The 7 Most Common Automatic Gate Problems

Automatic gates are the best solution for your home, or business as they provide a plethora of benefits. Improved privacy, utmost safety, increased property value, and more beautiful curb appeal is just some of the benefits you will experience after installing automatic gates for your business or home. However, to enjoy these benefits for years to come it is vital to know how to recognize the most common automatic gate problems. In this way, you will prolong your gate`s life, and be able to enjoy all the benefits it can offer. Let us see what are the most common problems you may face.

A Person Opens A Gate Using A Remote Controller

The remote control does not work

Your automatic gate will serve you for years and years to come, but the same is not true for remote controls. This is simply because they work on batteries, and depending on how often you are using the gates, the batteries will start to fade at some point. Luckily, this is an issue that is easy to fix. Don`t forget to buy extra batteries and keep them in a place where you can reach them easily. If your remote control stops working, replace the batteries to see whether that will fix the issue. It may happen that the remote control won`t start working even after a battery replacement. In this case, you need to replace the entire remote control.

Pest invasion

Another common problem related to automatic gates is pest invasion. Namely, to work properly an automatic gate has sensors on both ends of the gate. These sensors act in motion and open and close the gate. If the gates don`t open and sensors don`t recognize your car, for example, perhaps you are looking at a pest invasion issue. Vermin and insects can reach the sensors and block the motion. All that is needed in this case is for the place around the sensors to be clean and without any pests. The best way to do this is to call professionals for help, as they can use the right equipment and resolve the issue without damaging the sensors.

The automatic gate is making a lot of noise

Is your automatic gate making a lot of noise when you try to open and close it? It is one of the signs you need an electric gate repair. Over the years the opening mechanism can wear out and make noise. In this case, the best thing you can do is contact a technician to inspect and resolve the issue related to the noise. Another cause may be a lack of lubrication. You can easily fix this by lubricating the part that is making the noise. By listening to where the noise comes from, you will be able to determine the source.

An Automatic Driveway Gate

It is useful to know that both internal and external parts of the gate may need lubrication. If you are not certain whether this is the cause of the noise, feel free to contact a professional. With the right tools and plenty of experience, professionals will fix your automatic gate efficiently.

Debris

If you notice that your automatic gate has some obstruction causing it to move slowly or not move at all on the track, you may be dealing with debris. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Approach the gate and remove any debris that you find on the track. Leaves, branches, rocks, or any other debris may be the cause of automatic gate malfunction. Make it a habit to wipe the gate every once in a while, to keep it clean and without any obstructions. This type of issue is easy to see, predict, and resolve. You want to keep your swiping equipment near the gate so that you can always react on time.

The automatic gate is in manual mode

Automatic gates can function as automatic, but also as manual gates. Sometimes your automatic gate may be stuck in manual mode. While the gate is functioning, you want to be able to use it as automatic, as that is why you installed it in the first place. When the automatic gate is stuck in manual mode, most likely the reason for this is a low battery inside the remote control. The issue can also be related to the opening mechanism itself. You can replace the batteries of your remote control and see whether that is disabling the transition to automatic mode. If the issue relates to the mechanism itself, it is better to contact the professionals.

Power outage

Automatic gates don`t work when there is a power outage. Power outages are not very frequent, may occur during a storm, for example. If you are unable to open your gates automatically, check whether there was a power outage or a power outage is undergoing. In these cases, you will need to switch to manual mode to use your gate. It is a great idea to check whether your manual mode is working properly. Make it a habit to switch to manual mode every couple of months. This is just to prevent any possible issues with the manual mode. It is always a good idea to check whether all components are working correctly, rather than experiencing an unpleasant surprise.

An Installer Is Repairing A Gate Opener Motor Unit

The track is worn

If you notice that the gate is moving slowly or not moving along the track, there is a high chance that the track is worn. Do not worry, this can happen after years and years of using the gate. The best way to prevent worn track is to have annual maintenance for your gate. Predicting and preventing problems on your automatic gate is fairly easy. It won`t take you too much time, or money.

Regular maintenance is the key

We have seen some of the most common automatic gate problems and how to fix them. Sometimes it is necessary to call automatic gates repair professionals to fix the issue, and this is usually the best thing when it comes to identifying and resolving an automatic gate issue. However, annual maintenance is the key to the long life of your automatic gate. Having a professional inspect your gate and take precaution measures once or twice a year can go a long way in preventing problems with the gate. Good luck!