Tips and Guidance on Maintaining Your Electric Gates
Property owners and homeowners often enquire about the significance of gate maintenance. It’s a valid question, as gates can be overlooked in the grand scheme of property upkeep. However, regular gate maintenance and servicing of gates is essential for several reasons. Electric gates are complex machinery that requires regular care.
Over time, regular use can lead to a decrease in reliability and performance. The implications of neglecting gate maintenance extend far beyond mere inconvenience. In the next section, we discuss the importance of electric maintenance, how often should automatic gates be serviced, and the costs of maintaining a gate.
Why is electric gate maintenance important?
Malfunctioning gates can pose serious risks to individuals, from property damage to personal injury. Of course, there is also the factor of the inconvenience of being locked inside or outside your property. Regular servicing helps to identify and rectify these issues before they become bigger problems.
Moreover, investing in proper gate maintenance safeguards your initial investment. Just as you would service your car to prolong its life and performance, the same principle applies to your electric gate. Routine checks and adjustments can prevent costly repairs or premature replacements, ensuring your gate continues to operate smoothly for years to come. From a legal standpoint, it is the responsibility of the property owners to ensure that their automatic gates are safe for running. Read more here.
In addition, it is also important for:
Security: the gate is the first line of defense against unwanted visitors and intruders. Regular maintenance ensures that your gate is working properly and does not compromise your property’s security.
Durability: Regular inspections and repairs extend the lifespan of your gate, saving you money on costly replacements.
Aesthetics: A well-maintained gate enhances your property’s curb appeal and overall value.
Read more about the importance of maintaining your automatic gates here.
Watch our video on the benefits of gate maintenance:
Tips to maintain your automatic gates
Now that we have established that it is indeed vital to maintain your automatic gates, let’s discuss the key ways to maintain your electric gate system.
Here are some tips for you:
Refer to your schedule: When you install an electric gate, the manufacturer should provide a detailed maintenance schedule. This plan outlines the necessary care to keep your gate operating safely and efficiently. It’s essential to follow this schedule diligently.
Remember, as the owner, you are legally responsible for ensuring your motorised gate is safe.
Regular Inspections and Cleaning: Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, such as loose bolts, damaged rollers, or corroded parts. Clean the gate components to remove dirt and debris that can hinder performance and cause damage.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Proper lubrication is crucial for smooth operation. Apply a high-quality lubricant to hinges, rollers, and other moving parts to prevent friction and reduce wear.
Professional Servicing: While DIY maintenance is beneficial, it’s essential to schedule regular professional servicing. Experts can identify potential issues, perform complex repairs, and ensure your gate complies with safety regulations. If you are unsure of checking certain parts of the gate, an expert engineer can support you to do this.
How often should automatic gates be serviced?
This can depend on several factors including the type of gate you have, the usage of the gate (residential vs commercial), and the external factors surrounding the gate.
As a general rule of thumb, automatic gates should be serviced twice per year. However, commercial gates or heavy-duty gates may require more frequent servicing.
Even gates that are rarely used should be serviced because the motor or parts may need to be re-checked and cleared for safe use.
As mentioned in our tips, it is also important to consider the schedule provided by the manufacturer.
Cost of maintaining an automatic gate
The cost of maintaining a gate can vary widely and is dependent on the type of gate you have.
Booking one-off services can lead to unexpected repair costs. A gate maintenance package is more cost-effective because it:
- Predicts and prevents issues: Regular checks identify potential problems before they become costly repairs.
- Saves you money: Consistent maintenance spreads costs over time, avoiding surprise expenses.
- Ensures optimal performance: Your gate operates smoothly and reliably, enhancing property value.
At Gate-A-Mation, we offer comprehensive gate maintenance packages designed to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. With this, we can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This not only saves you money but also ensures the continued safety and reliability of your gate.
Our maintenance plans offer:
- Peace of mind: Knowing your gate is in top condition.
- Cost savings: Preventing costly breakdowns.
- Extended lifespan: Optimal performance for years to come.
- Priority service: Faster response times for our maintenance customers.
We offer three levels of maintenance plans to suit your specific needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more about how our gate maintenance services can protect your investment.
Not sure about which package is right for you? Gate experts from our company can guide you through the various options and ensure that you get all the information you need. Just give us a ring on 01483 747373
Conclusion:
An automatic gate is a significant investment, providing both security and convenience to your property. However, like any machinery, it requires regular care to function optimally.
Don’t wait for a breakdown to happen. Ignoring maintenance can lead to costly repairs, unexpected breakdowns, and security vulnerabilities. That’s why we believe in a proactive approach to gate care.