How to Maintain Your Security Gates

Security gates are a great addition to any property, offering a no-nonsense way to ensure the safety of your property and deter any potential intruders. With winter fast approaching, your security gates will be exposed to the very worst of the British weather, from torrential downpours to ice and snow. If you want your gates to last and continue to function seamlessly in harsh conditions, regular maintenance work is important.

But just how do you maintain your security gates? And why is regular maintenance so important? The team at Astra Security Systems is here to help with this handy guide.

Keep an eye out for pests

You may not pay much attention to the pests in your garden; they’re only small, what possible damage could they do to your gate? Unfortunately, the answer is quite a lot — especially if you have an electric gate. Even a small hint of moisture, such as slime trails from snails and slugs and raindrops from spiderwebs, can cause damage to your circuit board. Similarly, rats and mice can chew through wiring and electrical components to wreak havoc on your system.

Your circuit board and wiring should be fitted with a sealed protective cover; this should be regularly inspected for any sign of damage as this may indicate you have a pest problem. It’s recommended to arrange an annual service for your electric gates, as this will also identify any pest infestations amongst other potential issues.

Frequent cleaning

One of the easiest ways you can care for your gate is to give it a wipe down every so often to remove any grime. This doesn’t require any kind of elaborate cleaning solution; in fact, you don’t even need to buy any special products — simply mix a mild detergent with some warm water. Then, wipe away any dirt that has accumulated with a damp cloth. Not only does this improve the appearance of your gates, but it can also help to prevent rotting and rusting.

Lubricate

Your gates are made up of numerous components, such as bolts, screws, latches and hinges. Over time, these parts can rust and impact the functionality of your gate. It’s best to apply a suitable lubricant, like WD40, to prevent any rust build-up and ensure your gate continues to operate smoothly. If this advice has come too late and certain components of your door have already become rusty, this may require a complete replacement of the part to make sure your door remains secure and in good condition.

Schedule regular maintenance

By scheduling regular gate maintenance with a trusted security company like Astra Security Systems, you can have peace of mind that your gates will remain in good working order. We’ll examine all the components of your gate to pinpoint any issues which may impact performance. By taking this proactive approach and identifying problems at an early stage, you can prevent costly repairs further down the line. Arranging maintenance with a reliable company also means you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your gate is being monitored and cared for by an expert so that you don’t have to worry about any unexpected malfunctions.

Wooden vs metal gates

You may be wondering, what is the best treatment for gates? That largely depends on whether your gates are constructed from wood or metal. Whilst metal gates don’t require much in the way of treatment, it’s a good idea to apply a rust-inhibiting primer every so often. Simply spray on one layer that covers the gates completely and leave this to dry, before applying a final coat.

By comparison, wooden gates are a little trickier to maintain. Due to the risk of rot, your gates will need to be treated every so often. This can be done by applying oil, wood stain or paint; however, it’s crucial to consider the aesthetic, condition and wood type of your gate before choosing a method. If you’re unsure what type of treatment is best for your gate, seek professional advice from the experts at Astra Security Systems.

Here at Astra Security Systems, we supply, install and maintain security gates and barriers throughout Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and beyond. With over 40 years of experience to our name, you can trust us to keep your electric gates in top condition.

Get in touch with us today to discuss our range of services or to arrange your gate maintenance.