Electric gates in your home or place of business can take a lot of abuse from the weather over the year, which is why it is an excellent idea to give them an essential service before winter arrives. By taking care of your gates and preparing them for winter, you can help to ensure that they remain functional and reduce the likelihood of them needing repair.
If you have electric gates and want to know what to do, below is everything that you need to know to keep them in working condition and get them ready for winter.
Look At The Drive Belt
The drive belt is the heart of the machine that opens and closes the gates, so it should be something that gets some attention before winter comes. You will want to look for signs of wear and tear on the belt and the ribbing and look for cracks or missing chunks of the belt or other machinery. If there are obvious signs of damage above the usual wear and tear, you may wish to consult with your electric gate installers and have them inspect it and make repairs if necessary.
Grease The Hinges
To ensure that your electric gates have a smooth fluid action, you will want to keep the hinges well-greased. The hinges can be prone to freezing and sticking if not maintained correctly. An ample application of grease can keep them moving freely during the winter months.
Check The Surrounding Drains
If you have drains that are close to your gates, you will want to make sure that these are free of any blockages which could cause water build-up which can freeze during winter. If the water freezes, this can affect the gates and even prevent them from opening fully, and it is something that you can stop from happening easily. Make sure that the drains are clear of debris, including leaves, and if there is any standing water, find a way to make it drain away.
After A Snowfall
If it has been snowing and it has settled on the ground, you will also need to get out and clear this from your gates to ensure that they keep working and can open freely. If there is only a centimetre or two of snow, you will be able to refrain from shovelling it away. If you have had a significant amount of snow though, you will need to get out there and dig it clear to prevent it from freezing and stopping the gates from opening freely.
Get It Inspected By An Expert
You may also want to have your electric gates regularly serviced, which can also help to prevent mechanical failure, especially during the extreme weather of winter. You can use the services of the company who installed the gates or find a local company to take care of them for you. With regular maintenance, a careful eye, and maybe some clearance work, you can help to ensure that your gates remain in working order this winter, so you do not have to get out the car when it is cold, which makes it worth the effort.
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