Old Man Winter comes around every year, bringing the cold and snow into everyone’s backyards. It can be an inconvenience for all, but especially for property managers who have to think about what’s best for their tenants at all times.

There are the obvious winter tasks, such as clearing and de-icing the walkways, but then there are less obvious tasks such as gate maintenance for the security gates that allow access to the property.

This blog will go over winter gate maintenance, how cold can affect your gate, and what you can do about it.

Cold Weather Problems Your Gate May Run Into

Winter can be a vicious season for gates, especially in regions where temperatures can drop down to -30°C or lower, with lots of snow to accompany it. Although many gates are built to withstand the elements, they can still be affected negatively by winter conditions if you’re not careful.

Extreme winter weather can cause a variety of problems for your gates, such as:

• Frozen Mechanisms – during the harshest winter months, it is common for ice to build up in places you might not expect, such as on the opening mechanisms of your security gate. This can cause further damage as the motor strains to move the gate, leading to burnt-out components.
• Rust and Corrosion – winter comes with a lot of moisture, whether it’s from rain, snow, or ice. That moisture can lead to rust and corrosion on the components of your security gate, especially if you are using de-icing products such as road salt. Your gate’s hardware, such as hinges, latches, or chains can wear out and rust away.
• Blocked Movement – snow and ice can accumulate in the space that the gate moves along. If too much snow and ice builds up, it can prevent movement, putting a strain on the opener and causing damage to the motor. Clearing snow and ice away from the tracks of your gate is a key maintenance task in the winter.
• Swelling and Warping – if you have gates made from wood, the moisture and temperature fluctuations that are associated with winter can cause them to swell and warp. You may even notice the wood splitting and rot if you’re not vigilant.

Why Regular Gate Maintenance is Important

When you take good care of your property, it sends a message to your tenants that you care about them as well. You create a much more welcoming and secure environment, which benefits everyone involved.

Safety

Your tenants deserve safe and easy access to their homes. Taking good care of the entrance gates in the winter shows that you care about their safety and well-being. Servicing your gate by de-icing the path and ensuring it can operate correctly goes a long way to improving the safety of your tenants.

Security

When it comes to the security of your property and your tenants, your gate is extremely important. The entire point of having a gate is to provide security, prevent unauthorized access, and give tenants peace of mind.

If the cold weather is affecting your gate in any way, it can present a massive security risk. Your gate may freeze in an open position, leaving you wide open to intrusion by potential burglars or vandals.

Prevent Untimely Repairs

Regular maintenance from a licensed and experienced professional is key to keeping your gate operational and secure during the cold weather months. A professional will inspect your gate, looking for any signs of damage that an average person might miss. That allows you to make the necessary repairs to the gate while the problems are still easily manageable.

Extend Your Gate’s Lifespan

Finding small problems and repairing them in a timely manner does more than save you money on repairs – it also prolongs the functional lifespan of your gate system. If you ignore servicing your gate, it can lead to you needing to spend money on replacements far sooner than you had initially planned for.

Cold-Weather Preventative Measures

When the cold weather hits, there are a number of preventative measures you can take to help keep your gates functioning properly. These include:

• Lubricate the Hardware – proper lubrication of the hardware, such as the hinges or tracks, can keep your gate moving smoothly and help protect it against rust.
• Cover Your Gate – if it’s possible, install some kind of shelter or cover over your gate. This can help keep snow and ice off it, which reduces the risk of damage from direct exposure to the elements.
• Inspect it Regularly – regular inspections are a key part of any maintenance plan. Checking your gate regularly for signs of wear and tear, especially during the winter, can help you get ahead of any potential problems before they turn into big repair costs.
• Protective Coating – applying a rust-resistant coating to metal parts and sealants to wooden gates can help keep your gates in good condition throughout the year.

Gate Repair and Maintenance Plans from Creative Door Services™

Creative Door Services™ offers comprehensive repairs and maintenance plans for gates of all kinds throughout your residential property, ensuring your tenants are safe and secure. Our trained technicians have a wealth of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining residential and driveway gates for residential complexes.

We are qualified to fix problems such as misaligned tracks, malfunctioning gate openers, broken hinges, and more. You can rely on our experience to secure the smooth and reliable operation of your gate.

Creative Door Services™ is the Go-to in Western Canada for Gate Maintenance

At Creative Door Services™, we specialize in gate repair and maintenance for multi-residential complexes, like condominiums, townhouses, and duplexes. During the winter when you need an experienced professional for regular gate maintenance on your property, give us a call. You can count on us to provide a comprehensive inspection, identifying problems and recommending the best solutions.

To learn more about our pedestrian door maintenance services or request a 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.