10 Common Mistakes Made with Electric Gates
Although electric gates come with a plethora of benefits, you should take care of them properly to enjoy those perks for many years.
One way to do this is by avoiding these 10 common mistakes:
1. Not Performing Routine Maintenance Checks and Services
Skipping on rust prevention can cause a lot of problems down the line. Regularly checking and maintaining your electric gates can help prevent serious issues, like corrosion, from developing.
2. Trying to Fix the Problem on Your Own
Your first instinct when something goes wrong with your automatic gate may be to fix it yourself. However, this is often not a good idea. Without the right tools, knowledge, and experience, you could end up making the problem worse – or even injuring yourself in the process. Leave repairs to trained professionals who know what they’re doing.
3. Neglecting the Visual Aspects of Your Electric Gates
Just because your automatic gates are functional doesn’t mean that you should neglect their visual appeal altogether! Keep them clean and free of debris so that they continue to look nice year after year. This will also make it easier for any potential technician to spot any issues that need addressing.
4. Leaving the Remote in Plain Sight or in an Unsafe Location
If someone finds your remote control, they could gain access to your property without permission – which is why it’s important to keep it hidden away in a safe place (like a drawer or cabinet) when not in use. You might also want to consider investing in a wireless keypad entry system as an extra layer of security.
5. Not Updating or Replacing Old Parts and Equipment in a Timely Manner
Just like any other type of machinery, electric gates and gate openers will eventually start to show their age. Worn-out or outdated parts can not only diminish the overall function and performance of your system, but also pose a safety hazard. As such, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance checks – and replace old parts as necessary.
6. Not Heeding Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Always heed the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to using, cleaning, maintaining, or repairing your electric gates and remote gate opener. Otherwise you could void your warranty – or worse, cause serious damage that would require costly repairs down the road.
7. Not Precisely Following the Installation Instructions
If you choose to install your own electric gates (if you don’t hire someone else to do it for you), be sure to follow all instructions carefully. Incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of premature wear-and-tear – so doing things right from Day 1 is crucial if you want them lasting for many years into the future.
8. Working With Inexperienced or Unlicensed Technicians
Attempting DIY repairs on your automatic can often result in more harm than good. The same goes for hiring an inexperienced or unlicensed technician to do the job for you. Use only highly-skilled professionals who know exactly what they’re doing – so you can rest assured that your gates are in good hands.
9. Rushing Into Making a Purchase Without Doing Your Research First
There are all sorts of different automatic gates and gate openers on the market these days – which is why it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Not all products are created equal, so take the time to read reviews, compare features/prices, and find something that best suits your specific needs and budget.
10. Assuming That all Electric Gates and Gate Openers are the Same
Just because two electric gates look similar on the surface doesn’t necessarily mean they function in exactly the same way (or offer identical features). Be sure to do some research before settling on a particular product to ensure that it has everything you need (and nothing you don’t).
