Driveway gates add security and curb appeal to homes throughout the San Diego area, but they’re only effective if they’re functioning properly. Even the most durable driveway gates may need repairs over time.
A driveway gate that’s not functioning properly is more than just an inconvenience. It can be catastrophic if there’s an emergency and time is wasted trying to get the malfunctioning gate open. Our team at ADS Automatic Door Specialists understands the importance of having the driveway gate fully functional, and we are ready to repair or replace it.
Recognizing the common issues that lead to repairs can help you address the problem so the gate remains functional and attractive. By addressing issues as soon as they appear, you reduce the risk that they will worsen to the point that the entire driveway gate system will have to be replaced instead of just being repaired.
#1: Weather and Environmental Damage
San Diego is known for its beautiful weather, including pleasant springs, mild winters, and sunny summers. This wonderful climate comes with challenges for driveway gates. One of the most prominent is continuous exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The sun’s rays can lead to fading, peeling, and chipping of the paint or protective coatings. Over time, the exposure to sunlight weakens the surface protection of metal, including iron and steel, which makes them vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
Moisture, humidity, and coastal salt spray can compound the weather-related problems. Moisture accelerates oxidation, which can lead to rapid rust formation on metal gates. Even if the gate is wooden, the elements can still negatively impact the integrity of the wood, which can lead to swelling, warping, and shape loss.
Regular professional maintenance on the driveway gate can mitigate the risk of damage. This can include repainting, re-sealing, and applying corrosion-resistant coatings. Protecting the driveway gate can prevent some repairs, but it won’t stop them all.
#2: Wear and Tear from Daily Use
A driveway gate is typically used throughout the day, which can mean multiple cycles of opening and closing every day. This can lead to wear and tear on the hinges, tracks, motors, and rollers. In some cases, dirt and sand will accumulate in the track or on other components, which can further degrade driveway gate operation.
Over time, the functionality of these moving components can decline, which can lead to them becoming noisy, stiff, or fully dysfunctional. Regular usage can also lead to the rollers and the track wearing down. This can lead to the driveway gate being difficult to move. It may drag or become bent.
Driveway gates that are motorized are at risk of the motor, gearbox, or other components becoming weaker with regular use. This will cause the gate to open and close more slowly over time and eventually fail to function.
Once the motor stops working on an automatic driveway gate, it will be either fully non-functional or only able to open and close manually. Professional maintenance service, which should include lubrication and inspections, should be done regularly.
#3: Impacts or Accidental Damage
Anything coming into contact with the driveway gate can knock it off track or damage the gate itself. Physical impacts can lead to critical safety issues, which can require immediate repairs. Driveway gates may seem to function properly after they’re struck, but it’s possible that they’re off track and will topple over. This could pin someone under the driveway gate if they’re walking near it when it falls.
ADS Automatic Door Specialists can inspect the driveway gate after an accidental impact, even if the impact seems minor. Trying to use the driveway gate before it’s repaired can lead to property damage and injuries to people or pets.
#4: Automation or Electrical Issues
Automated driveway gates have complex electrical components, including sensors, wiring, and remote controls. These can all experience malfunctions over time. Exposure to the weather can speed up the degradation. Some of the common signs of these issues include gates opening slowly or not fully closing. The driveway gate may lose responsiveness or maneuver randomly.
Faulty sensors can lead to gates stopping abruptly or moving without warning. These pose a significant safety risk because the driveway gate can strike a person or a vehicle, which can lead to injuries or damage.
#5: Foundation Shifting or Misalignment
Proper gate alignment depends on having the proper foundation. Southern California has considerable geological activity, which can lead to earthquakes and ground shifting. Those events can negatively affect the foundation of the driveway gate. In some cases, the gate posts may shift or tilt, which will throw the gates out of alignment.
Misalignment can lead to the driveway gate closing unevenly, dragging, scraping, or struggling to maintain motion. These malfunctions lead to an unnecessary strain on the components of the gate, which can lead to mechanical issues and premature wear. Professional adjustment and foundational repairs may be necessary to return the gate to proper function.
#6: Pest Damage
San Diego’s mild climate draws residents to the area, but it also provides a favorable environment for pests and rodents. Small animals, such as birds, mice, squirrels, and others, can find the enclosed spaces around the control boxes or motors favorable for nesting sites.
These animals can cause significant damage to the structures in the area by chewing through wires, clogging hinges or tracks with debris, and nesting without mechanisms. Complete motor function and short circuits of electrical systems are possible when there’s pest damage.
#7: Poor Installation or Substandard Materials
Poor installation and substandard materials can often lead to the failure of a driveway gate. Some of the more common issues that homeowners may notice include improper balancing, incorrect alignment, and insufficient support. These can lead to consistent operational issues, which may be overlooked at first.
Installing a new driveway gate might be necessary if the current one wasn’t installed properly or if substandard materials were used. Working with a reputable driveway gate installation and repair company, such as ADS Automatic Door Specialists, can help prevent this issue.
#8: Security System Integration Failures
Driveway gates are sometimes integrated into the home’s security system. These can include cameras, alarms, intercoms, and smart home platforms. Miscommunication within the system, such as between the security system and the gate mechanism, can lead to significant operational issues.
One example of this is if the gate cameras and sensors aren’t properly aligned or if they’re damaged. They may not be able to respond to commands properly, which can lead to a disruption of functionality. Software glitches can also negatively affect the functionality.
Contact ADS Automatic Door Specialists for Driveway Gate Repairs
San Diego homeowners can count on ADS Automatic Door Specialists to take care of repairs and installation of driveway gates. Our company has more than 40 years of experience helping area homeowners with their driveway gate and garage door needs. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional team members.
