Now Autumn has arrived, it comes with crisp mornings, colourful landscapes and, inevitably, the return of stormy weather. Across the UK, businesses face an annual battle with wet and windy conditions that can create serious hazards for perimeter security. A storm is more than just an inconvenience; it can test the strength, reliability and resilience of your gates, barriers and access control systems in ways everyday weather cannot. Preparing for storm season is therefore essential if you want to maintain a safe, secure and efficient site.
Why Storms Are a Real Risk to Perimeter Security
A storm creates a perfect mix of hazards for industrial and commercial premises. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds and failing debris exposes vulnerabilities that may not be visible during calm weather. Wet conditions can affect electrical components, while windy weather puts additional strain on mechanisms, motors and gate structures. If your perimeter security has not been properly maintained, stormy conditions are likely to reveal issues quickly.
Many businesses only spot faults when something stops working or when there is an alarming noise coming from the security product. By that point, the premises may already by ta risk of unauthorised access, reduced safety or costly downtime. Preparing for storms is not only about preventing damage; it is about ensuring your site continues to operate smoothly, safely and securely in all weather conditions.
The Impact of Wet Weather on Security Systems
Rainwater is one of the most common causes of faults during storm season. Moisture can seep into electrical housing, affecting sensitive components and causing systems to behave unpredictably. Over time, water exposure can lead to corrosion, weakening metal fixtures such as hinges, brackets and support frames. Once corrosion takes hold, the strain created by windy weather accelerates the damage tenfold, potentially leading to mechanical failure.
Water can also affect ground-level systems. Rain often washes debris into sliding gate tracks, mixing leaves, mod and waste into a tick and stick layer that obstructs movement. This forces motors to work harder, increasing the risk of overheating or total breakdown. During storm season, even well-manufactured equipment benefits from extra attention to ensure moisture has not compromised performance.
How Windy Weather Strains Your Perimeter Security
High winds create significant pressure on gates and barriers. Swing gates in particular are vulnerable, as strong gusts can push them past their normal operating range. This puts immense stress on motors, arms and other structural components which are weight bearing. Sliding gates face a different challenge, as wind-blown debris can block or slow heir movement, causing faults or misalignment.
Barriers may also struggle in windy weather. A strong gust can make it harder for the boom arm to operate smoothly, or it may shake the mechanism enough to affect its alignment. Even the most robust perimeter security equipment is designed with expected environmental conditions in mind, but storms introduce far more aggressive forces than usual.
Debris: The Hidden Storm Hazard
One of the biggest but least considered storm-related hazards is debris. During autumn and winter, falling leaves, branches and litter accumulate rapidly around access point. This debris interferes with sensors, safety edges and photocells, making it harder for systems to detect obstacles or operate correctly.
For sliding gates, debris in the track is one of the leading causes of breakdowns during wet and windy months. As gates struggle to move, motors come under additional strain. Over time, this can cause overheating or electrical faults.
Even smaller items like twigs to compacted leaves can cause problems, especially if they are blown into sensitive areas of the mechanism.
Why Visibility Matters During Stormy Weather
Autumn storms bring lower light levels, sudden darkness and reduced visibility. This affects both safety and security. Staff, visitors and delivery drivers may struggle to navigate safely if lighting around your perimeter isn’t functioning correctly.
Poor visibility also reduces the effectiveness of CCTV systems. Without clear lighting, cameras may not capture accurate footage, leaving the site vulnerable. Ensuring lighting is free of damage, obstruction or electrical issues is essential during storm season.
The Importance of Pre-Storm Maintenance
Preparation is the most effective defence against storm damage. A well-maintained perimeter security system is significantly more resilient in wet and windy weather. Ahead of storm season, businesses benefit from having gates, barriers and access systems inspected by experienced engineers.
These checks ensure that drainage is clear, components are properly sealed, sensors are functioning, and structural parts show no signs of wear or corrosion. Identifying issues early prevents breakdowns, reduces emergency repair costs and keeps the premises secure during severe weather.
Maintaining Site Security During Severe Storms
When storms hit, site access becomes crucial. Staff, contractors and delivery drivers rely on gates and barrier to function reliably, even in poor conditions. A breakdown during a storm can create major disruptions and potentially lave the site exposed. Prepapring ahead ensures continuity and helps businesses avoid costly downtime.
Storm preparation is not simply a maintenance task. It is a key part of ensuring safety, security and smooth operations throughout the wet and windy season.
Keep Your Site Safe Whatever the Weather
As autumn storms become more frequent and more intense across the UK, the importance of storm resilience grows. Wet weather, high wind and debris create serious hazards for perimeter security, and businesses that prepare early are for more likely to stay protected.
A storm cannot be avoided, but the damage it causes certainly can. With the right preparation and expert support, your gates, barriers and access control systems will remain reliable, safe and secure throughout storm season.
