Security gates are an excellent addition to any home. Aside from aesthetic appeal, they offer privacy, safety, and convenience for your household. Giving your gates sufficient TLC is required in order for you to make the most out of your investment and make sure it runs smoothly for a long time.
Below are a few ways you can do to maintain your security gates and preserve their quality.
1. Clean them regularly.
Washing and waxing your gate regularly not only keeps it looking good but also prevents serious problems caused by dirt. When you neglect your gate’s finish, you can expect its surface to become flaked or tarnished. The good news is, you only need to give it a wash at least once every few months, or after heavy soiling.
2. Watch out for pests.
Slugs and snails can destroy the circuit board of your automated gate. These bugs leave slime trails that are highly conductive even with minimal moisture. Spider webs also have a small amount of moisture that can be damaging to the gate’s circuit board. Conduct proper pest control to keep these problems from affecting your gate’s mechanism.
3. Keep the gate – or gates – dry.
Both fresh and saltwater are not good for metal gates—the surrounding area, especially the motor, should have a proper drainage system, as once it gets flooded, water could seep through to the motor or other electronic devices. This can lead to serious damage.
4. Inspect your gates routinely.
Simple checks that are done regularly can do wonders for preserving the quality of your security gates. Create a checklist that includes everything you should look for when inspecting your gates.
Some of the things to take note of are obstructions (i.e. plants growing near photocell beams), the power supply on the motor, and where the manual override key is in case there’s a system failure or power outage. You should ensure you have full access to this in case of an emergency situation.
5. Pay attention to the moving parts.
All moving parts in your security gates require special attention. If these components get damaged, the gate could immediately stop functioning—which could affect your daily routine. Be sure to check if the wheel tracks are free from debris like organic material (e.g. leaves or soil). Give your gates a regular check and if necessary, clean out dirt and debris right away.
Wheels and hinges should also be oiled at all times to keep them from grinding or wearing down. It’s best to use higher quality oils as they are more effective in maintaining your gate’s functionality.
Maintenance for Security Gates
No matter where your security gates fall on the quality spectrum, it’s crucial to check all systems and make sure they are working correctly. Gates must open and shut with the right amount of force, and reversing devices should function without any problems.
Consider scheduling a maintenance service from your trusted gate specialist on a regular basis. An expert professional can help you with your repair and maintenance needs, so you won’t ever have to worry about serious gate damage from wear and tear and other issues.