Some Common Automatic Gate Problems, and Ways to Fix

Automatic electric gates are nowadays necessary for almost everyone to protect their family or business premises. These gates are extremely convenient as they allow quick access and hassle free entry to drivers, as they don’t have to jump out of their cars every time to access the driveway. 

However, this technology too is not immune to issues, and automatic gates can sometimes malfunction and prove to be a headache for the owners. These problems, if dealt with immediately prevent the gate from becoming damaged beyond repair and, thus ultimate you will have to replace them.

As soon as there is a first diagnosis of any technical glitch or other malfunction, you should look into the matter immediately. Here are 4 common problems associated with automatic gate, and ways to fix them.

Gate engine malfunctions

Most of the times, the electric gate mechanism that operates it is actually one of the main reasons for its malfunctioning. Most of the problems that occur during activating the gates actually arise due to the electrical gate engine’s failure. It is important to remember that the engine has a maximum lifetime of approximately 10 years of daily use. After this the natural wear and tear due to friction and other factors disrupts off the engine’s activity, causing the automatic gate to malfunction.

The best possible solution when the electric mechanism of the gate disrupts entirely in most cases is to replace the old engine with a new one, whereas modern motors can be repaired. However, engine malfunctions require professionals who are well acquainted with the mechanism. 

Faulty remote control 

Sometimes the remote control deployed to open the automatic gate may be your culprit, and hence it needs to be kept in a good condition to ensure that it works seamlessly. However, problem can arise when the batteries start to fade, so check the control for a blinking red light as it signifies that the batteries are dying. SO, the easiest solution is to replace the batteries and try again. 

However, if the problem persists, you may have to replace the remote control. Moreover, regular automatic gate servicing is required annually or after every 6 months to ensure optimum security. This can be done with the help of a professional automatic gate installer to ensure that the gates are always safe and convenient to use.

Attack of vermin/ insects

Automatic gates have sensors that enable its motion; however, if the sensors get blocked due to external factors such as insects and vermin, then the automatic gates would fail to open. These creatures including garden lizards and ants can climb into the dark spaces inside the gate and cause an obstruction, thus preventing an automatic gate from opening/ closing. So, make sure that you regularly inspect these potential areas of the automatic gates for dirt and other small animals to ensure smooth working of the sensor at all times. Additionally, moss and mould can also grow in these areas, causing a similar obstruction. A simple trick to keep these away is to use a soft dry cloth and gently clean the areas to prevent any external growth.

Obstructions in automatic gate tracks

Many a times, debris like sticks, stones, and leaves can get stuck in the gate tracks which can cause the automatic gate to open or close properly. Therefore, the gate tracks need to be kept clean to ensure smooth movement of the electric gate. So simply take a garden broom and sweep up any debris on a regular basis. You can also use a blower vacuum to keep the track clean.