The following are often common culprits for metal driveway gate malfunctions or breakdowns.
Anyone who follows The Rock on Instagram likely saw the end result of his residential driveway gate not working a few weeks ago. The short version is that he was running late, and it wasn’t pretty for the gate. And while a residential gate that stops working unexpectedly is a major frustration, most of us don’t have the strength to literally bend it to our will. Instead, we have to call a professional or rely on these tips for sorting out some of the more common metal driveway gate issues. The following are often common culprits for metal driveway gate malfunctions or breakdowns.
Weather
Metal expands and contracts due to temperature changes, and while it is not enough for you to see and notice, it can sometimes be enough to make the gate work differently. In very cold weather, the contraction of the components might be enough to make them jam or operate less smoothly. One way to keep the gate operating smoothly is to lubricate it, but make sure you use a grease or oil that is rated for cold temperature. If it isn’t, it could get too thick and dense in cold temperatures. If the local weather has included electrical storms, this could also cause your gate to malfunction. Many gates have integrated surge protectors to protect against lightning strikes. Finally, hail can also damage gates, and storms can down trees that can cause the gate not to work.
Obstruction
One of the first things that you should check when your metal driveway gate stops working is if there is an obstruction physically blocking it. This is a common occurrence and one of the easiest to fix. When you’re checking for obstructions, don’t forget to check the track as well – it can be a small obstruction and still cause a big problem.
Wear and Tear
An automatic metal driveway gate gets a lot of use, and over time, things can wear out and stop working. This is why routine maintenance is so important. Annual maintenance should include a professional inspection to catch any small problems and fix them before they become major issues.
“Hold Open”
Many residential metal driveway gates have what is called a “hold open” function, which makes the gate stay in the open position as long as it is engaged. This is sometimes a function that can be accidentally engaged, especially if you have multiple users. If your gate is open and won’t close, this is the most likely culprit.
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If you are ready to install your heavy duty iron fence and add iron railings or you still have some more questions, we here at Hercules Custom Iron are here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your chain link fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.