Cold weather is upon us, and the freezing temperatures are putting extra stress on your gate system. To keep your entrance moving smoothly and avoid a "frozen shut" emergency, follow this real-time guide to winter gate maintenance.
Tips for Winter Gate Care
Keep It Moving: Don't Let the Cold Settle In
When the thermometer drops below zero, movement is your best friend.
Exercise the System: Open and close your gates as often as possible. This is especially crucial in the early morning hours when the cold is most intense.
The "Warm-Up" Rule: If the gates don't open on the first click, try again. Just like us, the hydraulic fluid in the operators gets sluggish in the cold. A second or third attempt often provides the "warm-up" the system needs to get flowing.
Manual Check: Take the key provided with your system and unlock the operators. Move the gates slowly by hand to ensure nothing is seized, then relock them carefully.
Protecting the Hardware
Prevention is much easier than a mid-blizzard repair.
Lock Covers: Always keep your operator lock covers closed. This simple habit keeps out rain and snow, preventing the lock cylinder from freezing solid.
Clear the Sensors: If your gate gets stuck in the open position, don't panic. Check the "photo eyes" (the small black boxes on your pillars). Snow often gathers on the face of these sensors, blocking the beam. Gently brush away any snowflakes to clear the path.
The Post-Snowfall Routine
Snow buildup is the leading cause of motor strain and mechanical failure.
Clear the Path: After every snowfall, clear the snow from the entire swing or slide path. An uninhibited path ensures the motor doesn't have to "plow" through drifts.
Watch the Plow Piles: Be extra careful to clear snow from behind the gates that may have been pushed there by a plow. If operators are left packed in ice and snow, it causes immediate electrical issues and long-term corrosion.
Need a Hand?
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting tips and your gate still isn't behaving, we are standing by to help.