Automatic gates serve as an essential component of your home’s security system while also providing an attractive and convenient means of access control. Much like any other part of your home, the better you take care of your automatic gate, the longer it’ll function. While some maintenance tasks you can do yourself, others are best left to the pros.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tasks

Taking care of your gate not only enhances its appearance but also prevents potential issues that may arise due to neglect. Here are nine DIY tasks you can perform to keep your gate in top condition:

1. Clean the gate. Use a damp rag to wipe down your gate and remove any built-up residue. Doing this by hand will allow you to notice if there’s flaky paint, rust, or any other problems that need to be addressed.
   
2. Tidy the area around the gate. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from around your gate. This includes the tracks if you have a sliding gate. You should also make a point of trimming back any branches or shrubs that could interfere with the gate’s movement.
   
3. Touch up the finish. Periodically touch up any nicks or scratches on your automatic gate. For example, if you have a steel or wrought iron gate, scratches in the coating can expose the gate to rust. If you have a wood gate, imperfections in the paint, stain, or varnish can leave the wood vulnerable to rot and pest infestation.
   
4. Lubricate any moving parts. Your automatic gate should move freely and without friction. Therefore, lubricate all your gate’s moving parts, including the chain, pulley, wheels, hinges, and screws. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants as they attract dust.
   
5. Clean and realign the photo eyes. It’s common for the photo-eye lenses on your gate to become dirty, smudged or covered in cobwebs. This can compromise the proper functioning of your gate. Periodically clean them by wiping them down with a dry, lint-free cloth. You should also check that both sensors are facing each other.
   
6. Examine the gate’s structure. Inspect the overall structure of the gate for signs of wear, such as loose bolts or screws. Tighten any loose components to maintain the gate’s integrity.
   
7. Inspect the gate’s safety features. Your automatic gate should have safety features such as obstacle detection and auto-reverse functions, which are critical to avoid accidents. Test these features regularly to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
   
8. Inspect the gate operator. Keep an eye on the seals around your gate operator to confirm they’re in good condition. This will ensure that insects and other pests won’t enter your operator and compromise the electrical connections and circuit boards.
   
   
9. Test the remote control. If your gate operates with remote controls, test them periodically to ensure they work correctly. Replace batteries as needed and keep spare batteries on hand to ensure you’re never stuck outside your gate.
   

By performing these simple maintenance tasks regularly, you can increase the lifespan of your automatic gate and ensure that it provides you with security and convenience for years to come.

When To Call The Professionals

Although there are a lot of maintenance tasks you can do yourself, you should leave mounting, alignment, and mechanical issues to the experts. Fortunately, the team at Creative Door Services™ offers a flexible planned maintenance program. When you sign up, one of our technicians will visit your property to perform the following maintenance tasks on your gate:

• Check all the electrical connections
• Inspect all the mechanical parts and hardware for wear and damage
• Check the gate’s balance and alignment
• Test and adjust the gate’s torque
• Ensure the manual release, obstacle detection, and auto-reverse functions are operating correctly
• Verify that the access control systems are fully functional

The technician will inspect every aspect of your gate and let you know if they see any problems so they can address them before they become serious. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with exceptional service.

Automatic Gates in Western Canada

At Creative Door Services™, we carry a wide range of residential gate systems, including swing and slide options. We also have various gate operators with the latest safety and remote functionality, so you can rest assured your home is safe and secure no matter where you are.

Contact us today for more information or to receive a quote and experience the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained gate. We have eight convenient locations from which we’re happy to serve you. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.