A driveway gate is more than an attractive feature on your property, it’s also an investment in security, safety, privacy and peace of mind. Like any other feature in your home, to get the most of your gate, proper maintenance is a must. When it comes to your gate, the secret to getting the best performance from it is simple: regular lubrication! 

With a little upkeep, you can extend the life of your gate, improve its performance, and avoid expensive repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Lubricate Gate Systems and Parts for Performance

It may be tempting to skip lubrication, especially if your gate has always worked well without your intervention. But just like regular oil changes benefit your car, preventive maintenance can make all the difference in the performance and longevity of your gate.

You need to make sure the moving parts can move freely against each other, which provides a few overall benefits: 

• Optimized Performance
  Lubricating your gate’s moving parts reduces friction, which in turn creates a much smoother performance, resulting in a gate that glides effortlessly and silently. 
   
• Extended Lifespan
  When moving parts are adequately lubricated, they move easily and don’t grind against one another. As movement is fluid, you also reduce the strain on your operator. Lubricating your gate properly is a big factor in ensuring it doesn’t wear out prematurely, requiring costly repairs and replacements. With regular lubrication, you can get years of convenient usage from your gate.
   
• Improved Safety
  Well-lubricated gates operate more predictably and are, therefore, much safer to use. With parts that move well and a gate that opens and closes without jerking, you and your family are at a much lower risk of malfunctions and accidents that might cause injuries. 
   
• Corrosion Resistance
  Security gates are exposed to the elements constantly. Frost, ice, snow, salt, and rain can all cause some parts of your gate to rust over time, requiring replacements to keep your gate in good shape. Good quality lubricants contain additives that help prevent rust and corrosion, keeping the vulnerable parts of your gate protected for longer. 

How Often Should You Lubricate Your Gate?

When it comes to lubrication, consistency is key. In most cases, lubricating your gate’s moving parts once every 12 months should be sufficient to keep everything moving smoothly. 

That being said, you should consider more frequent gate lubrication if:

• Your gate is heavily used daily
• You live in a region with harsh weather patterns (lots of snow, rain, dust, or salt)
• Your gate starts moving slowly, irregularly, or starts making unusual noises

Inspecting your gate regularly and keeping all parts free of dust and debris also goes a long way into keeping your gate operating optimally.

If your busy life causes you to push small maintenance tasks to the wayside, scheduling service for your driveway gate with a professional technician is the smart choice to keep up with regular upkeep. Once you make the call, you can stop worrying about it going forward. 

What Moving Parts Need to Be Lubricated?

Driveway gates are made up of several moving parts, and each of them needs regular lubrication in order to move properly and deliver the best performance. Pay particular attention to:

• hinges
• rollers
• chains
• screws
• pulleys
• wheels
• mechanical components

Not every gate is the same, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to call in a driveway gate maintenance technician who can lubricate all the right parts and catch small issues before they turn into big problems.

Type of Lubricant Suitable for Outdoor Use

Lubricants come in different formulations, and using one that is suitable for your driveway gate is crucial. The best ones to use for your driveway gates are the ones that contain white lithium grease. They are heavy-duty and proven to perform even in harsh climates, providing a thick barrier that helps to clean and prevent rust and corrosion. Their high viscosity makes them ideal for metal-on-metal lubrication, reducing friction and preventing premature wear. They often come in hassle-free spray, apply without dripping for a cleaner end result, and are typically water-resistant. 

If you can’t find white lithium grease lubricants, you can also look for calcium sulfonate, marine grease, and synthetic grease lubricants. Your gate’s manufacturer’s owner’s guide might also list recommended products for maintenance ideal for your specific make and model.

To get the best possible results, we recommend using a lubricant specifically formulated for gates and garage doors instead of popular household lubricants. Although perfectly suited for indoor uses, the latter lubricants are often hygroscopic, which means that they absorb moisture from the air. This can cause the vulnerable parts of your gate to rust prematurely, forcing you to replace parts long before they would have been due with the use of a different lubricant.

If you don’t feel confident picking out the right lubricant yourself, you can call an experienced professional like Creative Door Services. Our certified technicians know driveway gates inside and out and will be able to give you the assistance you need. 

Call Creative Door Services for Driveway Gate Solutions and More

If DIY maintenance is not for you, turning to a professional is a smart way to keep your gate safe and functional. At Creative Door Services, our certified technicians know residential driveway gates inside and out; from routine lubrication to full repairs and replacements, we’ll keep your gate operating safely and reliably year-round. 

Whether you’ve heard an unusual noise or just want to get ahead of problems, Creative Door Services is there for you, ready to help from eight convenient locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Contact the location closest to you for a quote on driveway gate maintenance.