Name: 4 Sure Gates
Address: 4 Sure Gates - Repair & Installation 5400 Kennedale st, Fort Worth, TX, 76140, US
Telephone: (817) 965-7873

Why Hire Professionals for Electric Gate Repair and Maintenance

May 26, 2022

Electric Gate Repair and Maintenance in Dallas Texas

The average lifespan of an electric gate should be roughly 15-20 years. Though electric gates may be pricier than standard gates, they are a worthwhile investment not just because they last longer but also because they’re convenient and easy to use. However, like any investment, they should be cared for.

To ensure that your gate lasts its entire lifespan and even beyond, it’s crucial to turn to professionals. At 4 Sure Gates, we understand that many people may opt to repair an electric gate instead of purchasing a new one when it breaks down.

Some go the DIY route, because of cost considerations. However, this may result in issues, especially if the person trying to fix an electric gate has no prior experience.

Hiring a professional to repair and maintain an electric gate is the best option for this and other reasons.

Minimize the Risk of Mistakes with Your Electric Gate

One of the most significant difficulties with working on an electric gate on your own is inexperience. You might not have the proper knowledge of the gate’s internal workings to correctly determine what’s wrong and, therefore, what needs fixing. Electric gate systems can be complex, and making a mistake while working on them can render the gate in worse condition than before.

Professional electric gate specialists are familiar with multiple types of electric gates and their systems, enabling them to assess the issue accurately. From there, they can determine the best steps to take.

Puts You at Less Risk for Harm

Another disadvantage of fixing an electric gate on your own is that you can risk harming yourself. There is the potential to get electrocuted or get tools and fingers caught in machinery. Instead of putting yourself at risk for injury, put your safety first and hire a professional who will take the appropriate safety procedures while fixing the gate.

Furthermore, if you attempt to fix the gate and it goes wrong, there’s the likelihood it will continue to stay broken and then pose a risk to someone else. It’s better to hire a professional who can quickly fix the problem before anyone gets hurt.

Costs Less in the Long Run

Some people may balk at hiring a professional for fear of the high costs it may entail. But trying to fix an electric gate by yourself can worsen the damage, turning a minor issue into one that requires extensive repair or even replacement.

It’s better to hire a professional right away as they can target the error and correct it before the damage worsens. Also, the professional may be able to spot problems in your gate that you hadn’t noticed before and correct them early on.

Get Quality Service for Your Electric Gate from a Professional

Hiring a professional ensures that electric gate repairs are done right and on time. Instead of making do with DIY solutions, turn to a trusted company that will restore the gate’s performance and even extend your electric gate’s lifespan.

4 Sure Gates has been repairing and maintaining various models of electric gates across Texas for many years. We have specialists who can assess and identify the issues on your residence or commercial property’s electric gate and make the right repairs to get it back in working order.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or read about our services.

Manual vs Automatic: The Great Gate Debate

May 19, 2022

Your driveway gate, while unassuming, is a critical part of your property. It provides your property safety and privacy, and it also adds to your home’s overall curb appeal and overall value.

Now that we’ve established the impact of a great gate, the question now lies on which kind of gate you should get for your home. There are many gate types that you can choose from, but the most common dichotomy that sparks debate among homeowners is between manual and automatic gates.

These gates have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing one over the other can completely change your property. If you’re still on the fence about whether to choose a manual or automatic gate, this piece should be able to help you make the right choice.

Why You Should Choose a Manual Gate

The biggest advantage a manual gate has over an automatic gate is how efficient it is priced in comparison to its automatic counterpart. While you can easily spend up to $10,000 for a high-quality custom automatic gate, you can get an equally secure and beautiful gate for less than a quarter of the cost.

Another reason why you could pick manual gates over automatic ones is the abundance of styles that you can choose from. It’s hard to transform your home into a memento for the art deco movement if you have an automatic driveway gate at the front. The materials these gates are made out of also impact their overall appeal.

Security is another factor that pushes people towards manual gates. Since manual gates need to be opened by someone, it is easy to vet any visitors trying to enter your property.

Pros of Choosing Automatic Gates

Let’s now hop to the other side of the fence.

The biggest thing that pushes homeowners toward automatic gates is their ability to boost their property’s value. An effective automatic gate can boost your home’s safety, which makes it viable to potential buyers by the time you plan to sell it.

An automatic gate can also boost a home’s curb appeal if you choose the right one. Most automatic gates look modern, so these things go well with commercial buildings and modern-looking homes.

Another factor that makes homeowners choose an automatic gate over a manual one is the convenience it offers. If you can’t be bothered to go in and out of your car, an automatic gate easily becomes your best friend.

The kind of security an automatic driveway gate can provide to a home is different from its manual equivalent. Most automatic gates give you the ability to see who is at your gate inside your house. It allows you to control who gets to enter your property without ever having to go to your driveway.

Choose the Perfect Gate for Your Home

Both manual and automatic driveway gates are viable for most homes. Whether you go for one or the other boils down to personal preferences. As long as you get your gates from a trusted gate company.

If you have any more questions about these types of driveway gates, our gate professionals at 4 Sure Gates will be happy to help. We offer best-in-class gate installation and repair in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Contact us to address your concerns.

Everything You Need to Know about Automatic Gates

May 12, 2022

There are roughly 2.5 million cases of burglary in the US per year, and 66% of those are home break-ins.

Installing an automatic gate is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from intruders. While the simple presence of a gate is often enough to deter trespassers, motorized gates take security to the next level by letting you control entry and exit points at the simple touch of a button.

How Do Automatic Gates Work?

Automatic gates commonly rely on a specially designed motor or hydraulic system to operate. Handheld devices such as remotes, intercoms, and access control keypads are used to send signals that will activate the motor. Automatic sliding gates commonly have a single motor, while swing gates have two.

Some automatic gates come with smartphone apps that let you control your gate from a distance or even speak with visitors via an intercom.

Advantages of Installing An Automatic Gate

Automated gates provide the following benefits to both commercial and residential properties:

Security – Automatic gates protect your property from all types of intruders, including vandals, trespassers, and burglars.
Insurance – Some insurance providers offer a discount on premiums if you’ve taken extra measures, such as installing an automatic gate, to protect your facility.
Convenience – With a motorized gate, all you have to do is push a button for the gates to open and close on their own.

Types of Automatic Gates

Swing Gates

Automatic swing gates feature two doors on each side. Like a traditional hinged door, both automatic gate doors swing in the same direction to permit access. Swing gates can rely on linear screws, hydraulic rams, articulated arms, or concealed underground motors for smooth operation.

Sliding Gates

Sliding or rolling gates are built with wheels on the bottom, allowing them to slide smoothly across the track. They’re suitable for uneven ground and sloping driveways.

Sliding gates are known to be one of the most secure gate types. This is because they can be incredibly difficult to force open, and they have fewer vulnerable points than a swing gate.

Vertical Lift Gates

Vertical lift gates are designed to move up and down to allow access. A vertical support tower holds the gates together.

This type of gate is an ideal choice if the terrain is uneven or if there isn’t enough space for a slide gate or swing gate installation.

Bi-Folding Gates

Bi-folding gates are composed of two gate panels hinged together. When activated, the panels fold in on themselves, providing ample space for pedestrians and vehicles to enter and exit.

Bi-folding gates are suitable for sites that don’t have enough space for a gate to open and close.

Ultimately, the right type of automatic gate for you will depend on your budget, property layout, and accessibility needs.

Maintenance Tips for Your Automatic Gate

Wax your gate regularly to keep it shiny and attractive. Waxing also prevents the finish from flaking off.
Aside from cleaning the outer sections of the gate, maintaining the electrical components is crucial. Watch out for insects that could reside in it or leave behind moisture that could damage the circuit board.
You may have to lubricate some parts of your gate to keep them functional. If moving parts aren’t sealed, you’ll have to grease the hinges and wheels for optimal performance.

Get Top-Notch Security with 4 Sure Gates!

4 Sure Gates offers custom fabricated gates that can be manual or automated at your request. Our technicians are highly skilled in gate repair and installation and are available around the clock for all your needs.

Contact us for a free estimate.

Automatic Gate Safety and Maintenance Checklist

May 05, 2022

If you neglect your automatic gate’s safety and maintenance, you could face serious financial and legal repercussions. Minor issues can become more severe over time, meaning they’ll be more expensive to repair later. If your gate malfunctions due to negligence and injures someone, you may face a personal injury claim.

Ensure your automatic gate’s strength and safety with our checklist.

Automatic Gate Tune-Up Checklist

With regular inspections and maintenance, you can prevent or spot issues with your automated gate system earlier. This will help you save a lot more money in the long run, and it allows you to make the most of your current automatic gate operator before needing to replace it. It should last at least 10 years.

Schedule a yearly check-up, especially if you have a wooden gate, as their finishes wear down faster. Keeping a wooden gate’s finish in good condition is critical for preventing water damage.

Your automatic gate tune-up checklist should include the items below, depending on whether or not your type of gate has the relevant part.

Check these parts for sufficient greased or lubed:

Bearings and chains inside the operator panel
Rollers or wheels that support the gate
Drive chain
Truck assembly
Limit switch shaft
Gearboxes

See if these parts need their paint and finishes redone:

Pickets
Framework
Hinges, latches, and receivers

You may need to have these parts tightened:

Truck assembly studs
Brake assembly
Lower and upper rollers
Chain tension
Pulleys in the operator panel
Operator panel bolts
Pickets (if bolted to the gate)
Device mounting (gate operators, photo eyes, and other safety devices)

Additionally, you may need to have these parts replaced:

Keypads
Clutch pads
Batteries in wireless keypads
Gate timer
Wireless transmitters

Of course, any of the other parts may need to be replaced as well if they’re severely damaged.

Automatic Gate Legal Safety Requirements Checklist

To ensure your gate is compliant with safety regulations, make sure it meets the following requirements:

Your gate has the minimum number of entrapment protection devices (this depends on the type of gate, but the minimum is 2 for each direction of travel for most).
Entrapment protection devices are installed where there are entrapment hazards.
Warning signs are visible from each side of the gate.
The gate cannot come into contact with the controls and a person using them.
The gate operator is appropriate for the type of gate and its construction (such as whether or not it’s strong enough to hold the gate’s weight).
The rollers are covered.
Pinch point hazards are eliminated or covered.
There are no protrusions at the bottom of the gate.
Your gate must have fall-over protection.

Signs You Need a Repair or Replacement for Your Automatic Gate

Parts of your automatic gate will eventually deteriorate no matter how well you care for them. Look out for these signs that you need a repair or replacement:

Your gate makes loud screeching, rattling, or banging noises.
Your gate doesn’t fully close or open.
The roller tracks are misaligned.
Your gate opens and closes on its own.
The sensors are failing.

The Best Automatic Gate Repairs in Dallas and Fort Worth

If you notice your automatic gate is damaged or has worn down parts, have 4 Sure Gates work on it immediately. Ensure your gate’s durability and safety with our automatic gate repair services.

Call us at (817) 965-7873 to get a free estimate.

Signs that It’s Time to Replace or Repair Your Driveway Gate

March 10, 2022

Driveway gates, especially electric sliding gates, cause numerous dangers and hazards when not maintained correctly. It’s every homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their gates. This isn’t only to ensure that the gate lasts long. It’s also to ensure the safety of everyone using it.

Your gate may have outlived its lifespan or has accrued significant damage that calls for extensive repairs. 4 Sure Gates, having done numerous gate repairs across Texas, knows what signs and dangers indicate it’s time to get your gate repaired or replaced entirely.

Signs to Look For in Your Automatic Driveway Gate

Does Your Driveway Gate Make Unusual Noises?

It’s normal for a squeak now and again, but loud, unusual noises are a big red flag. The gate may make strange sounds during opening and closing, such as very loud screeching, rattling, or loud banging as though components were striking against one another.

Another telltale sound is if you have an electric, motorized gate, and the motor starts making faulty sounds. There could be a foreign item in the motor, or it has shorted out somewhere.

Does Your Driveway Gate Have the Inability to Fully Close or Open?

This is especially important for electric gates, on or off tracks. They are specifically designed to fully slide in or out of the driveway area. If the gate has a habit of getting stuck partway, it may indicate that there’s debris or an obstruction on the track.

It may also indicate issues with the motor. The obstruction, foreign object, or even pest infestation can prevent the mechanism from fully opening or closing the gate as needed.

Is Your Driveway Gate Misaligned?

Rolling gates with tracks that are misaligned need to be repaired immediately. The longer a gate stays misaligned, the worse the damage will get. The gate must roll smoothly and accurately over the track. If it leans to one side, it means the gate is veering. It may bend the metal and create more damage to the gate that requires larger repairs in the near future.

If a gate is veering off the tracks or is completely off the track or can no longer fully close because it can’t reach the other side, it may need a complete replacement. Otherwise, it won’t close securely and protect your driveway.

Does Your Driveway Gate Open & Closes On Its Own?

Electric gates often have their own opening, closing, and automatic locking mechanism. If the gate is now opening and closing on its own, or if it latches and fails to lock correctly, it’s an indicator that the motor or the electronic system is malfunctioning.

It needs immediate repair; otherwise, you’re running the risk of the gate suddenly opening, making your area unsecured. Moreover, if the gate is opening and closing on its own, it may randomly cause an animal, a vehicle, or a person to get trapped inside or cause damage if it decides to close as a vehicle is passing through.

Does Your Automatic Gate Have Failing Sensors?

Electric gates’ opening, closing, and locking mechanisms respond to a command issued through a remote and detected by a sensor. If the sensor is failing to respond to the command or has delays in responding to the command, this suggests problems with the internal system.

Remember that automatic gates are heavy, often fast-moving, and therefore dangerous when out of control. The system needs to be inspected and repaired or entirely replaced with effective sensors and remotes to correct the issue and keep it functional and safe.

Correct & Repair Gate Issues Before They Become a Risk!

By identifying key problems and indicators of repair needs like these, you can maintain your gate’s performance and ensure your property’s continued security and safety. Have professionals assess your gate as soon as these indicators are found so all key issues can be detected and repaired.

4 Sure Gates has inspected, repaired, and maintained gates throughout Texas for years! Our specialists can correct major gate issues and repair or restore gates correctly, or replace them entirely if needed. Contact us today to get a quote for your service and get your gate working safely again!

How to Keep Your Driveway Gate Safe From Pests

February 10, 2022

Automatic electric gates are convenient additions to homes—they make your property more secure while making it easier for you to get through your driveway without having to get in and out of your car.

But just like any piece of equipment, automatic gates need proper care and maintenance. This is especially true as gates are exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to more than just wear and tear.

One of the most overlooked risks to your automatic driveway gates is pest infestation. Depending on the material your gate is made from, it might be more prone to insects and other critters than others.

How Pests Damage Your Automatic Driveway Gate

There are different pests that can infest your automatic gates, including:

Snails & Slugs

Snails and slugs can often be found crawling outdoors, especially when your outdoor space has plenty of plants. As such, it’s not a stretch to see them crawling on your driveway gate, too.

But harmless as they may seem, the slime trails they leave behind can reach your automatic gate’s circuit board, resulting in moisture buildup that damages it.

Ants

Ants can build a colony almost anywhere, even near or on your automatic gate’s equipment. If your gate’s motor is on the ground or close to it, ants are something you have to look out for since they can corrode your gate’s circuitry and damage the motor.

Spiders

You may see spider webs form between the railings of your driveway gate, but that’s not the extent of the problem they pose. Similar to a snail’s slime, the webs can cause moisture buildup if they crowd the circuit board.

Mice

Mice are notorious for chewing through electrical gate wirings, affecting your gate’s ability to open, close, and lock properly.

Termites

If your automatic gate is made from wood, you also have to worry about termite infestation. Though the gate material is treated and sealed to make it suitable for outdoor conditions, termites can still tunnel their way through the wood, causing your gate to rot and compromising its structural integrity.

How to Prevent or Resolve Pest Problems Near Your Automatic Gate

Getting rid of pests can be a daunting task, so it’s best to call in a pest control professional. However, there are maintenance steps you can follow to prevent pests from ruining your automatic driveway gate.

1. Always Clear the Area Around Your Automatic Driveway Gate

Avoid unwanted pests from getting near your automatic gate by making sure the surrounding area is clear. Get rid of pools of standing water, heaps of fallen leaves and branches, or garbage.

2. Clean Your Automatic Driveway Gate Regularly

Though gates can function with little maintenance, it’s still a good idea to clean yours regularly. Wash and wax your gate at least once every few months and make sure no pests are making their home in or around it.

3. Spray Your Gate with Pesticide

Keeping your gates clean should be enough, but as extra protection, you may choose to spray outdoor pesticides around your gate to keep pests away. You can do this once in a while or after every time you clean your gate.

Pests Got Your Driveway Gate?

If your gate needs repair after being damaged by pests, you can turn to 4 Sure Gates for help. Our Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-based team has over 2 decades of experience in electric automatic gate repair and installation.

Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.

How to Fix Automatic Gates That Make Noise

February 03, 2022

Automatic gates provide plenty of advantages, from privacy and safety to convenience and aesthetic appeal. But while automatic gates are leagues better than manual ones, they can still be susceptible to problems, especially since they’re exposed to the elements.

One of the most common issues with automatic gates is the squeaky, grinding noise they make. The noises your automatic gate makes may be caused by different things, some of which are easily resolved while others may require professional help.

Below we help you troubleshoot your noisy automatic gates!

1. Check for a Lack of Lubrication

One of the most common causes of squeaky noises from automatic gates is a lack of lubrication. Your gate’s bearings, clogs, and gears are all moving parts that need to stay properly lubricated to work. This makes movement against the surfaces of each moving part smoother.

On the other hand, a lack of lubrication makes it hard for the gears to move. The squeaky noise occurs as the dry surfaces grind against each other.

Applying grease to all moving parts should solve this problem.

2. Check for a Dirty Motor

Over time, your automatic gate’s motor can become filled with moisture, dirt, and other debris since it’s exposed to the elements. Not only will this result in the motor making noises but it will also cause the gate to open slower.

If you have a brush motor, the brushes will likely need to be replaced. Otherwise, you can clean the motor according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

You can go further and avoid this problem in the future by upgrading to impermeable weatherproof housing for your gate’s motor.

3. Check if the Battery is Low

Sometimes, the noise automatic gates emit isn’t a grinding or creaking sound, but insistent beeps instead. If that’s the case, your gate operator may have run out of charge. This usually happens after a power outage or if the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.

To avoid this problem, simply replace the battery of your gate’s operator. Make sure to also have a backup on-hand in case of an emergency.

4. Check for Poor Installation On Your Automatic Gates

Automatic gates should be installed by professionals, especially since they require a certain level of knowledge about wirings. However, despite the task involving wirings, there aren’t regulations that limit its installation to professionals. Some people opt to install their electric gates themselves.

One of the consequences of poorly installed automatic gates is misalignment, which makes your gate emit a loud noise when being opened or closed. If this happens, it’s not something you can fix on your own.

Make sure to call a professional gate installation company to help fix the problem.

Repair Your Automatic Gates with the Help of True & Local Professional Gate Installers!

4 Sure Gates is a Fort Worth-based gate repair and installation company. We have a team of gate repair experts with over 20 years of combined experience repairing and installing gate equipment.

If your Fort Worth home’s automatic gate makes noises or you encounter any other problem, contact 4 Sure Gates at (817) 965-7873.

How to Measure for a Driveway Gate

January 24, 2022

If you haven’t thought about installing a driveway gate, you should consider doing so for security benefits and numerous other reasons. Having a driveway gate is one of the top 10 best ways to deter thieves and burglaries. While it won’t completely deter all thieves, having a good driveway gate is an excellent step towards securing your property.

4 Sure Gates has years of experience creating and installing driveway gates for many clients across Texas. One of the first things that any homeowner should do if they’re getting a driveway gate installed is to make the proper measurements. A driveway gate is an excellent method of improving security, but only if it’s correctly fitted to the driveway or the necessary gap in the fence.

Here are the key steps to measuring your driveway for gate installation.

Look At Your Driveway Size

Some of the most common gate sizes in the US are 10, 12, 14, and 16 feet. Your driveway itself should measure roughly between 9-24 feet. Often, many properties are at the lower end of this scale, with just enough room to accommodate a vehicle coming through. Measure the length of your driveway with a long tape measure to find out what size your property has.

Considering this measurement, the gate you choose should be slightly wider than the entrance itself. For example, a driveway that measures roughly nine feet across will need a ten-foot gate. If the gate is closer to ten feet, opt for the 12-foot gate.

Consider The Vehicle You Drive

The gate’s size also depends on the vehicles passing through. Do you drive an SUV, truck, or car? A smaller gate won’t be an issue if you drive a car. But larger vehicles and recreational vehicles like RVs need more space to turn, thus needing a wider gate. They may be unable to pull in properly if the gate is too small.

However, having too wide a gate will not suit some homes and properties. This is because the larger the gate, the more costly it is. Furthermore, as the gate size goes up, so do maintenance costs. You have to keep it rust-free, well-oiled, and in the case of mechanical gates, the motor needs to be kept dry and in good condition.

Double vs Single Driveway Gate

While the gate’s width is usually straightforward, deciding whether you’d prefer a double or single gate can be a bit more difficult. First, consider which direction you want your gate to swing. Remember that your vehicle must have enough room to pass, but there must also be ample room for the gate to swing in the direction of choice. With a double gate, both sides of the driveway must have the space for the swing.

Let’s say you have a driveway that fits a 12-foot gate. You could select a gate with a single outward swing, which means you need enough space for a 90-degree arc at the very least. You don’t want the gate to go too far out into the road, as it might obstruct pedestrians and other cars. Make sure you measure enough space that the gate does not swing out into the road.

Consult With Professionals On Your Driveway Gate

If you’re still unsure about your gate’s correct size and position, you should always contact professionals. Their expertise will help you properly assess and measure the right size of driveway gate for you.

4 Sure Gates has years of experience measuring and installing driveway gates of all sizes and types. Our technicians can provide you with accurate assessments and even a detailed installation plan to take on all the effort of putting your driveway gate together.

Contact us today to get a consultation and just relax as your gate gets installed.

4 Basic Automatic Iron Gate Issues and Ways To Repair Them

January 17, 2022

Iron gates are a popular choice for security and privacy but installing one can be a costly endeavor. But with regular use, repairs will inevitably need to be made at some point. That’s why at the first sign of even minor damages to your wrought iron gate, it’s best to act quickly to repair them.

Here are four common issues on iron gates and some ways to repair them.

Iron Gates Rusting

Rusting is how iron reacts with oxygen in the air producing corrosion products, like water, ferric oxides, and hydrated ferric oxides. This type of damage happens when moisture gets inside the gate through cracks or holes in the metal surface, leading to the oxidization of iron molecules.

Fortunately, it’s possible to deal with rust by sanding and repainting the affected area of the iron gate. If the damage has already occurred, then you can fix it by applying a rust-inhibiting primer or a paint specially formulated for use on iron.

Scratches And Other Minor Damages

There really isn’t much of a contest between manual and automatic gates in terms of security. The aforementioned risks with manual gates aren’t present with automatic gates.

You can remotely open the gate, drive through with your car without getting out, then close the gate behind you. It’s incredibly convenient.

Bolt cutters are useless. Burglars will need specialized electrical knowledge to get past.

Many automatic gates also have features that allow you to monitor who enters and exits your premises. It will, in most cases, eliminate the need for other security solutions.

Denting

Dents are like permanent gouges and scratches, but unlike scrapes, they don’t go all the way through to bare metal. One of the best ways to repair dents is by applying a filler.

First, you’ll need to sand the damaged area then apply the filler to fill the dent. Once the filler hardens, you need to smoothen it again through sanding. Afterward, you can proceed with repainting the area.

It’s unlikely that the new paint will match the old one, so this is a great opportunity for you to repaint the entire gate with something new.

Loose Hinges And Sagging Iron Gates

These are very common and can cause a lot of damage if not addressed in time. They mostly occur because the bolts holding them together wear out from regular use, so tighten those bolts regularly so your gates will function smoothly.

Aside from loose hinges, sagging can also be caused by the following issues:

Leaning Support Post: The gate will eventually drag if the support post starts to lean. The support posts need to be reinstalled when this happens.
Presence of soil: The hinges and other gate components may be affected by soil and other debris, causing issues like sagging. Take the time to inspect your gate, have it cleaned, and oiled if necessary.
Gate operator issue: Choosing the right operators is crucial to your gate’s performance. If the operator is too big or too small, the gate may start to sag. Be sure to install the right operator or replace the old one with the correct one.

Gate Repair Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult

Iron gates are a popular choice for security and privacy. They come in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit any home or business. But with regular use, repairs will inevitably need to be made at some point.

Thankfully, you now know the basics involved in repairing some of the most common iron gate issues. Always remember to clean your gates regularly and tighten bolts as needed to prevent these problems from happening in the first place.

If you feel like you’re not up to the task of repairing your iron gate, don’t fret. Consider reaching out to a professional to help restore your gate.

4 Sure Gates is a trusted automatic gate repair and installation company. If you need an iron gate repaired, contact us today. Our team would be happy to provide you with a free estimate and help you with all the repairs.

Must-Know Types of Gate Lubricants for Maintenance

January 10, 2022

Regularly lubricating your gate or garage door prevents damage and increases its lifespan. That’s an estimated $100 to $400 that you can potentially save on repair and maintenance costs.

Most cans of lubricants will cost you no more than $10, and they contain enough product for several uses. Below are the top gate lubricants recommended by experts:

1. White Lithium Grease Lubricants

Lithium grease works wonders for reducing friction, especially on gate parts with metal-to-metal contact. It comes in easy-to-use spray cans and is fairly simple to apply. Plus, it doesn’t stain, cake, or budge when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

This top-grade product is safe to use on all moving parts, including the electrical operators, cables, springs, latches, and chains of your gate.

However, the downside is that it tends to accumulate grit and grime because it only stays on the surface rather than soak into parts. Remember to use it sparingly and always check for dirt buildup.

2. Regular Grease Lubricants

Standard grease works well for closed mechanisms but not so much for exposed parts like chains and hinges. Because grease collects dirt and grime, exposure to dust particles forms an abrasive surface that can damage the moving parts of your automatic gate or garage door.

If you live in a windy area, it’s best to consider other types of lubrication.

3. Silicone-Based Spray Lubricants

Silicone sprays are superior to lithium greases since they are less messy and easier to apply. They are also water-resistant—they won’t wash off after a rain shower. Likewise, they penetrate well into components such as springs and hinges, ensuring better lubricating performance and protection.

Silicone lubricants are also ideal for extremely hot and cold regions since they can withstand harsh temperatures.

4. Oil-Based Lubricants

There are also oil-based alternatives. However, they’re not always a reliable option. They have a thinner consistency and wear off more quickly than most silicone-based lubricants and lithium greases. Additionally, oil-based lubricants tend to be less effective in extremely hot or cold environments.

How to Choose the Best Lubricant for Your Gate

Some types of lubricants work more efficiently on specific parts of your gate. Ideally, you should be using two different products.

For example, spray-based lubricants work best on wheels and hinges. They often come with thin, reusable straws that allow you to aim the product accurately.

Meanwhile, grease lubricants are ideal for rails and tracks. While they can be a pain to apply, they guarantee maximum protection and lubrication.

Reliable Gate Experts in Fort Worth, TX

If you’re not sure what type of lubricant to use, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the experts at 4 Sure Gates. We provide complete gate repair and maintenance for both manual and automatic systems.

If you plan to upgrade to an automated system, you can also turn to us for quick and cost-effective installations. We can fully customize your gate to match your property’s unique demands.