Texas property crime rates are around 3.73% per 1,000 for burglary and 15.99% per 1,000 for theft. So if you live or work in an area prone to break-ins, consider installing an automatic gate. Yet, like all technology, automatic gates aren’t impervious to malfunctioning.
On the bright side, defective gates can always be repaired or replaced. Sometimes the problem is small and can be easily fixed within minutes.
This guide explores common problems your automatic gate may be experiencing and their appropriate solutions.
Check the Power & Remote Batteries
It can happen that one day your entire gate stops working. The mechanism won’t budge regardless of how much you try to open or close it. This issue is usually caused by expired batteries or a simple power outage.
Perhaps there’s a regional power outage that’s also affected your gate. In such cases, you don’t need to do anything; just wait for the power to come back.
Alternatively, check if the little light on your remote responds when pressing the buttons. If it isn’t, its batteries are probably ripe for replacement. Use a backup remote, or replace the batteries, and things will return to normal.
Lastly, you can always try rebooting the automatic gate system. Technology has the habit of randomly acting up, and you often don’t need to look for a particular problem; a simple reboot “magically” fixes things.
Blocked Sensors & Strange Noises – Check for Grass & Pests
It’s also possible for photo-eye sensors to stop functioning. In some cases, this can be remedied with a simple inspection. Inspect the gate and look for overgrown weeds, vegetables, rocks, insects, pests, and moss. Grass and pests can clog any part of the mechanism and obstruct the sensors’ visual field.
The same could also cause strange noises – a small rock stuck between the rails, tracks, or hinges, can prevent the gate from opening and closing properly while creating an annoying sound. In these cases, simply clean your gates thoroughly, and they’ll be as good as new.
Outdated & Malfunctioning Equipment: Operator, Sensors, Motor, & More
However, mechanical and electronic equipment can sometimes become outdated and start malfunctioning. The operator, the sensors, the motor, and even the hinges, tracks, and rails are all prone to this.
Of course, this shouldn’t be cause for alarm. Before changing the gate entirely, try rebooting the system once or twice and see if some pest or weed is clogging the mechanism.
Let 4 Sure Gates Help Elevate Your Home’s Security
If you’ve done everything yet the problem persists, you should contact a professional gate maintenance service to help you set things right. Luckily for Dallas and Fort Worth residents, we are always available for precisely this sort of thing.
Visit our website at 4 Sure Gates and contact us for a free consultation. Our team of professionals is well equipped to immediately diagnose and amend any issue with your gate opening system.