Our winters aren't normally about deep snow – they're about rain that never stops, gales, the odd hard frost, and low sun that blinds you (and your photocells). All of that takes a toll on electric gates. Here's how to keep yours going through to spring.
Before winter: book a service
Autumn is the ideal time for a service. I'll check the drainage on underground motors, the seals on the control box, the battery backup and the safety devices, so they're ready for the worst of the weather. See automatic gate servicing.
Preparing Electric Gates for a Cumbrian Winter
Cumbrian winters are tough on electric gates. Frost, snow, heavy rain and strong winds all put extra strain on motors, hinges and control boards, and a gate that was fine in summer can start to struggle once the cold sets in.
The best time to book a service is in the autumn, before the worst of the weather arrives. We'll check the motors, seals and electrics, make sure the control box is dry, and test the battery backup and manual release.
Keeping Automatic Gates Working in Cold Weather
Through the winter, keep the area around the gate clear of snow and ice, especially sliding gate tracks and the ground under swing gates. Ice can stop a gate moving or cause it to reverse.
If your gate stops in a cold snap, don't force it. Use the manual release if you need to get in or out, and call AutoGate Carlisle so we can find the cause and get the gate moving safely again.
Rain and water
Water is the biggest enemy of gate electrics.
- Underground motors: after heavy rain, look for standing water around the motor covers. If the box is flooding, the drainage needs clearing – call me before the motor's damaged.
- Control box: if your gate trips the electrics in wet weather, water's getting in. Don't keep resetting it.
- Photocells: misted-up lenses can stop the gate closing. A wipe normally sorts it.
Wind
Strong gusts push hard on solid gates. You may find the gate stops or reverses in a gale – that's the motor sensing extra force, and it's doing its job. If it happens often, the settings or the motor may need looking at. On very windy days, it can be better to leave the gate open or closed rather than cycling it.
Leaves and debris
Autumn leaves clog sliding gate tracks and underground motor drains, and pile up where swing gates need to open. A quick sweep once a week in autumn makes a large difference.
Frost and ice
- Ice on a sliding gate track can stop the gate. Clear it carefully – don't force the gate with the motor.
- Gates can freeze to the ground or the stops on very cold mornings. Don't keep pressing the remote; let it thaw or free it gently.
- Use salt or grit with care near gates and motors – it can speed up corrosion. Rinse metal parts in spring.
Low sun
Low winter sun shining straight into a photocell can stop the gate closing at certain times of day. If it's happening, I can normally reposition or shield the photocell.
Power cuts
Winter storms bring power cuts. Know where your manual release key is, and consider battery backup if you lose power regularly.
Coastal properties
If you're near the sea – Silloth, Maryport, Workington, Annan or anywhere on the Solway – salt air is hard on metal and electrics. Rinse gates and motors down with fresh water now and again, and keep on top of any chips in the paintwork.
Book your pre-winter service – call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.
Questions people ask me
Can rain damage electric gates?
Water getting into the control box, cables or underground motors can cause faults. Good installation and regular servicing prevent most issues.
Why does my gate stop in high winds?
The motor senses the extra force from the wind and stops for safety.
Will my gate work in a power cut?
Only with battery backup. Otherwise, use the manual release.