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Suppose you are a homeowner or a commercial property owner, and your building has a motorized or remote gate opener. In that case, we don't have to tell you about all the marvelous ways a motorized gate opener makes your life easier and more convenient.
Automatic gate openers are designed to work effectively with minimal effort from you. However, just like every mechanical device, they need a little love and care now and then to continue working effectively. This is where the regular maintenance and repair of your motorized gate opener comes in handy.
Let's dive into all the nits and grits of everything you need to know about how to maintain and repair your automatic gate opener.
A Quick Overview of Motorized Gate Openers
Motorized gate openers are automated systems designed to help you open and close your gate with the touch of a button on your remote control, an app, or any other control device. Some of the most common types of motorized gate openers include sliding gate openers and swing gate openers.
Every motorized gate opener uses a combination of electric motors, gears, and control mechanisms such as sensors, remotes, motion detector cameras, and more. The level of sophistication of your automatic gate opener will determine the individual components present in your motorized gate system.
LiftMaster is one of the prominent manufacturers of high-quality automatic gate openers in the United States and is a common brand among homeowners and commercial landlords.
Another prominent brand that many landlords trust is Doorking. We have a short guide for those choosing between Doorking and LiftMaster for their residential or commercial needs.
How Do Motorized Gate Openers Work?
To understand what parts of your motorized gate openers require maintenance, we will provide you with a quick overview of the general working mechanism of an automatic gate opener. The two main components of an automatic driveway gate are the gate structure and gate operator.
The gate structure is the part of the automatic gate system that physically slides, swings, or rolls upwards to allow the entry or exit of a building's occupants or visitors. The gate structure in automatic gate openers is typically made of wood, steel, or other materials that allow for easy maintenance.
The gate operator is the mechanism that opens the gate using electric motors and a control system. The electric motor is typically the reason motorized gate openers are called electric driveway gates since that causes the gate to open and close.
While some gates open and close automatically using sensors and actuators, most motorized gate openers, like the Liftmaster 24V BLDC Continuous Duty Industrial Slide Gate Operator, work by receiving signals from a remote device like a smartphone or remote control.
Some automatic gate openers combine electric motors and hydraulics to function effectively.
The Process of Maintaining and Repairing a Motorized Gate Opener
It is critical to note that the maintenance process for your specific unit of motorized gate opener may differ from the one discussed in this section.
Always consult the instruction manual for tips on maintaining the specific unit installed on your property. Here are the general tips for maintaining and repairing a motorized gate opener:
Keep the Gate Structure Clean
The number one tip for ensuring that your motorized gate opener functions properly is to clean the gate structure regularly to prevent dirt and debris from getting stuck in the motorized part of the automatic gate.
Use non-abrasive cleaners for the cleaning process to avoid damaging the surface of your gate and causing uneven surface contact between the gate and the gate operator.
Perform Safety Checks Regularly
Safety checks usually include checking sensitive parts of the automatic gate opener like the loop detectors, emergency fire/exit functions if your gate has one, open close stops, safety barriers, and other parts of your electric gate designed to help with safety.
The goal is to ensure that your gate does not suddenly fail in an emergency or cause injury to a person due to failed safety mechanisms.
Inspect the Gate Occasionally
A general inspection of your automatic gate structure should be done occasionally, maybe once a month, to ensure that damage such as rust, dents, and other abnormalities do not elude you.
By carrying out inspections and detecting faults early, you can identify potential issues before failure occurs. Look out for loose bolts, damaged cables, and worn-out components.
Lubrication Is Key
Lubrication is a huge part of any gate system, whether automatic or manual. Proper lubrication ensures that moving parts such as hinges, rollers, chains, gears, and rollers stay pristine and function properly.
Lubrication also helps to extend the lifespan of your motorized gate opener as it prevents the motors and hydraulic system from overworking during the opening and closing process of the gate.
Always check the instruction manual your gate's manufacturer supplied to know what parts to lubricate and the right lubricants to use.
Protect Your Gate From Pests
Wooden automatic gates are typically prone to infestation by pests, especially if they do not get cleaned often. Try as much as possible to keep pests like termites, ants, snails, and other small animals away from your automatic gate to prevent them from damaging your gate structure or the gate operator.
You can do this by inspecting and spraying your gate with insecticides that are not dangerous to the gate material. Avoid spraying motorized components with liquid insecticide or chemicals to avoid short-circuiting the system.
Know When It Is Time to Replace Your Automatic Gate System
In a few cases, what your automatic gate opener requires is not repair or maintenance. It is a complete overhaul. This is usually due to old age or outdated software and control mechanisms.
How Often Should You Service Your Automatic Gate Openers?
Generally, you should expect to service your motorized gate opener once every 12 months or more often if you live in a dusty or tropical area with lots of rain and mud.
However, if you notice that your automatic gate opener is acting up, do not hesitate to check it out immediately or call your professional automatic gate servicing team to check it out.
At All Security Equipment, we understand that even when you install the best motorized gate opener for your home and carry out the maintenance practices discussed in this article, situations may still arise where a professional must check your gate. Contact us today for any inquiries or concerns you may have.
