Repairing your automatic gateJanuary 19th, 2016
Automatic gates add beauty and security to your property. These gates are both appealing to the eye and very convenient. But these gates come with some owner responsibility and keeping them running smoothly can be a big of a challenge if you do not know what you are doing. There are several things that can go wrong that can actually be fixed by you the homeowner. Today, we are going to take a look at several common automatic gate repair issue that you may face. This will help save you time and frustration if you follow these simple tips and tricks.
Identify Automatic Gate Issues
Track issues – Automatic gates are guided by a track that runs along the ground and sometimes above in the air. These tracks can cause issues if they become obstructed. Trash and debris can fall in these tracks and cause your gate to get stuck. A great way to prevent this problem is to clean out tracks once a month to prevent buildup. After a heavy rain or a windy day, you may also want to go out and check the gate track to make sure everything is working properly.
Problems with the remote – Sometimes automatic gate repair can be a simple fix. Remotes can be the root of the cause and the fix is often battery related. To prevent having remote issues, why not replace the batteries once every few months? New batteries can prevent a bigger issue and no one likes to be locked outside of their property if they are in a hurry.
A tripped breaker – Sometimes an automatic gate gets stuck. This can cause an overload in power as the gate tries to overcome the obstetrical. When this happens the breaker that is connected to the gate motor will overload and trip out. To solve this problem, you first have to remove the obstetrical. Then when the gate is clear you can safely turn the breaker back on. Professional automatic gate installations will help reduce this issue by properly installing the track.
Stuck in manual mode – After gate an installation, sometimes the technician will show you how to put your gate in manual mode which is necessary for many small repairs. But sometimes when custom gate installations occur the owner is never shown this option. If this happens to you call the company that put your gate in or refer to your owners manual.
Pests – This can be a big issue for anyone. Pests such as rats and squirrels can get inside the inner workings of a gate. This is a sensitive area that contains wiring and motor controls. If a pest chews on electrical parts it can cause damage and can even become dangerous. This problem should always be handled by a professional due to the dangers of electricity. Also, make sure to contact someone that specializes in automatic gate repair so that your gate is always properly cared for. Many companies that install gates also repair them. You might want to contact the company that put your gate in.