Quick Answer: Regular maintenance, monthly track cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and protecting electrical components from humidity can reduce the need for automatic gate repairs. In addition, owners must book regular servicing with a skilled team as per their gate’s manual.
Autogates are becoming increasingly common in residential and commercial properties in Singapore. The convenience they offer over traditional manual gates is unmatched, making them a worthy investment for all types of properties. This convenience also comes with the added responsibility of maintaining them in Singapore’s hot, humid, tropical climate.
At Ezgates, we are a trusted name in gate automation and offer automated gate repair services. Our years of experience in this trade suggest that regular maintenance and periodic servicing can keep your automatic gates in top condition. So how can you keep your gate system running smoothly? What basic maintenance checks can you perform to avoid costly automatic gate repairs? Let’s find out –
Why is Preventive Care Non-Negotiable?
Owners generally don’t think about their auto gate until a problem arises. Your gates might stop midway, move slower than usual along the track, or fail to respond to the remote. These problems are common when you ignore an underlying problem that has been developing for some time. At this stage, you have no choice but to call an expert for a costly repair. The good news is that, in most cases, you can prevent repairs and part replacements by carrying out preventive checks and maintenance.
Maintenance Tips to Delay Automatic Gate Repairs
Like any mechanical system, automatic gates can break down. While you can’t completely avoid automatic gate repairs in Singapore, basic maintenance can delay them and keep repair costs down. Here are a few tips we suggest to our clients for their gates –
- Regular Track Cleaning – You will notice build-up of dust, pollen, and leaves in gate tracks. It puts excess strain on the motor and often causes rollers to wear out sooner. If you clean the track every few weeks with a soft brush and mild detergent, you can reduce strain on the motor.
- Prevent Weather Damage – Singapore’s tropical weather brings heavy rain, which can take a toll on your gate system. During the wet season, water may accumulate around the gate tracks. Check the drainage around the gate’s foundation to prevent the tracks from becoming submerged.
- Watch for Rust Damage – Singapore’s humid conditions are harsh on metal, as humidity combined with frequent rain creates ideal conditions for corrosion, especially at the hinges, bolts, and frame. Check your gate regularly to catch early signs of rust. When you see it, treat affected areas with a rust-resistant coating to stop it from spreading.
- Lubricate Moving Parts – Keep hinges, rollers, and chains free from friction. Lubricate them and use a lubricant rated for this purpose every three to six months. During the wet season, lubricate them more often, and check your manual for the specific lubrication schedule.
- Protect Electrical Components from Moisture – The control panel and sensors are the most sensitive parts of any auto gate. Even minor exposure to water and moisture can lead these panels to malfunction or fail. Seal the enclosure housing these components and inspect them after heavy storms.
- Test Safety Sensors Regularly – Your gate has safety sensors to prevent it from closing on a person, car, or pet. Test this function every two months using a soft object. If it doesn’t reverse immediately, that’s a sign of a problem that requires urgent attention.
- Schedule an Annual Professional Servicing – While the above steps are important for maintaining your gate and preventing costly repairs. However, DIY maintenance can’t substitute for an annual servicing. A professional technician identifies issues you can’t in your maintenance regime and fixes them. Annual servicing is also required to keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Signs Your Auto Gate Needs Repair
Regular maintenance and annual servicing keep your gate system in good condition. However, all gates eventually show signs of wear. Spot signs of wear early to fix problems before they worsen. Here are a few signs that your auto gate needs repairs –
- Grinding, squeaking, or clunking sounds during operation
- Slow or jerky movement when the gate glides
- Delayed response to the remote command
- Gate stopping partway through its cycle
A gate that’s cleaned, lubricated, and checked regularly lasts longer and doesn’t need expensive repairs. If your gate is already showing signs of trouble, don’t wait for a full failure and call Ezgates. We offer automated gate repair services for all makes, backed by an expert team with years of experience. Call us today to book an emergency inspection or annual service.
FAQs
My gate is lower than before. What should I do?
Slower movement is common with motor strain and dirty tracks. Clean the tracks to ensure smooth movement. If that doesn’t help, call our experts.
Can I lubricate my auto gate myself?
Yes, you can and should lubricate regularly. However, be careful not to overapply oil, as excess lubrication is counter-productive and attracts dust and grime.
Is it mandatory to service my auto gate annually in Singapore?
Yes, all manufacturers recommend a professional servicing once a year. It is a binding clause in your product’s warranty.
Is auto gate repair expensive?
Repair costs vary depending on the problem. Regular maintenance can help you prevent common problems and avoid expensive repairs.