Cold weather can cause some issues with your gate operators. These are some potential problems and solutions that might save you an invoice from your friendly gate repair man.
Problems:
- Slower to open or won’t open
- Consistently only opens after multiple attempts
- Movement is choppy or sporadic
- Squeaking or other new sounds
- Stays open, won’t close
Tips to remedy:
- Clear off solar panels covered in ice, snow or other debris. You might need to wait for a couple of sunny days to recharge.
- Make sure your hinges, rollers and bearing surfaces are well greased.
- Disconnect cables from the battery. Clean corrosion, dirt, other debris from the ends of the cables as well as battery terminals.
- Check that your photo eye (and possible receiver) are free of obstruction. Remove leaves, snow, sleet, etc. We apply RainX to help shed the water.
- If it still not working, it is likely time to check the battery. A severe cold spell can totally zap a weak battery. We like using Batteries Plus.
If you can’t figure out your gate problem, the last resort is to make your gate manual. Here are a few of our videos on how to do that:
Regular maintenance is key. You can download a “do-it-yourself” list we made by clicking here. Or, check out our maintenance service plan that includes discounts on other repairs.
NOTEWORTHY:
- If you don’t have a photo eye, it is a required UL-325 safeguard against entrapment that we put on all new gate operators that we install (and recommend adding if we are asked to repair operators we have not installed).
- If your battery is over 2 years old, it is likely time for a new one.
