Maintaining your garage door and automatic gate system may not be your top priority, but these systems shouldn’t be ignored. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to spend more time taking care of these important home features? Here are four things to add to your to-do list to keep your home safe and in optimal condition for 2022.

1.) Clean your garage door and gate

The more you take care of your automatic gate and garage door, the better they’ll function. Here are a few cleaning tips.

• Garage door
  Start by removing any dirt and debris from the surface using a soft-bristle broom. Then, pre-rinse the surface using a hose. Next, with a wash mitt soaked in warm, soapy water, scrub the garage door from top to bottom. Make sure you also get the weatherstrip. Rinse the door with your hose one last time to remove any soapy residue.
  
  If you have a steel, aluminum, or fibreglass garage door, use silicone wax to protect the door’s finish against damage and fading. Lastly, apply a silicone-based lubricant to your weatherstrip to keep it pliable.

• Automatic gate
  If you have a metal gate, use a damp rag to wipe it down and get rid of any built-up residue. Doing this by hand will allow you to notice flaking paint, rust, and other problems that need to be addressed.
  
  Additionally, if you have a sliding gate, it’s important to clear away any debris that may have collected in the tracks. If you have a swinging gate, make sure to cut back any overgrown plants or bushes that could be blocking the swing trajectory.
  
  Lastly, both automatic gates and garage doors 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 driveway gate and garage door moving smoothly, apply white lithium grease or a silicon-based lubricant twice a year.

2.) Modernize your home access control solutions

Access control systems for garage doors and automatic gates are convenient, secure and can add value to your property. Here are a few options for upgrading your current system.

• Garage door opener
  If you don’t already have one, you may want to consider upgrading to an automatic garage door opener with the latest security features to keep you and your family safe. For example, Genie’s Genie ReliaG ProSeries 1028 has Intellicode®. This technology prevents thieves from using unauthorized remotes to open your garage door by always selecting a new code from billions of combinations every time the door is opened. Additionally, it’s compatible with Aladdin Connect®, so you can monitor and operate your garage door from anywhere in the world.

• Gate operator
  If you have an automatic driveway gate, you may want to think about upgrading to an operator with Wi-Fi connectivity. For example, at Creative Door Services™, we carry models that are compatible with Genie’s Aladdin Connect as well as myQ® technology that can be integrated with devices such as Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and IFTT. This allows you to monitor and control your gate from anywhere in the world, create daily schedules, and receive real-time notifications if your gate is left open.
  
  Whether you need a wireless keypad, a remote control, an intercom, or other type of residential gate access control system, Creative Door Services™ has what you need.

3.) Increase your home’s security

If you’re looking for a way to make your home safer this year, installing a security camera, alongside your automatic gate or garage door is a good idea. Security cameras can act as a visual deterrent for potential burglars and vandals. In addition, if a crime does occur, the security camera will record the incident so that the police can use the footage to help find the culprit.

Furthermore, you can also choose to get real-time alerts for any unusual activity. This way, you can stay on top of security breaches while you’re away for the day or on vacation. Additionally, you can watch deliveries happen in real-time and keep an eye on any already delivered packages to make sure they don’t get stolen.

4.) Sign up for planned maintenance

Garage doors and automatic gate systems are no small investment. That’s why Creative Door Services™ offers a planned maintenance program. Once you register for it, one of our technicians will come to your home and inspect every aspect of your gate and garage door. They’ll let you know if they see any problems emerging so they can address them before they become serious. When you invest in planned maintenance, you can rest assured you won’t run into any unexpected problems or breakdowns.

The Best Selection of Garage and Gate Accessories All Year Round

If you need top-quality parts and accessories to upgrade your garage door or automatic gate, Creative Door Services™ has you covered. We take pride in ensuring our customers get exactly what they’re looking for.

For a free quote or to learn more about our services, contact one of our eight branches in Western Canada today. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.