 
Both the searing heat of the summer and the bitter cold of winter can cause problems for your home, but you might be surprised to know your automatic gate is not immune. From snowy build up to, believe it or not, damage from pesky rodents, there are a myriad of ways your gate can be at risk.
While the best way to prepare your gate is to sign up for a preventive maintenance program so that a certified technician can thoroughly examine and treat your system. However, there are plenty of things you can do on your own to protect your gate and keep your home safe during extreme weather.
Colder Weather
The winter is the most immediately important time to protect your gate, as the cold poses a variety of threats. Snow buildup on any part, from the gate itself to the mechanism, is a huge problem. The gate operator will still attempt to do its job, even if snow or ice is built up so heavily around it that it can’t open. Gates can also push up against drifts as they try to open, causing the operator to burn out or close the gate automatically.
Even if you don’t live in a heavily snowy area, cold weather is still a problem once winter arrives. You need to watch out for ice, especially from freezing rain or rainfall before a frosty night. Frost, snow or ice around your gate can cause it to malfunction and forcing it open during these times can be damaging. Also, ice on the chains of your gate can damage the operator as the chain enters the mechanism. Make sure to (carefully) knock ice off of the chains before using your gate.
Warmer Weather
The summer may be less intense for gates, but there are still issues to be on the lookout for. The top priority in the summer is making sure your gate and its automatic operator are properly lubricated. This will help with the longevity of your investment, as the heat can sometimes cause it to dry out.
A less frequent but still pertinent problem is rodents, using the housing of the operator as shelter from the heat of the sun. Make sure your unit is properly secured before it gets too hot for all the critters. Once they’re inside, it can cause real damage, as rodents really like chewing wires.
As mentioned, the best way to make sure severe weather doesn’t harm your automatic gate operator is to have a certified technician come inspect and prepare your unit for the heat and cold. For more information, give us a call or visit our contact page.
