San Diego might not experience the harsh winters in other parts of the country, but the rainy season can still bring its own challenges. If you have a driveway gate, you know how essential it is to keep it working smoothly all year long—especially when the rain rolls in. A gate that won’t open, sticks, or starts acting up can be a hassle. The good news is that with just a little upkeep and some simple steps, you can ensure your gate stays in great shape, even through San Diego’s rainy winters. At ADS Automatic Door Specialists in San Diego, CA, we’re here to help you keep your gate in great shape, no matter what the weather has in store.
Regularly Clean and Inspect the Tracks
The tracks of your driveway gate are some of the most susceptible parts when it comes to rain. Over time, moisture can combine with dirt, leaves, and other debris to create clogs in the tracks, preventing the gate from opening or closing smoothly. This growth can put extra stress on the motor and make it more likely to break down if it is not removed.
To keep your driveway gate working correctly, inspecting and cleaning the tracks regularly is essential. After a rainstorm, take a few minutes to walk along the tracks and look for any visible debris that could obstruct the movement of the gate. You might find that leaves, mud, or even small branches have found their way into the tracks. A quick sweep with a broom can clear the larger debris, but you might want to go a step further by using a damp cloth to wash the tracks and remove finer dirt and dust.
For deeper cleaning, consider using a hose to rinse off the tracks, but be careful not to flood the area. Afterward, make sure to dry the tracks entirely, as lingering moisture could cause rust to form, which could further hinder the operation of your gate. When you’re cleaning, pay special attention to the area where its wheels move along the tracks. It could mean that the metal is starting to break down if you see rust or signs of wear.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Cleaning the tracks is an important part of maintaining a gate, but it’s also important to grease the moving parts often, especially when it rains. Metal parts that are constantly wet can rust or become stiff, which makes them rub against each other. Friction can make your gate harder to move, and in the long run, it can cause wear and tear on both the moving parts and the motor that lead to breakdowns.
Lubricating the moving components of your gate is an easy yet highly effective way to keep everything in working order. Focus on the hinges, rollers, and the track itself. For the best results, use a silicone-based lubricant. Silicone spray is ideal because it won’t attract dirt or grime, and it provides a longer-lasting coating compared to oil-based lubricants. Apply a lot of the lubricant to the moving parts, and make sure to wipe off any extra so that it doesn’t attract dirt.
If your gate is ancient or has not been lubricated in a while, give it a thorough once-over. Check all the hinges, locks, and wheels to ensure they’re moving freely. If you notice any parts that are difficult to move or that are making a grinding noise, it may be time to have a driveway gate repair expert replace these parts to prevent further damage.
Importance of Routine Maintenance
Whether you have a manual or automatic gate, a little attention every few months will go a long way in preventing problems. Checking your home often can help you find small problems before they get worse, saving you time, money, and stress.
When inspecting your gate, check for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, loose bolts, or misaligned tracks. Check that the gate opens and closes easily, and hear for any strange sounds, like grinding or clicking. Fix any problems you see right away, whether it’s by tightening nuts, cleaning sensors, or putting oil on the tracks.
Protect Your Motor From Water Damage
Rainwater can easily seep into the motor housing and damage the electrical components, causing the motor to malfunction. This is especially true if the motor is exposed or improperly sealed.
To avoid water damage, make sure the motor is properly covered and protected from the weather. Many gate systems have waterproof coverings for this precise reason. You might want to buy a cover or shelter for your motor if it didn’t come with one. This will keep it out of the rain. In certain circumstances, just placing a modest cover or awning over the engine housing might provide additional protection.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the motor regularly for any signs of water intrusion or corrosion. Look for rust around the motor housing, frayed wires, or moisture buildup inside the enclosure. If you find any moisture, dry it immediately to prevent electrical damage. Keeping the motor clean and dry is one of the best ways to extend the life of your automatic gate system.
Check and Clean Gate Sensors
For automatic gates with sensors, moisture can sometimes interfere with their operation. The sensors are designed to detect obstacles and ensure that the gate doesn’t close on an object or person. When these sensors are coated with dirt, precipitation, or debris, they might fail, causing the gate to halt or act erratically.
One of the easiest ways to prevent sensor issues is by cleaning them regularly. After a rainstorm, check the sensors to make sure they are free of dirt, water, and leaves. To remove any accumulation, clean the sensors with a soft cloth. When cleaning, be gentle so that you do not harm the delicate components. If the sensors still seem to be malfunctioning after cleaning, you may need to modify their alignment. Check the user handbook for information on how to properly calibrate them or call a professional for help.
In some cases, heavy rainfall or puddles can cause the sensors to misread signals, even when they’re clean. If this happens, you may need to reposition the sensors so they’re less affected by the weather.
Check the Weather Seals
While we typically think about weatherstripping as something we use on windows and doors, your driveway gate can benefit from weather seals as well. These seals help prevent water from seeping into the mechanisms and components of the gate system, protecting it from rust and ensuring smooth operation.
Over time, the weather seals around your gate may wear out or become damaged. Inspect the rubber seals along the edges of the gate to make sure they’re still intact. If you notice cracks, gaps, or signs of deterioration, it’s time to replace the seals. Replacing the weatherstripping is a fairly simple and inexpensive task, but it can save you a lot of trouble by keeping water out of the system. In addition to preventing water damage, weather seals also help keep out dirt and dust, which can cause problems with the tracks and moving parts.
Schedule a Driveway Gate Consultation Today
Taking a little time to care for your driveway gate during the rainy season can save you from frustrating malfunctions when you need it most. By keeping the tracks clean, protecting the motor, and ensuring your gate components are well-lubricated, you can avoid many common problems. With consistent maintenance and a few minor tweaks, your gate will stay reliable and work smoothly, no matter how much rain San Diego gets.
Call ADS Automatic Door Specialists for Help
We offer a wide range of garage door and gate services for both residential and commercial properties. These include garage door repair, garage door installation, springs, rollers, gate installation and repair, and maintenance packages.
Give us a call at ADS Automatic Door Specialists today for all your garage door and driveway gate needs in San Diego.
