Simple Gate Care You Can Do Yourself

You don't need any tools or know-how to keep your gate in good shape between services. A few minutes every month or two makes a real difference – and helps you spot problems early.

Every month

• Clean the photocells. Wipe the lenses with a soft, damp cloth. Dirt, moss and cobwebs are the number one cause of gates that won't close.
• Test the photocells. While the gate's closing, standing well clear, pass a bag or box through the beam. The gate should stop and reverse. See is my electric gate safe?
• Clear the area. Keep plants trimmed back from the gate, the motors and the photocells. Don't store bins, bikes or anything else where the gate moves.
• Look and listen. Is the gate moving smoothly and quietly, as it always has?

Every few months

• Sliding gates: sweep the track clear of stones, leaves and grit. Don't oil the track.
• Hinges: a little outdoor lubricant on the hinges (not the motor).
• Wash the gate: a gentle wash helps protect the finish. Touch up chips on metal gates before rust sets in.
• Check the safety edges for splits or damage.
• Remotes: if the range seems to be dropping, change the battery.
• Underground motors: look for standing water around the motor covers after heavy rain.

Leave these to an engineer

• opening the control box or changing settings
• adjusting or tightening the motors, brackets or hinges
• anything involving the wiring
• greasing or oiling the motor or gearbox
• adjusting a sliding gate's rack
• fixing or bypassing photocells or safety edges

These affect how the gate behaves and how safe it is.

Know your gate

• Keep the manuals somewhere safe.
• Know where the isolator switch is.
• Know where the manual release key is, and how to use it.
• Keep a note of the make and model.

And once a year

Have it serviced properly, with the safety devices tested and the closing forces measured. See how often should electric gates be serviced?

Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433 to book.

Questions people ask me