How Freezing Weather Affects Your Gates and Barriers (and How to Keep Them Working)

Winter is certainly here in the UK. All the snow, the early morning frosts and the late-night road gritters are out in full force. All this cold and freezing weather also brings challenges to your security – yes that means your trusty gates and barriers are included! If you’ve noticed your gate acting like it has a mind of its own during the freezing weather, you’re not alone. Frosty conditions are incredibly known to wreak havoc on these hardworking heroes of security, but don’t threat too much! We’ve got you covered with a breakdown of what happens and how to winter-proof your gates and barriers against these arctic conditions.

The Freeze Factor: How Winter Impacts Gates and Barriers

When the temperature hits the sub-zero weather, us folk in the UK know very well, your gates and barriers face a whole host of challenges. They key culprits? Ice, condensation, and the good old expansion and contraction of metal.

• Sluggish Movement: Cold weather causes lubricant to thicken, making gates slow when they are opening or closing.
• Mechanical Strain: Metal contracts, leading to misalignment or even jumping.
• Frozen Parts: Hinges, tracks, and motors can all freeze up, rendering your gate immobile.

Winter is tough on us, but it’s even tougher on gates and barriers!

Frozen Lubricants: The Silent Trouble-Maker

Lubrication is the lifeblood of your gate’s functionality, keeping moving parts smooth and aligned. But when temperatures drop (like they have now), standard lubricants can thicken, making the components stiff and difficult to move. For automatic gates, this can induce an increased strain on the motor, potentially leading to long-term damage.

Solution:

Switch to winter-grade lubricants designed to perform 100% in freezing conditions. They remain effective even when our not so favourite visitor Jack Frost is at his fiercest. A small investment in quality lubricants can prevent costly repairs later.

Tracks and Hinges: Ice’s Favourite Playground

Sliding gates rely heavily on clear tracks, but ice, snow, and debris which comes along with bad weather like to make their lives difficult. Similarly, swing gates are at the mercy of frozen hinges, leaving you with a stuck or creaky system.

Solution:

Regularly inspect and clean tracks and hinges. Keep a de-icer spray (like you use for your cars) or an ice scraper handy to quickly address freezing issues. A proactive approach prevents small problems from snowballing into major headaches.

Motors Under Pressure: Automation Meets Winter Challenges

The motor is the heart of any automated gate system. In winter, the strain placed on motors increases as they work harder to overcome the stuck frozen components and sluggish lubrication. For hydraulic motors, thickened fluid is another issue that can slow down operations or cause malfunctions.

Solutions:

Consider installing motor heaters or insulted enclosures to protect your system from the cold. These keep the motor warm and running smoothly even in freezing weather.

Control Boxes: Protect the Brain

The control box acts as the brain of your automated system, housing all the electronic components. But cold weather doesn’t play nicely with electronics, especially when frost or condensation creeps inside the box – which does happen from time to time if you do not do the following steps.

Solution:

Invest in a weatherproof control box cover or enclosure to keep moisture and frost out. You can also ass insulation to help maintain a stable temperature within the box.

Sensors and Access Control Systems: Frosty Challenges

Access controls systems, including the most commonly used keypads and sensors, are particularly vulnerable to frost and ice buildup. A layer of frost can block sensors or cause keypad buttons to stick, which has the unfortunate response of leaving your gate unresponsive.

Solution:

Gently clean sensors and keypads with warm water and a soft cloth during icy spells, which feels like every morning in the winter! Regular maintenance ensures they stay frost-free and, most importantly for you and your business functional!

Preventative Maintenance: Your Winter Shield

The best way to protect your gates and barrier from freezing conditions is to prepare, prepare and prepare some more, all before the winter strikes. Preventative maintenance foes a long way in ensuring reliability during the colder months.

Your Winter Checklist:

• Lubricate all moving parts with winter-grade products.
• Clear tracks, hinges, and sensors regularly.
• Install motor heaters or insulated covers.
• Protect control boxes with weatherproof enclosures.
• Check for and address any minor damage before it worsens.

Why Gateway Automation Is Your Winter Hero

When it comes to keeping your gates and barriers functional during freezing weather, Gateway Automation has your back. With years of expertise in providing durable, high-quality systems, Gateway Automation offers solutions designed to withstand harsh winters. From regular maintenance to advanced installations, their team ensures your gates are prepared for whatever winter throws their way.

Need help winter-proofing your gates? Reach out to us today and enjoy peace of mind all season long.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Freeze Get You Down

While freezing weather can be a challenge for gates and barriers, a little preparation goes a long, long way. From switching to winter-grade lubricants to protecting your motor and control box, simple measures can save you time, money, and frustration.

So, take a proactive approach this winter – your gates (and your sanity) will thank you. And if things get icy, you know who to call: Gateway Automation is ready to help you thaw out and your systems running smoothly!

Winter might be cold, in fact freezing, but your gates and barriers don’t have to be.