation
Many wrought iron manufacturers cater to the DIY market. Their fences are designed and manufactured in panels, which means you can install them easily over a weekend. This easy installation is one of the primary reasons many homeowners choose wrought iron for their fencing. You simply need to set the posts 7-8 ft. apart in concrete, use the horizontal frame for the mounting bracket, and then screw it onto the post. It is as easy as that.
3. Ease of Maintenance
Although the initial cost of wrought iron fencing and gate installation is relatively higher than other materials, the low maintenance costs make this material a preferred choice of many homeowners. Wrought iron requires very little maintenance and when it does, you simply have to use a wire brush for scrubbing, clean water for rinsing, and new coat of paint if it’s painted. That’s all that is needed. And if there is any minor damage to any part of the gate or fence, you can easily fix it without replacing it.
4. Adds Elegance and Value
In addition to offering peace of mind and security, wrought iron also adds elegance and value to your property. No other material can give your property the same level of elegance as is offered by wrought iron. It is known as one of the most versatile materials for gates and fencing because it provides many advantages.
5. Durability
Wrought iron is more durable and long-lasting than any other type of fencing material e.g. vinyl or wood. A fence or gate made up of wrought iron is not only durable against day-to-day wear and tear but is also capable of withstanding unexpected damage such as a vehicle hitting it badly. Because of its durability and elegance, this material is one of the most popular choices for fencing.
6. Lots of Design Options
Wrought iron comes in a variety of shapes and designs, so you have a freedom to choose the one that best suits your home’s theme and style. There are plenty of design options available, as well as the ability to have a design custom made, both for gates and fences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wrought iron may be relatively more expensive than other fencing and gate materials but it is still a preferred choice of many homeowners because of the number of benefits it offers. All in all, wrought iron gates and fencing is definitely a good choice if you are looking for something that can give your home a high level of security, elegance, and privacy.
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.
Keep Your Gate Working Well With These 3 Maintenance Tips
An automatic gate offers a stylish and functional entrance to your property, but like most mechanical things they require a certain amount of maintenance to keep them working well and last longer.
Thankfully, most of this can be done easily at home without the need for a professional, so be sure to try any of the following tips to keep your automatic gate working well!
1. Clean Them
A simple yet effective form of maintenance, be sure to give your gate a proper clean once every year, while performing minor cleaning here and there when necessary. For example, even only washing and waxing your gate once a year will keep it looking great for a long time to come, helping to maintain paintwork and prevent rusting.
A build-up of dirt and dust can develop in no time without regular cleaning, so be sure to keep an eye on how unclean the gate is to help keep rust away from any metal section of your gate. Doing this will prolong the appearance of the gate, meaning you won’t have to pay for an expensive – and time consuming – refurb any time soon.
2. Lubricate Frequently
Of course, you won’t need to lubricate the entire gate, just the important parts! Your gate provider should have a recommended lubricant for your gate, which should typically be applied every six months or so.
As these are the parts that make the gate work, you’ll want to maintain them as best you can to save yourself a much costlier repair down the line! Be sure to lubricate the chain, pulley, wheels, hinges, screws and any other important parts.
Be mindful of swing and slide gates – many have internal chains that require lubrication too!
Also, never use WD 40 or heavy oil to lubricate parts, instead use white lithium grease, oil (beware of how messy this is!), or a silicon base lubricant.
3. Lookout for Pests
An often-overlooked part of automatic gate maintenance is pests such as insects, rodents and reptiles. While seemingly harmless, they can cause all manner of destruction in the electrical components of the gate.
For example, snails and slugs are problematic if they reach the circuit board as their slime trails can cause moisture build-ups that cause extensive damage to the circuitry. Other insects such as spiders causes similar issues with webs, while ants nests can also corrode circuitry.
Mice are infamous for chewing through or urinating on the wiring, so be sure to keep an eye out for this! It may be a good idea to get a pest control professional to inspect your gate once a year to be extra vigilant.
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.
We are also available 24/7 for emergency service anywhere in our service area, including cities such as Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Winchester, Hemet, San Jacinto, Perris, Fallbrook, Escondido, Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, and other surrounding cities.
