An automated gate system can be a fantastic investment for your home or business and the lifespan of your electric gate can reach 20 years or more if well maintained. This is why it is essential to have at least 1 annual gate service to ensure the gates and motors are in the best condition possible. Regular servicing ensures the longevity of your gate’s automation, and a number of other benefits which make regular maintenance essential.
The Health and Safety Executive website states that automatic gates must be serviced and maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines. You can find out more about these guidelines here.
Safety
One of the main reasons to regularly maintain your gates is safety. When your gates are serviced the engineer has an opportunity to test all of the gate safety features to ensure they are working correctly. While injuries from an automated gate system are rare, poor installation and improper maintenance can increase the risk of an incident. During a service our team will ensure that the obstacle detection systems and safety devices are functioning correctly. They will also perform checks on the electrical elements to reduce any potential electrical issues.
Save Money
All electric gate kites are comprised of moving parts which, just like your car, need regular attention to ensure they keep running efficiently and reliably. Having your electric gate kit serviced will allow an engineer to assess any damage or wear and tear before it becomes an issue. Emergency call outs can end up being quite costly so it is best to be proactive.
Additionally, there are often times when these moving parts require new batteries – safety edge transmitters, wireless photocells etc. If the batteries die in either of these, your gates will stop working and you will be charged a hefty fee for a battery change.
Reliability
Automated gate systems should have a manual release function to allow the gates to be opened in the event of power failure, However, a preventable gate automation breakdown can still be incredibly inconvenient. During a service, a full inspection of the system’s functions, and any maintenance required, will be carried out. This includes the lubrication of any moving parts such as wheels, motor arms and hinges, and checking all wires and cabling. Not only will this reduce the risk of breakdown, but a high standard of maintenance will significantly improve your gate system’s lifespan.
Aesthetics
If you put a reasonable amount of time, consideration, and money into installing an electric gate system, you want to keep it looking as good as new. While a gate engineer won’t pressure wash your gates for you, they will ensure the essential components are lubricated, clean, and free of debris. Regular cleaning will ensure that your gates look brand new even if they’ve been there for a couple years.
Security
One of the reasons people install an electric gate system, at home or at their business premises, is for security. Ensuring that your gates are well maintained and regularly serviced means they can do what they need to. The simple presence of a gate is enough to deter some criminals, but that doesn’t mean they may try and give the gates a nudge. When this happens, you want to be sure that your gates are properly functioning to avoid any unfortunate mishaps. Additionally, the installation of an outdoor lighting system paired with your electric gates can be a great deterrent – especially if the lights have motion sensors.
Frequency of Gate Maintenance
No matter if your gates are swing gates, sliding gates, or cantilever gates, gate services are dependent on how often they are used. Gate systems at residential properties are generally used 2-3 times a day which means one annual service will suffice.
Systems which see large numbers of daily traffic will need significantly more servicing than above – often, twice a year. This applies to most automatic gates at commercial premises, and to those at communal residential blocks. It’s not unusual for automatic gates which see frequent commercial traffic to need servicing once every quarter.
It is also important to note that gates that are rarely used also need bi-annual servicing to ensure that all parts are in good working order. If they go too long without a service, they may be prone to the effects of rust or water damage, or even end up seizing entirely.
The location of your gates also plays an important role in how frequently your gate system should be serviced. If you live near the coast the salty air affects the components of the gates. Areas that experience high winds may also result in more regular servicing due to the increased wind resistance when the gates are in operation.
What can you do in addition to a gate service?
For the technical inspection and maintenance of automated gates, we recommend getting in touch with our team of professionals. However, there are a few things you can do yourself that will be beneficial for your electric gate system.
It is recommended to operate the manual release system three to four times a year to keep the mechanism functional. You should also keep your gates clean and sliding gate tracks free from debris and stones. Slugs and snails can also be detrimental to electric gate systems. Slug pellets or wool can be used as an effective deterrent to keep them away from the electrical control boxes.
Regular maintenance not only ensures that your gates are safe and compliant with the latest legislation, but also reduces the chances of any potential issues that could have an impact on the day-to-day running of your business. In addition to offering a gate service to our supplied products, CM Gates & Barriers also maintain gates designed, manufacture, and installed by other gate suppliers – subject to an initial inspection.
If you would like to discuss a gate service, repair, or upgrade with a member of our team then please get in touch.
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