Commercial security gates can last for many years, approximately 15 to 20, if kept in good condition. However, the wear and tear on commercial systems can easily decrease their usable time. In this post, you’ll discover how to extend the life of your security gate through regular maintenance.
Trust Your Eyes
You likely weren’t expecting to talk about pest control; however, keeping insects and other critters out of your security gate is one of the key ways to extend its life. Tiny pests can reach the innermost workings of your gate, causing malfunctions, shorts, errors, and glitches that render your gate useless.
Mechanical problems due to pests are undetectable to the naked eye and require extensive diagnostic checks and sometimes even taking the gate apart to find the issue. The good news is that you can spot and control the infestation before the damage reaches this point.
Check for visible signs of pests in mechanical parts on a regular basis, such as:
- Swarming or gathering along the gate – especially near cracks, holes, or openings
- Hearing buzzing inside the fence
- Nests, droppings, and pest carcasses
- Odors, damage to nearby plants, and sawdust
If you think you notice signs of pest, trust your eyes, and call in a pest control specialist to confirm it.
Make Regular Checks a Priority
As they say, consistency is key. Consistency with maintenance will extend the life of your commercial security gates more than anything else. Keep it on a strict inspection, maintenance, and repair schedule so that you have an accurate pulse on any pending concerns and have time to fix issues before they become irreparable.
Bring a professional out to service the gate no fewer than two times per year. Check the reverse mechanism every other month, and routinely test the gate opener. Make a note of any sounds, glitches, or malfunctions.
Keep Your Gate Clean
Electric gates feature a lot of metal and moving parts. Keeping the gate clean and lubricated can prevent the buildup of debris that can damage your gate. Furthermore, cleaning grime prevents staining and discoloration, keeping your property looking attractive and professional.
Lubricating the gate chain, bearings, and other moving parts prevents corrosion. Rust and corrosion are particularly likely in places that get lots of rain, snow, cold, and other moist or volatile weather. Routinely apply an anti-corrosive solution to the gate parts and rub them down with detergent and sandpaper to keep these issues at bay.
Don’t Overlook a Good Service Plan
Don’t have time to be more hands-on with your commercial security gate system than a few routine check-ins? No problem. Take advantage of warranties and service plans for your commercial gate so that you can receive reminders and professional service on-demand. This supplements your routine checks, ensuring professional inspections and that your property stays secured.
Similar to any overhead garage door installations we provide, we also outline ongoing maintenance plans for security gate systems specific to your business needs. A professional will come out to your property to perform visual walk tests of the gate signal and motion, tighten or change hinges and bolts, and repair the access control systems.
Factory warranties generally last for 2 years or more. You can also get warranties on the battery and gate opener. You’ll want to add your gate to your commercial insurance plan so that it’s completely covered from incidents and damage.
Commercial Security Gates in Denver, Colorado
The single most important factor in maintaining your security gate is consistency. Regular maintenance and walk-throughs keep your gate functioning and your business secure. At American Garage Door, you get the benefit of more than three decades of experience servicing the best doors and gates on the market. We serve customers in and around the Denver area and can answer the questions you have about commercial security gate installation or how to extend the lifespan of your existing gate.
Contact us today for regular or 24/7 emergency gate or garage door service.
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