How to Avoid Unexpected Mishaps with Your Gate

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The frustrating thing about trying to diagnose problems with your automatic gate yourself is that, well besides not really knowing what you’re looking for, damages can take place on parts you wouldn’t think to check. A poorly operating motor might have nothing at all to do with the motor, a gate that slides constantly off its tracks might not have a problem with the tracks themselves, but the problems could be the result of more incognito parts suffering relatively unnoticeable damage.

Where the damage is likely to happen

It stands to reason that the parts of your gate which call for attention first, are the ones that take the most stress from the structure on a daily basis. For instance, if you’re looking for sliding gate operator repairs because your gate keeps coming off of the track, chances are it’s not actually the track or operator itself that needs work.

On track systems, it’s the sliding wheels which take the most stress by supporting the bulk of the gate to move it along smoothly, and so they wear down over time. The track itself is generally hardy and fixed to the driveway, and so one normally only experiences problems with them due to accidents.

A similar instance occurs with the motor. When automatic systems die, it is natural to assume that the damage has likely come from the motor itself because it is the hardest working utility, right? Wrong. Good motors are generally very strong and are designed to support more stress than they get from an average residential entrance.

When the motor stops doing what it’s supposed to, there’s more chance that it’s caused by a need for gate chain replacement than motor repair. The chain is under constant stress, even when the motor isn’t running, and we all know that it is only as strong as its weakest link.