We all know the British weather can be unpredictable at times. Especially the harshness of the winter season. The rain, sleet and snow can affect our day-to-day lives, never mind our functionality of commercial electric gate automation systems. But not to worry! Proper installation and the use of sturdy materials are essential for ensuring your commercial electric gates withstand unpredictable British weather.
Automated Perimeter Security knows which areas of concern the different weather conditions pose and how to solve these issues. Keep reading to see our tips and tricks on making the most of your automated perimeter security system; regular attention to key components is crucial for long-term gate performance.
Oh Snow!
We all love a sprinkling of snow during the winter to get us in the Christmas spirit. But there can be additional issues caused by the winter weather, and snow is the root cause of many electric gate malfunctions.
The snow can disrupt the beam between the two sensors of your electric gate, and the sensors become blocked, stopping the gates from functioning as they should. Fear not! The simple solution is to regularly wipe away the snow from the sensors, ensuring your gates are working again! Routine maintenance, including regular checks and servicing, is essential to ensure optimal performance of your electric gates during winter.
As you know, with snow comes ice… This frosty devil can play havoc with the tracks on your commercial gates. The tracks can become clogged, which can disrupt the movement of your gates. Snow and ice can physically block the tracks, trigger the obstacle detection function, and prevent the gates from moving. Regular maintenance should include inspecting and lubricating moving parts to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation even in icy conditions.
It’s Raining. It’s pouring heavy rain!
Especially living in the UK, electric gates are built to withstand heavy rainfall. However, continuous, prolonged and heavy rain can affect the underground motor function of your gates.
The soakaway features inside the foundation box allow excess water to drain away. Water will get into these boxes, but it should not be an issue as long as sufficient drainage and the motor will not sit fully submerged in water for a prolonged time. The placement of your foundation box is very important. For example, if it sits at the bottom of an incline, the motor could become fully submerged if there is heavy rainfall. One way to avoid this issue is to ensure a drainage channel to divert water flow from reaching the foundation box. Ensuring that gate posts are set at the correct ground level is also crucial for stability and water resistance, helping to protect the entire gate system from weather-related damage.
Additionally, it is important to protect the gate system from water ingress to prevent long-term damage and maintain reliable operation.
Blow you away with strong winds!
Strong winds can cause issues with your electronic gates, but this entirely depends on the type of gate you have. An iron gate with an open pattern is less likely to cause any issues with strong winds because wind can pass through the gaps in the pattern. When comparing gate types, swing gates and sliding gates each have their advantages – sliding gates are often more suitable for properties with limited space and can be less affected by wind forces due to their horizontal movement and reduced wind pressure on the gate leaves.
If you have a close boarded gate, they will experience high wind resistance. Electric swing gates with properly installed gate motors and safety devices can help maintain control and prevent the gates from swinging uncontrollably during strong gusts. It is important to secure gates in either the open position or closed position during high winds to prevent gate leaves from potentially colliding with vehicles or causing property damage. A combination of high-quality materials, such as aluminium gates, and a well-integrated gate system can enhance wind resistance and overall performance, reducing the risk of structural damage and ensuring reliable operation. Regular maintenance is essential to inspect for strain, wear, and potential fail points in the gate system, which is crucial for both residential and commercial installations. Proper maintenance and securing gates can prevent costly repair and structural damage, making it a cost effective measure resulting in lesser cost compared to dealing with major property damage or safety hazards.
Access control systems and safety devices should be checked during normal use to ensure they function correctly and protect against safety hazards, especially during extreme weather. Maintaining all components, including hinges and gate posts, is vital to withstand wind pressure and strong gusts, helping to avoid fail points and maintain the integrity of the gate leaf and overall gate system. Professional installation and routine maintenance are essential to maintain optimal performance and safety of electric gates in high winds.
Check out some of our latest blogs for more information about business updates and how to get the most out of your automated perimeter security systems.
Or get in touch with a member of our team. We’re always happy to help!
