Electric Gate Maintenance: What Wiltshire Homeowners Need to Know
An electric gate is one of the most hard-working mechanical systems at your property. It opens and closes multiple times every day, operates in all weathers, and is expected to keep performing reliably for years - often decades.
Like any mechanical system, it needs regular maintenance to stay in peak condition. Neglect it, and you're likely to face faults, failures and repair bills that could easily have been avoided. Look after it properly, and your electric gate will provide reliable security and convenient access for the long term.
Here's what Wiltshire homeowners need to know about electric gate maintenance.
Why Electric Gate Maintenance Matters
There are three main reasons to keep your electric gate properly maintained:
Security - a gate that isn't working isn't securing your property. A motor that's starting to fail, a sensor that's misaligned or a control board with a developing fault can all cause your gate to behave unpredictably, or stop working altogether. Regular maintenance catches these issues early, before they become security problems.
Safety - electric gates are heavy mechanical systems that move quickly. UK safety standards require that automated gates have functional safety devices, obstacle detection sensors, safety edges, auto-close functions, that prevent injury to people and animals. Regular servicing ensures these safety devices are working correctly.
Cost - a small fault identified and fixed during a routine service costs far less than an emergency callout to repair a gate that has completely failed. Regular maintenance is genuinely the most cost-effective way to manage your gate over the long term.
How Often Should an Electric Gate Be Serviced?
For most residential electric gates in Wiltshire, an annual service is sufficient. Gates that see heavy use - at commercial properties, busy family homes with multiple vehicles, or agricultural sites - may benefit from a service every six months.
We recommend booking your annual service at the same time each year so it doesn't slip through the net. Many of our customers across Wiltshire and the surrounding counties are on rolling maintenance packages with us, which means their gate is serviced automatically without them having to remember to book.
Iroko hardwood gate installed in Wiltshire
What Does an Electric Gate Service Include?
A thorough electric gate service carried out by The White Horse Gate Company covers:
Mechanical inspection - all hinges, pivots, rollers, tracks and mechanical components are inspected for wear, corrosion and damage. Any components showing signs of deterioration are identified and flagged.
Lubrication - all moving parts are cleaned and lubricated with the appropriate products. Proper lubrication significantly reduces wear on mechanical components and extends the life of the gate.
Automation system check - the motor, control board and wiring are inspected and tested. Motor speed, force settings and travel limits are checked and adjusted if necessary.
Safety device testing - all safety devices are tested to current standards, including obstacle detection sensors, safety edges and auto-close functions. This is a critical part of the service, particularly for gates near footpaths or where children or animals may be present.
Access control check - intercoms, keypads, proximity readers and any other access control equipment are inspected and tested.
Condition report - we provide a written report after every service, noting the condition of all components and flagging anything that may need attention before the next service.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Between services, keep an eye out for these warning signs that your electric gate may need attention:
Slow or jerky movement - the gate is taking longer than usual to open or close, or is moving unevenly
Unusual noises - grinding, scraping or clicking sounds during operation
Incomplete movement - the gate isn't opening or closing fully
Remote or intercom issues - the remote control is less responsive than usual, or the intercom has developed a fault
Gate reversing unexpectedly - the gate starts to open or close and then reverses without apparent reason (this can indicate a fault with an obstacle detection sensor)
Visible damage or corrosion - particularly on hinges, rollers or the gate itself
If you notice any of these issues, don't ignore them. In most cases a relatively minor repair carried out promptly will prevent a more significant and expensive fault developing.
Emergency Gate Repairs in Wiltshire
If your electric gate has stopped working or is behaving dangerously, we offer rapid response repair services across Wiltshire and the surrounding counties. A non-functioning gate is a security risk and we treat repair callouts urgently.
We cover Swindon, Salisbury, Marlborough, Chippenham, Devizes, Trowbridge, Warminster, Newbury, Oxford, Bath, Andover and all areas in between.
Our Maintenance Packages
The White Horse Gate Company offers servicing and maintenance packages for residential and commercial customers across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and beyond. A maintenance package gives you the peace of mind that your gate is being looked after properly, with no risk of the annual service being overlooked.
Get in touch to find out more about our maintenance packages or to book a service for your electric gate.
The White Horse Gate Company provides electric gate installation, servicing and maintenance across Wiltshire and the surrounding counties. Contact us for a free survey or to book a service.
