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 buildup to, believe it or not, damage from pesky rodents, there are myriad ways your gate can be at risk as it’s exposed to the elements 24/7.
The best way to protect your gate is to sign up for a preventive maintenance program so that a certified technician can thoroughly examine and treat your system annually. However, there are plenty of things you can do on your own to protect your gate and keep your home safe during extreme weather.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Gate
Winter is the most 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 will 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 the ice off of the chains before using your gate.
Scheduling annual maintenance before cold weather sets in will help your automatic gate run more effectively by tightening and lubricating all parts. A gate professional will also check the entire gate for any signs of wear and tear, replacing any problem parts before your gate has to run through the harsh winter climate.
How Hot Weather Affects Your Gate
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 the metal parts to dry out.
A less frequent but still pertinent problem is rodents, who use the housing of the operator as shelter from the heat of the sun. Make sure your unit is properly secured with no gaps or openings before it gets too hot for all the critters. Once they’re inside, it can cause real damage, as rodents really like chewing wires.
Contact Us for Gate Maintenance!
As mentioned, the best way to make sure severe weather doesn’t harm your automatic gate operator is to have a certified technician come to inspect and prepare your unit for the heat and cold. Harsh cold and hot weather damage your gate, but you can help reduce the risks by staying on top of gate maintenance. For more information, give us a call or visit our contact page.
