Without proper care, the winter months can wreak havoc on the functionality of any automatic gate opener. If you own an electric gate opener, especially, it is always advisable to take some proactive and preventive measures to keep your gate opener safe and secure during the winter months.
Fortunately, most of these measures are inexpensive and easy to implement, and they will save you from inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs during the winter months.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the 5 key steps to ensure your gate opener remains reliable and efficient even during the harshest winter conditions.
1. Lubricate the Moving Parts
In extremely cold weather, the moving parts of your gate opener can wear down faster or freeze completely. The best way to prevent this from happening is to apply lubricant to minimize friction and keep them moving.
However, there are some important factors to consider when applying lubricant to your gate opener during the winter. Pay attention to the kind of lubricant you use, as well as the nature and frequency of lubrication. Here are some tips:
- Not just any lubricant will do: there are specific cold-weather compatible lubricants that are designed to be used on gate opener parts in extremely cold weather. Avoid using any lubricant that is oil-based: these could thicken and cause the parts to instead stick together or freeze.
- You can use a silicone-based spray or white lithium are safe, and you can apply any to the hinges, chains, rollers and any other mechanical part.
How Often Should You Lubricate?
When applying lubricant to a gate opener during the winter, you also have to pay attention to how often you apply the lubricant. It is advisable to lubricate once before the onset of winter. But also, but check every month during the cold season that the opener is operating smoothly and does not require more lubrication.
- Also, pay attention to the lubrication method. You must spray or apply the lubricant evenly on all moving parts, focusing on the specific points where metal meets metal.
2. Check and Maintain the Battery
You must always ensure that your gate opener battery is fully charged before the winter and continue to check the voltage regularly during the cold months. Low winter temperatures are not good for your gate opener battery because the cold weather slows down the chemical operations that help it generate power. The battery could become less efficient, which in the worst-case scenario, means it fails to generate enough power to open and close the gate.
- Ensuring that it is fully charged helps prevent this problem during the winter.
Consider Battery Heaters
You can use battery heaters to keep out the cold and keep your battery working in good conditions. If you live in an extremely cold area, installing a battery heater or warmer can help maintain the battery’s performance, preventing it from freezing or losing charge too quickly.
Cold-resistant Batteries: Consider using a cold-weather battery designed to perform better in low temperatures.
3. Install a Cold Weather Kit (If Possible)
Installing a cold weather kit is arguably the safest measure you can take to protect your gate opener during cold winter months. Cold weather kits work great because they are specially designed to protect all the components of the gate opener. They often include heaters to keep the opener’s motor and battery warm.
- Most of these kits also come with specialized lubricants and accessories designed to prevent your gate opener from preventing freezing.
Check with your gate opener’s manufacturer to see if such a kit is available for your model. If so, don’t hesitate to get one for the winter.
Consider a Motor Heater
If you live in an area where temperatures frequently drop below freezing, you probably need a motor heater for your gate opener. The motor is the heart of the opener, and there might be no way back if it freezes up in the winter. Motor heaters are made to keep the motor safe and warm and prevent such damage from happening.
4. Make Sure Exposed Components are Insulated
If your gate opener has exposed parts, like the motor housing or the control board, it can help to insulate them against the cold. Weatherproof foam is an ideal option, but you can also use other insulating materials, like thermal wraps.
Take Care of the Control Box
For the control box, ensure it is weather-sealed and moisture-resistant. It is always advisable to keep the control box off the ground to prevent exposure to snow or standing water.
5. Prevent Ice and Snow Build-Up
In small amounts, Snow and ice do not pose much of a threat to your gate opener. However, when ice or snow is allowed to build up, it can interfere with the mechanical operation of your gate opener, obstruct the sensors, and interfere with safety beams. This can become a big problem in the winter, especially if the ice and snow have been allowed to build up in or around any of the following components:
Tracks or Rails
Ice can block the rails for sliding gates. Shovel or sweep the path frequently.
For swing gates, ensure that snow doesn’t build up behind them, as a mound of ice could prevent the gate from fully opening or closing.
Safety Sensors
Clear any ice or snow that could obscure the infrared sensors or safety beams, as this could prevent the gate from operating properly.
Tip: To reduce exposure to falling snow or ice, you can install a small canopy or shelter over the gate motor.
6. Check and Secure All Electrical Connections
The cold winter weather facilitates moisture condensation, which could be especially damaging to the electrical components of your automatic gate opener. When moisture condenses within, the electrical connections could freeze or corrode: damaging your electric gate opener in a number of ways, most of them irreparable. Here’s how to protect your electrical components:
- Seal Electrical Wires: Ensure all electrical wires are tightly sealed with weatherproof enclosures to protect them from freezing and moisture ingress.
- Use Waterproof Seals: Replace any worn-out gaskets or seals around junction boxes and control boards to prevent water or snow from entering the system.
- Use Surge Protection: Winter storms can cause power surges or outages, which may damage the gate opener’s control board. Installing a surge protector can safeguard the electronics.
7. Conduct Regular Maintenance and Inspections
It is advisable to always conduct regular maintenance on your gate opener, especially during the winter. You must check that everything is working correctly before and throughout the winter. Here’s what to look for:
- Gate Alignment: Make sure the gate is properly aligned and not dragging. If it is misaligned, it may become worse in snow or freezing temperatures.
- Wear and Tear: Check for any signs of wear on the mechanical components (rollers, hinges, chains, etc.) and replace worn parts immediately to avoid failure during winter.
- Sensor Calibration: Test the sensors and safety devices periodically to ensure they are functioning and not affected by cold or moisture.
8. Consider Adding Surge Protection
Adding surge protection on the power line of your gate is a simple and inexpensive solution that can keep it safe throughout the winter. Winter storms often bring about power surges. It helps to prevent these surges from damaging sensitive electronics, such as the control board.
By taking these detailed steps, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of your automatic gate opener failing during the winter months and ensure smooth operation throughout the season.
Start with a High-Quality Gate Opener
While the above preventive measures will certainly be of great value, the best way to prepare for winter is to buy a gate opener made of robust material capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and has components that secure it against extreme heat or cold. You must go for a sturdy gate opener like those from Zumi.
Zumi Gate Openers
Zumi’s gate openers feature a sleek silver finish and a sturdy design combining beauty and durability.
With an IP55 weatherproof rating, these gate openers withstand rain and dust and offer long-lasting performance.
Capable of withstanding any temperatures between -4 to 122F, they come specially equipped for an all-year-round performance. The electrical components are sealed tight, and the design ensures that all vulnerable components are installed safely.
Finding One That Suits
Zumi provides a wide range of gate openers for private homes, public institutions, and commercial establishments worldwide. From single-swing to dual-swing to solar gate opener models, Zumi’s collection contains reliable, top-quality gate openers with features and characteristics that optimize security. The Zumi Gate opener app can be integrated with the home system, taking security to a new level. Check out Zumi for all your gate-opening needs.
