Everything You Need to Know About Wood Gates
Wood driveway gates are stylish and durable. However, they require regular upkeep like most gates. The better you take care of them, the more likely they are to operate smoothly year-round. Here are five tips for helping you keep your wood gates in optimal condition.
1.) Keep them clean
Over time, wood gates accumulate grime and dirt, which can impact their integrity and lead to premature wear. Consequently, it’s important to periodically wash your gate by hand with a metal brush and garden hose or pressure washer.
Additionally, if you have a sliding gate, make sure to clear away any debris that may have collected in the tracks. If you have a swinging gate, cut back any overgrown plants or bushes that could be blocking the swing trajectory.
2.) Check for signs of rot
Two types of rot can affect wood gates: wet and dry rot. The former occurs when lumber is left moist. Signs of wet rot include seeing soft, dark spots and cracking in the wood. Dry rot, on the other hand, can happen when your gate is exposed to dry, harsh conditions such as hot winds. These can strip the wood of its protective oils. Dry rot usually appears fluffy and white. It may even produce mushroom-like blooms.
To prevent your wood gates from rotting, regularly remove moist debris like damp leaves, plants, grass, and soil from around the bottom of your gate. Moreover, apply a protective finish to your wood gate every year to safeguard it from the elements.
3.) Protect the wood
When properly maintained, wood is a strong, durable material. However, nicks and chips in the paint, stain, or varnish can leave the wood vulnerable to rot and pest infestations. Consequently, the team at Creative Door Services™ recommends applying a manufacturer-recommended and approved fresh coat of paint or wood stain to your gate every two to three years. If you don’t, the gate may require constant repairs or premature replacement.
4.) Inspect the wood for pests
Pests like termites and ants can burrow into your wood gates causing irreparable damage. Therefore, keep an eye out for small holes, rotting wood, cocoons, fecal matter, and nests in and around your gate. These are often signs that you have unwanted guests. If you suspect you have a pest problem, it’s best to call in a professional exterminator.
Fortunately, you can help prevent pests from invading your space by keeping anything that attracts them away from your gates. This includes large shrubs, heaps of rotting wood, piles of firewood, and pools of standing water. As an extra precaution, you can spray an outdoor pesticide around your gates in the spring.
5.) Use lubricant
Driveway gates have several moving parts that need to be regularly lubricated. If these parts become dry, they can create friction and cause severe damage. To keep your gates moving smoothly, apply a high-quality lubricant to the screws, rollers, hinges, and pulleys every six months. Don’t use WD-40 or oil-based lubricants as they attract dust. Instead, apply white lithium grease or a silicon-based lubricant.
Lastly, if you don’t have the time or aren’t comfortable performing regular gate maintenance, contact the professionals at Creative Door Services™. We offer a planned maintenance program to maximize your driveway gate’s performance, reduce repair costs, and increase security. Our team will keep your wood gate running smoothly for years to come.
Wood Gate Installations
If you’re considering installing a new wood residential driveway gate on your property, the team at Creative Door Services™ can help you design a custom solution that meets your specific needs. Our team will suggest the best height, width and clearance for your gate based on the unique needs of your property. Additionally, they’ll help you choose between an automatic swing or slide system.
Furthermore, you can count on our team to take care of the installation and ensure your gate is functional and meets all your security requirements.
Residential Wood Gates in Canada
If you want to both increase the security and improve the curb appeal of your home, a wood gate from Creative Door Services™ is a must. We carry a variety of residential gates from top brands, and have all the parts, accessories, and access control solutions you need to automate and secure your driveway. If we carry it, you can rest assured it’s built to last.
To learn more or to get a free quote, contact us today. We’re happy to serve you from one of our eight locations. 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.