5 Ways To Maintain Your Automated Gates

Automated gates are very similar to other mechanical items in the sense that they need regular maintenance. This will help them last longer, perform better and ensure the safety of everyone who uses them. Depending on the kind of gate(ornate decorative gates) you purchase for your property, taking care of it should not be very difficult. It is as simple as following the maintenance instructions that came with the product you bought. There are some problems that may require you to seek professional help, but the following tips can be used by the property owners themselves.

1. After the gate has been installed, you have to give it time to dry thoroughly.

There are finishes and moistures that manufacturers apply to fences. If you attempt to add a stain too soon, there is a chance that the wood will not absorb it as much as you would like. Remember your gate needs to be painted at least once every few years. If you want to extend the life of your gate, you should use a clear wood preservative on it. You can also stain it if you like. These are all great ways to extend the life of your gate.

2. Do an inspection on a regular basis.

Check all of the individual parts of your gate to make sure that they are working correctly. This includes the metal racks, gates, belts and electrical connections. Make sure that every bolt is screwed firmly in its place. If you notice that any cables and springs are loose, leave them alone since they might break if you try tightening them. In this case, you should call a technician for help.

3. Look at the bushes, bearings and pivot point to see if there are any blatant signs of damage or wear.

If your gate is made of wood, check each of the wooden components to make sure that they are not in need of painting, oiling or staining. Weathered wood is very likely to have irreversible damage, so make sure that you use the highest quality stain and paint you can find.

Be proactive when it comes to preventing rust. Dust and dirt buildup combined with the elements can lead to rust appearing on your gate. Keep an eye on the metal parts of your gate to make sure there is no rust present.

When rust is in its early stages, you can remove it by washing the gate with a little soap and water. If the rust is worse, you can try using sandpaper on it. That can help if things have not gone too far.

4. Keep your gate clean.

Washing and waxing your gate annually will keep it looking good for longer. In the case of wooden gates, you must keep them oiled or painted to extend their lives. This is far less expensive than having your gate refurbished once it starts to fade, tarnish or show evidence of rust.

5. Lubricate the essential parts.

You should lubricate parts twice yearly with a top quality lubricant. The parts you normally have to lubricate are the ones that help the gate move on its own. This includes the hinges, screws, rollers, and pulleys. You gate will need to move on a smooth surface to be totally safe and prevent the parts from wearing out quickly.

The life of your automated gate depends on how well you work to take care of it. When you are trying to decide between high-end and low-end gates, you need to consider the amount of time that you are willing to spend on maintenance. It is also best to do business with a provider that can offer solid, highly-skilled technicians that can be there when you need assistance with your gate.

February 29, 2016Comments Off on 5 Ways To Maintain Your Automated GatesRead More