Whether you are a homeowner or business owner, installing a gate to limit the traffic to and from your property is a must. Not only does it help protect your privacy, but it also reduces the chances of trespassing and burglary. It is no surprise that most property owners invest in high-quality gates to protect their assets and families. However, even the best materials wither with time and need maintenance or a complete overhaul. This is why you need to keep a vigilant eye on your gate to spot any signs of deterioration. That said, we’ve compiled a list of all the gate maintenance/replacement signs you should keep an eye out for. Without further ado, read on to discover them.
Rust
Rust is perhaps the biggest culprit behind the deterioration of structural integrity. If you have an iron gate, you should periodically look for signs of rust. When rust forms due to the interaction of water and oxygen, it makes iron much more fragile by coating it with a red oxidized residue. As time passes, this might make the gate completely fall apart, leaving your property unprotected. Rust is a common problem, especially in wet areas, so if it rains a lot where you live, the odds are that your gate will get rusty much faster. To prevent rust from spreading, you can repaint your gate – a fresh coat of paint will seal it. Nonetheless, if the gate is severely corroded, there is no way around replacing it.
Electricity-Related Issues
Although manual gates are still a thing, most people favor the electric variety. After all, with a click of a button, you can open or close yours without any hassle. Gates that rely on this mechanism, however, are not without their drawbacks. You see, any problem with the connection or with the switches can make it impossible to open or shut them. If you notice that the mechanism is feeling clunky or refusing to work altogether, you should consult a local gate services provider to help you sort it out. This is one of those issues that you cannot fix without professional help since playing with wires when you do not know what you are doing can be dangerous. So, do yourself a favor and hire an expert.
Extreme Weather
We’ve already tackled the effect of rain on iron gates, but did you know that plastic and wood ones also deteriorate due to weather conditions? While most experts do not recommend wood gates in any case, some property owners still prefer them because they are cheaper than other alternatives. Yet, this means that they are more fragile as well. Wooden gates are usually coated with a sealant to prevent exposure to elements, but this layer often wears away after a few months. When wood interacts with water, two things can happen: it either warps out of shape or rots. By the same token, heat can melt plastic and completely change its shape. If you have a plastic or wood gate, you should apply a generous coating of sealant every few months. On the other hand, if you notice that the gate started to lose its original shape, then it is time for a replacement.
Rattling
Rattling is another sign that your gate may require repairs or a replacement. If you feel that the gate is wobbly or if you hear rattling, this means that some parts are coming loose. This is particularly dangerous if it happens near the hinges, as it might cause the gate to come off. In this case, you may easily tighten the hinges. Most probably, you will not need to replace any parts, but if the hinge is broken, you have to change it.
Squeaking
This is the complete opposite of the previous problem. Squeaking often indicates that the gate’s components are constantly rubbing against each other. This extra friction can cause the gate to become too unmalleable and hard to open or close. It also negatively impacts its durability. Fortunately, this requires a simple, quick fix. Oiling the hinges and any other squeaky components should do the trick. As long as you do this often, you will not need to replace the gate.
Knowing when your gate needs repairs or replacing is key to keeping your property safe. Although most of the problems on the previous list may seem inconsequential, they can negatively affect the structural integrity of the gate if left unrepaired. While regular maintenance is important, you will need to consider the lifespan of the gate as well. Usually, you will need a complete overhaul every 15-20 years.