Practical Hints to Prepare Your Automatic Driveway Gate for Winter
Frozen rain, snow, and cold weather can take a toll on automatic gates. You have probably seen gates get frozen in place, damaged automation systems, and rusted wrought iron because of harsh winters. The frost and freezing temperatures usually wreak havoc on both the inner workings and outer appearance of the gate, making it work less effectively. As such, it's important to prepare your automatic gate for the cold months to avoid incurring extra expenses on repairs or replacement. Here is how you can avert costly mechanical issues and still have a functional gate throughout the year.
Remove debris and clean the gate
After fall, debris and leaves can pile up on your compound and under the automatic gate. These leaves act like compost, so if they aren't removed, they'll eat away at the gate, especially if it's made of wood. Some debris even gets to the automation equipment and can cause damage as soon as you try to open or lock your gate. Cleaning the gate before winter and clearing the area that surrounds it can help prevent the deterioration of the posts and gate. Be sure to follow the instructions the supplier or manufacturer provided when cleaning the gate.
Service the automatic gate
Seasonal maintenance can help identify any developing issues that could cause the gate to malfunction in the near future. It can also help prepare the automatic gate for the winter season, especially if you experience harsh winters in your area. As such, it's crucial to hire an automatic gate service expert to examine your gate before the ice and snow set in. The expert will check the entire operating system and gate for damages and fix them right away. They will also grease the hinges, change the hydraulic fluid, and perform other vital service tasks to ensure your gate functions effectively throughout winter.
The expert may also recommend that you add a heater on the gate operator to ensure the oil in the gearbox doesn't thicken and inhibit the gate's movement. This will be helpful once you start experiencing below-freezing temperatures.
Apply some touch-up paint
The paint on your gate is designed to protect the gate's material from coming into direct contact with environmental elements like the sun's rays, snow, dust, and so on. If certain parts of the gate are exposed in winter, snow will sit on the area for a long time, causing the unprotected iron to rust or wood to rot. Applying some touch-up paint before winter will seal such areas and prevent damage.
To learn more, contact a residential gate automation service.
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