Automated gates are a secure and convenient feature for your residential property. Of course, you want to make sure that your automated gate is working seamlessly from one day to the next, and as long as you take proper care of it, you can expect it do just that with little to no issues. However, as with any kind electrical system, automated gates may experience issues. The best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the most common ones so that you can recognize them and have a professional address them promptly.

No Response

If your automatic gate is not moving at all or the keypad is failing to respond, there is a good chance that the power supply is the problem. You will want to check the breaker that is associated with the gate. Flip the breaker and replace the fuse, if necessary.

For an extra layer of protection, you should have a whole-home or individual surge protector installed to keep the breaker from flipping during any power surges. If this ends up not being the issue, there may be a disconnected wire or another problem that you will need the help of a professional to address.

Obstructed Tracks

If your automated gate will not move past a specific point or will not slide smoothly, there is a good chance that there is something on the track. All it takes is a small piece of debris like a twig or stone to mess up the gate.

Make sure to keep a broom nearby so that you are able to sweep the track routinely, particularly on a windy day or after a storm when debris may accumulate on the track. In the event that a large piece of debris has caused damage to the track, contact a gate repair professional for an inspection.

Dirty Sensors

If your automated gate does not recognize that you have pulled up to it, then the sensor is likely the culprit. It is not at all uncommon for the sensor to get coated with dust and dirt over time, so you should use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the sensor off.

Make sure that you don't change its position, as this could keep it from recognizing your vehicle at the appropriate time. In the event that cleaning the sensor fails to fix the problem, you will need to contact a professional for repair, as the sensor may be malfunctioning for another reason that requires a more extensive diagnosis.

Slow Movement During the Winter

When the cold moves in, it can cause the metal components in the automated gate to freeze, making them far more difficult to move properly. As a general rule, this simply means that your gate is in need of a little more lubrication.

The best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment for service in the fall before the temperatures drop so a technician can take care of it before you are dealing with the inconvenience. However, if you forget, it can still be taken care of during the winter.

For more information, contact a gate repair company in your area.

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