Most gates don't break down out of the blue. They give warning signs first – and if you catch them, the repair is normally quicker, cheaper and less hassle than a full breakdown at the worst possible moment. Here's what to look out for.
Warning signs
It's slower than it used to be. Worn gears, a gate that's dropped, stiff hinges or a tired motor.
It's noisy. Grinding, clunking, squealing or banging. See noisy electric gates.
It jerks or stutters. Worn gearbox, a sliding gate rack out of line, or wheels wearing out.
It stops or reverses for no reason. Safety devices, wind, settings or a gate catching on something. See gate won't close?
It works some days and not others. Often photocells, damp in the control box or a cable fault.
The remote range has dropped. Remote batteries, receiver or aerial issues.
The gates don't meet properly. Sagging, dropped hinges or posts moving. See sagging or misaligned gates.
It trips the electrics. A fault, often water getting in – switch it off and call me.
You can see damage. Cracked photocells, split safety edges, rust, oil leaks or damaged cables.
Early Warning Signs on Electric Gates
Gates rarely fail without warning. Slower movement, jerky starts, new noises, gates that don't quite close, remotes that only work up close and safety devices that trigger for no reason are all signs that something needs attention.
Spotting these early gives you time to arrange a repair at a convenient moment, rather than finding yourself stuck behind a closed gate or unable to secure the house.
If you notice any of them, it's worth a call.
Book an Automatic Gate Repair Before It Fails
Small problems are usually cheaper to fix than the breakdowns they turn into. A worn hinge that's caught early saves the motor; a damp control box that's dried and sealed saves the board.
We'll inspect the gate, explain what we've found and give you a price before any work starts. If something can safely wait, we'll tell you that too.
A yearly service is the best way to catch these signs before you notice them yourself.
Safety warning signs – act now
Stop using the gate automatically and get it checked if:
- it doesn't stop or reverse when something's in its way
- the photocells or safety edges are broken or missing
- the gate is wobbling, leaning or could come off its hinges or track
Keep it working
A yearly service catches most of these issues early. See electric gate maintenance.
Spotted one of these? Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.
Questions people ask me
How do I know if my electric gate needs repairing?
If it's slower, noisier, jerkier or less reliable than it used to be, it's worth getting checked.
Can I keep using a gate that's playing up?
If it's still safe – stopping and reversing properly – yes, but get it looked at soon. If the safety devices aren't working, don't.
Is it cheaper to repair early?
Normally, yes. A worn hinge is a lot cheaper than the motor it eventually wrecks.