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40182901 - steel automatic gate wheel closeup

How to Properly Maintain Your Automatic Gate

There are plenty of benefits associated with installing an automatic gate on your property. For starters, it adds privacy and security to your home, so that you don’t have to worry about unwanted visitors making their way up your driveway. Additionally, these gates look great and can increase the value of your property as a whole, making them well worth the investment.

Automatic gates can work with a variety of different property types. Just because you don’t have a long driveway or a massive house doesn’t mean that you couldn’t benefit from having an electric gate, as this product merely acts as an extra layer of security for your home.

Once you have an automatic driveway gate installed on your property, however, you will have to worry about maintenance of your gate. Much like any other part of your home, the better you take care of your gate, the longer it will function as it should. Keep the following tips in mind when caring for your automatic gate to save on repair costs and ensure that it works at its full capacity well into the future.

Keep the Gate Clean

While it seems quite simple, cleaning your gate on a regular basis can help it to last longer. Much like a car, your iron gate will benefit from being washed because this can prevent rust from forming and doing severe damage to the metal. You wouldn’t leave a coating of dirt on your car for months at a time, so you shouldn’t allow your gate to sit dirty either. Just rinsing the gate with a hose every few months can work wonders in this regard.

You might also consider waxing the gate from time to time. Not only does this wax keep the gate looking great, which is one of the reasons why you have installed it in the first place, but it can also prevent the finish from flaking off. Neglecting to clean and wax your gate could lead to more serious maintenance becoming necessary down the line, so it is best to take care of the electric gate from the beginning.

Care for the Electrical Components

In addition to cleaning the outer physical portions of the gate, maintaining the electrical components is also important. One thing to remember is that the circuit board that controls the gate sits outside and, therefore, is exposed to the elements, in addition to bugs and other pests. While the contractor should complete your gate installation in a way that minimizes the danger of any electrical components incurring damage, there is always a risk when dealing with the outdoors.

Start by keeping an eye out for any insects that could do damage to the circuit board. The wings and legs of flying insects often get stuck in these components, and the moisture that is left behind by things like spider webs or slugs can also harm this equipment. Wasp nests and ant hills should also be kept away from the circuit board to prevent long-term damage from occurring.

The majority of electronic gate manufacturers take the necessary steps to protect the circuit board when making the product since they know that it will be outside and that all kinds of things can happen under those circumstances. No brand of automatic gate that is 100% resistant to this issue, however, hence the need for regularly scheduled service.

You’ll want to check the automatic gate openers that come with your gate and test them on a regular basis. The gate opener is what allows you in and out of your driveway, and if it stops working, repairs will be needed immediately. When doing your regular maintenance, make sure that this opener is working to avoid repair or replacement in the future.

Keep Everything Lubricated

Depending on the automatic gate system that you have chosen, you might have to lubricate the parts to keep them functional. High-end automatic gates tend to have all of their moving parts sealed, so this won’t be an issue. If your components aren’t sealed, however, you’ll have to grease the wheels or hinges to ensure that the gate can open and close properly. A swing gate usually has an internal chain that you must keep lubricated, while a slide gate will have a chain on the outside that requires lubrication, as well.

Automatic gate maintenance comes down to knowing what type of equipment you have and following the manufacturer’s recommendations when caring for it. Automatic gates can be expensive, so it is in your best interests to maintain them before major problems arise.

The Bottom Line

No matter what type of gate you end up with, there will be some maintenance that is necessary. High-quality gates might require less work, but they should still be checked annually so that you don’t end up with significant problems at an inopportune time. The easiest way to go about this is to hire a professional to perform regularly scheduled maintenance checks on your automatic gate, as this ensures that your gate is always in great shape and functioning to its full potential.

Quality Gate Company can handle all of your automatic gate repair and service in the Fallbrook, California area. Give us a call at 760-723-2901, and we’ll send one of our licensed, bonded, and insured contractors to your home to keep your gate working as good as new.

Yearly maintenance ensures that your gate is free from dirt, pests, and other debris that could do damage to some of its components if not dealt with immediately. We will also look at all of the moving parts and keep them lubricated so that you don’t run into problems with them down the line.

At Quality Gate Company, we are truly the automatic gate specialist, as we deal with all makes and models of automatic, remote, and electric gates, keeping them in great shape, so that you don’t have to worry about the security of your property ever again. Whether you are in need of gate repairs, maintenance, or new gate installations, call us at 760-723-2901, and we’ll get on the job as soon as possible.

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New family house with blue automatic gates in front of garage door. Picture is taken in Brittany , France and blue color is traditional. Automatic gate, also cantilever gate.

Five Ways to Save Money on Your Automatic Gate Repair

Electric gates are an excellent way to provide additional security for your driveway and, therefore, your home. They also look great and since so many different types are available, you can select one that completes the look that you are going for on your property.

Having said that, as with any other electric component around your home, there is always the chance that your gate will stop working as it should, leaving you with some repairs. It might be a situation where the driveway gate won’t open or close, or where it starts making strange noises every time you use it.

No matter what type of problem you run into with your automatic gates, getting them fixed will become a priority, as gates that don’t open or close are basically useless. When you find yourself in that situation, you’ll want to save as much money as possible on the repair, while still having it fixed professionally by a certified technician that knows these products inside and out.

1) Keep Up With the Maintenance

Perhaps the easiest way to save money on your electric gate repair is by not having to repair it in the first place. If you are able to keep up with the necessary preventive maintenance, you can avoid having to do costly repairs, which can save you money in the process.

Always keep the iron on the gate clean, as this can prevent rust from forming and ruining the hinges. Iron gates can break down quickly if they aren’t kept clean and maintained. In addition, it is a good idea to keep any electrical components clean and free from debris that could potentially cause issues.

At Quality Gate Company, we can set up a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that your gate is always working properly. This schedule allows our technicians to identify potential problems before they interfere with your day-to-day life, keeping your gate running smoothly.

2) Use a Licensed Gate Repair Professional

There are many tasks around your home or business that can be handled as a do it your self project, gate repair is not one of them.  Gate repair professionals are trained and licensed to properly diagnose and fix the many different types of problems that can occur with automatic gates. What can be a simple fix for a gate repair professional may turn out to be a problem that only gets worse if not handled correctly.  Getting the job done right the first time can save you money and headaches down the road.

Some components of your gate may be under warranty.  Make sure to keep a record of your purchase and warranty information of any gate components.  Also check with your home owners insurance and warranties to determine if the damage to your gate may be covered.  For instance if you recently purchased your home and have home warranty coverage, a malfunctioning gate maybe covered as a part of your home warranty.  Also similar to a garage door, gates can be involved in car related accidents, such as if your gate does not open or close properly and hits your car, check with both your homeowner and car insurance to see which covers damage to your car and gate.

Electrical problems that could be causing gates from not working properly include dirty or blocked reflector eyes, a stuck switch, a malfunctioning transmitter, or a broken loop detector. All of these, as well as, many other items for proper gate functioning are checked as part of our annual regular maintenance program for residential, quarterly for commercial gates, and our monthly industrial gate maintenance plans. Give us a call at 760-723-2901 with any questions about maintenance of your automatic gate.

3) Give the Right Information

Prior to calling in a professional to fix your gate, make sure that you have all of the correct information on hand. First, let the gate repair company know what type of gate you have, as a sliding gate, single swing gate, and double swing gate have different components and, therefore, different needs. You should also figure out the model and manufacturer of the gate, so that the repair company can track down the necessary parts before visiting your home.

Learn which access control components have been installed on the security gate. This includes multi-code transmitters, loop detectors, and phone systems, which are items that can sometimes break down over time. All of this information matters when fixing one of these products because it provides the technician with insight into the problem prior to arriving on your property.

Remember, the more information that you can give the technician ahead of time, the more smoothly the repair will go and, hopefully, the less you will pay. Try to describe the issue as thoroughly as possible when calling for a quote, as this makes it more likely that the quote and the services needed will be accurate.

4) Have It Professionally Installed

Always have your electric gates installed by a professional company because this ensures that it has been put in properly and makes any repairs that become necessary much easier to handle. If you choose to install a gate on your own and you aren’t trained in this type of job, there is always the chance that you will have done something wrong. This can make repairs difficult because the technician will have to look for mistakes with the install prior to fixing what is wrong with the gate.

Overall, you could end up paying more for repairs down the line if you choose to install your gate on your own to save short term money. In addition, there is usually a warranty associated with a professional install, which could help with the cost should you need repairs on your gate.

5) Go Local

You’ll have to pay for travel time if you choose a repair company that is outside of your service area. This is one reason why it is a good idea to go with a local company, as you won’t have to worry about this travel time at all. A local company will also be more accessible, since you can stop by the office whenever you need to talk to someone.

In the Fallbrook, California area, the only choice is Quality Gate Company. Give us a call at 760-723-2901 and one of our expert technicians will get started on your residential or commercial gate repair as quickly as possible. We know electric driveway gates inside and out, ensuring that any issues that you experience won’t last for long.

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a beautiful wooden gate from an opening into a garden

Ten Things to Consider When Installing an Automatic Gate

If you have considered having an electric gate installed on your property, there are some things that you should know before getting started. There is a process behind choosing the right automated driveway gate to meet your needs, and selecting a contractor to handle the installation, so make sure that you consider these ten steps to ensure that your gate functions well into the future.

If you have any questions regarding gate repair, installation or maintenance schedule, Quality Gate Company is standing by at 760-723-2901 to field any questions that you might have along the way.

1) Remember Your Reasons

Why do you want to install an automatic gate on your property in the first place? This question is important to ask because it will help determine the type of gate that you end up selecting. For example, if this gate will sit at the end of your driveway for privacy and security reasons, going with a model that is hard for passersby to see through might be the right choice. It all comes down to your individual reasons for wanting a gate when selecting your product.

2) Come Up With a Budget

There are many options when it comes to selecting which gate is best for you.  It is also important to remember that cheaper driveway gates and components do tend to have greater wear and tear over time thereby requiring more costs in maintenance and repair which could cost you more over the long term. During the initial stages of your planning for a gate, come up with an amount that you are looking to spend on the gate, as this will help guide you when looking at the various options. As the automatic gate experts, Quality Gates can work with you to determine which gate options and components will meet your needs within your budget.

3) Learn About the Products

The more you know about these gates, the better off you’ll be. Research the various types on the market, such as swing gates, double swing gates, and slide gates, so that you can be sure that you have selected the right type of gate for your property. You’ll want to know a little bit about the swing gate opener, the materials used, and whether or not you’ll need to install intercom systems from the beginning. Then, when you finally speak with a gate installation company, this knowledge will help you to make the right decision and to ask the necessary questions during the initial stages of this process.

4) Select a Location For the Gate

Where will the gate sit on your property? This question is vital to answer, as well, since the type of gate that you choose is dependent on its location. On most residential sites, the gate sits at the end of the property with a fence on either side. If your property is set up like this, you won’t have to put much thought into the location at all. Keep in mind that if you have an extremely long driveway, you might have to set the gate up with a telephone entry system on the gate openers to ensure that your guests can get off the property when they need to.

5) Shop the Various Designs

Once you know the type of electric gate you will be going with, start considering gate design. This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but there is some strategy involved. If a fence is already in place, choosing a gate that matches it is a good idea because it adds continuity to the property. You can also find gates with designs on them if you want to be a little more artistic. Keep in mind that you should consider the quality of the gate in question, as well, so don’t just choose the gate that looks the best if it doesn’t seem like it will function at a high level for years to come.

6) Contact Installers in Your Area

After figuring out the exact gate type that you want to add to your property, you can start contacting installers in your area. It’s always a good idea to go with a certified, experienced technician in this situation since your property’s security is at stake. Quality Gate Company only uses licensed, bonded, and insured contractors, which takes the risk out of this decision and provides you with protection.

7) Compare the Contractors

After you have a list of potential contractors, make the selection based on what is important to you. Always ask each contractor how long they have been operating and roughly how many installations they have handled over that time. You should also figure out if they have a dedicated customer service department, as this is important should you run into issues with your gate. It might also be a good idea to ask if they specialize in certain materials, such as installing wrought iron gates, just to be safe.

8) Make Your Selection

Now that you have information on the available contractors in your area, you can make your final decision. Experienced contractors like Quality Gate Company will handle this entire process professionally, giving you a quote, a start date, and a great deal of other valuable information right from the beginning. Remember that since you will be spending a fair amount of money on the gate, it is smart to have it installed correctly.

9) Have Your Gate Installed

Finally, after going through all of these steps, it is time to have your automated gates installed. Your contractor should give you a checklist of things that you will need to do before the work can begin, so make sure that you follow this list as thoroughly as possible. Once you have your property ready, all you will have to do is sit back and wait for your gate.

10) Think About Maintenance

Something to consider once your gate is installed is going through with the necessary maintenance. Your gate installation contractor might be able to set you up on a maintenance schedule, ensuring that your gate functions for years to come. At Quality Gate Company, we have monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance schedules where a certified technician will come to your home and test your gate. The technician will also keep an eye out for anything that should be repaired so that you can have it fixed before it becomes an issue.

Give us a call at 760-723-2901 if you are in the market for automatic gate maintenance or an installation and our certified, professional staff will get on the job immediately.

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The view from the front yard to the automatic gate and electronics

Safety Features You Should Have On Your Automatic Gate

Once you have your beautiful new electric gate installed, the safety and functionality of your new device become paramount. For starters, you will have to keep the gate properly maintained, as this can prevent it from breaking down in the future. Another thing to consider is the safety devices that you have installed on your security gate, which not only protect your gate from damage but can also keep your guests safe and you out of legal trouble.

There are some safety requirements are compulsory on your automatic gate from a legal standpoint, while others are just recommended. As a result, it is a good idea speak to the experts at Quality Gate Company to ensure that you have all of the safety standards met on your new investment. And if you notice that one of your automatic gate safety devices isn’t responding, we can send a licensed and insured technician to get it up and running before it becomes a major issue.

A Back-Up Power Supply

Because your gate is wired into your home’s electrical system, your gate operator won’t work when the power goes out. When this happens, you must still have access control of your electronic gates, or else you run the risk of being trapped on or off your property.

If your gate has been installed correctly, one of three safety measures should have been implemented under the national fire code:

1) The gate might have a single use battery, which will open the gate once and leave it open until power is restored. This battery ensures that people can exit the property during the blackout without having to worry about the gate.

2) Your automated gate could have a multi-use battery installed. With this battery, the gate operators will continue to function as they always have throughout the blackout, so your property remains secure. Since most power outages are relatively short, you shouldn’t have to worry about the battery running out during this time.

3) An automatic gate can be set-up to unlock on its own once the power goes out so that you can open and close it manually until the power comes back. The mechanical lock will unlatch if there isn’t any power running to it.

If you are unsure if your electric gate has any of these safety measures installed, call us at 760-723-2901 to have a look. It is also wise to have your system inspected after a blackout to ensure that your battery is still functional.

The Proper Gate Design

Checking that your gate’s design keeps pedestrians safe is vital because the last thing you want is for an injury to occur on your property. The gate should be developed and installed with provisions in place that make it impossible for a person to become trapped between a moving and stationary part of the gate. These gates are hefty, and if a person is pinned between the gate and a pillar, there is a good chance that the injuries will be severe or even fatal.

The chance of a serious injury is one of the main reasons why it is a good idea to have the gate installed by a certified technician, as these experts know how to set the gate up in a manner that minimizes the risk. Unless you have this kind of experience, you might not think of all the places where a pedestrian could be trapped by the gate, putting visitors to your home in potential danger. Even optimally designed gate systems create risk when not installed as they should be.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection Devices

Another item that your automatic gate should have is a detection device. This tool lets the gate know when a vehicle or person is in the way while the gate is opening or closing. When the detection device is triggered, the gate will automatically stop, and in some cases reverse, before it has the chance to do any damage.

The majority of these gates have vehicle detection loops installed. As the name implies, these devices can tell if a vehicle is in the way of the gate and will ensure that the gate stops before making contact with the car. You can adjust the settings on the detection loops according to your preferences. For example, if you frequently have guests at your home or are having a party one night, you can change the settings to allow people in and out more easily.

Reversing Edges

Any automatic gates on your property should have reversing edges. The basic idea behind these safety devices is that they force the gate to shift direction whenever something makes contact with it. This feature prevents the gate from staying in a potentially dangerous location, instead either opening or closing until the obstruction is gone.

For example, if your gate closes too quickly and makes contact with a vehicle that is trying to exit your property, this device reverses the gate, so that it doesn’t continue closing onto the car. The hope is that by changing directions quickly after contact, it can minimize the damage. If your other safety devices fail or if an undetected person or vehicle manages to hit your gate, you will be happy that your gate was equipped with the ability to get out of the way quickly.

Keeping Your Gate Safe

Automatic gates are meant to keep your property safe and secure, but whenever a 500-plus pound piece of iron is swinging around, there is the potential for damage to occur. That is why having an automatic gate expert inspect the safety devices on your gate is a good idea. Even one small mishap could hurt someone severely or do lots of property damage, so contact Quality Gate Company at 760-723-2901 to have one of our experts perform the necessary gate repair and maintenance on these safety devices or install additional tools that you don’t already have.

While these gates are set up with convenience in mind, keeping friends, family and neighbors safe is vital, so make sure that your gates are working as they should.

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