Driveway gates are stylish, reliable, and secure when they work well. However, they’re subject to heavy use and are constantly exposed to the elements. If improperly maintained, they can break down unexpectedly. Here are five common gate hardware issues and how to fix them.

1.) Hinges

Hinges are the most overworked part of any gate system and must be lubricated annually. If not, they can dry out and create friction, leading to severe damage and corrosion. If the hinges fail entirely, your gate could sag or hang ajar, compromising your home’s security.

To keep your gate moving smoothly, use a silicone spray or high-quality lubricant. If lubricating the hinges doesn’t help, you may have a more serious problem that requires the help of a professional.

2.) Latches

If your gate doesn’t close properly, the latching mechanism may be broken. Since this part of your gate is subject to frequent use, it can degrade over time. The latches on your gate may become misaligned due to inclement weather, physical damage, and long-term use. Either way, you must have your gate inspected by a professional.

Additionally, some gates have magnetic latches that require a power source to stay closed. If your gate has a magnetic latch, make sure the power source is stable and that pests haven’t chewed through any wires.

3.) Swing arm

If the swing arm doesn’t open or close your gate, it may have become loose or damaged. This typically happens because of normal wear and tear. If you can’t manually open or close your gate when the power is cut, there’s likely a deeper structural issue that needs to be investigated by a professional.

Power outages and fluctuations can cause the swing arm to malfunction. Resetting it might get the electrical components back in working order.

4.) Chains

Slide gates rely on a chain to move back and forth. As the motor turns the sprocket, the chain pulls the gate and slides it across your driveway. Opener chains must be lubricated every year to prevent the chain links from rubbing against each other and causing wear and tear that will eventually lead to a complete breakdown.

Check the chain tension periodically. Chains stretch over time due to metal fatigue, causing the links to become loose. Tighten the tensioner mechanism. Be careful not to tighten the chain too much. A small amount of sag is needed for optimal operation.

5.) Tracks

If you have a sliding gate, check to see if the tracks are worn. This can happen for a variety of reasons. If the gate is unbalanced, it can scrape the tracks and slowly wear them down. Additionally, rust can cause the tracks to become damaged. If your tracks are visibly worn and your gate won’t fully close, turn to the experts at Creative Door Services^TM for repair or replacement.

Lastly, if you’re having trouble opening and closing your gate, make sure there isn’t any debris blocking the gate’s path. Most gates won’t open if they sense something is in the way. Simply removing obstructions from around your gate may be all it takes to get it back up and running.

Comprehensive Planned Maintenance

If you can’t figure out what’s wrong with your gate, it’s best to call an expert to ensure you don’t cause more damage to your gate operator or injure yourself while working with electrical components. Creative Door Services^TM offers a comprehensive planned maintenance program.

Our technicians will check the electrical connections, inspect the mechanical parts and hardware for signs of damage, test and adjust the gate’s torque, ensure that manual release, obstacle detection, and auto-reverse functions are operating correctly, and so much more. We’re sure to catch minor problems before they become major issues. We want your automatic gate system to work reliably for years to come.

Gate Maintenance, Repair, And Replacement in Western Canada

If you need your automatic gate repaired or maintained, turn to the knowledgeable team at Creative Door Services™. We service all types of automatic gates. Our licensed technicians have the knowledge, tools, and equipment to get the job done right. We also carry swing and slide gate operators and innovative access control systems from industry-leading brands.

To learn more about our products, 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.