4 Ways to Protect Gate Openers from Damage

01/14/2017 Back To Blog

An advanced swing, sliding or universal gate opener is always a good investment. However, these units don’t always receive the care that they deserve. Learn how to maintain yours properly so that you enjoy superb performance for a long time to come.

Proper Cleaning Is Key

Both sliding and swing gate operators are set directly on the ground or just a few inches above and this makes them vulnerable to attacks from insects. Open the casing of the motor unit and remove cobwebs and any insects lurking inside. Watch out as bugs usually hide under the circuit board. Since this is a gentle component with lots of wiring, be extra careful when cleaning around it. Avoid using sharp tools.

Special Care for Chains

Depending on your opener, you may have chains inside the motor unit and/or a big one extending out of it. In either case, you have to ensure that these components are just a little bit saggy. When they are too tight, they wear out more quickly and when they are too loose, it usually results in malfunction. Lubricating chains is also extremely important just like with hinges. It is best if you apply some grease on a cloth, hold the cloth around the chain and run it gently so that you cover all sections. Consider the size of the chain when deciding how much grease to put on the cloth.

Sealing Holes Timely

Check the casing of the motor unit for bigger cracks and holes. They are usually found close to the ground. Seal them using a strong weather-resistant material to prevent bugs from getting inside and reaching the motor and the circuit board. If you don’t take this simple measure, you may end up in need of more serious gate opener repair eventually.

Careful Battery Inspection

Many mechanical gate operators use a battery. This is a mandatory feature of the solar-powered units which are gaining greater popularity. During maintenance, you should check the battery and evaluate its condition. Inspect the terminals and the surrounding areas for rust and corrosion. Watch out for leakages too. In case any of these problems occurs, the battery should be replaced. In general, these system components have a useful life of around 60 months and should be replaced afterwards. It is best if you note down the replacement date and get a new battery installed beforehand.