Fallen leaves are harmless. In fact, they are quite gorgeous, especially in the fall. But not for your automatic gate opener. Fallen leaves pose a threat to the performance and longevity of your gate opener, and you must do whatever it takes to rid the surroundings of any fallen leaves. Let’s explore how fallen leaves could impact your gate opener, the potential risks they pose, and what you can do to mitigate these effects.
Why Are Gate Openers Vulnerable to Fallen Leaves?
But there are so many other elements that an outdoor machine, like a gate opener, could be exposed to. Why fallen leaves? Fallen leaves may indeed not seem like a severe threat at first glance, but when you think about the fact that fallen leaves bring along moisture, dirt, and the possibility of clogging various parts of the gate mechanism, it is easier to understand why this could be a problem. Over time, this can lead to performance issues and even costly repairs.
Mechanical and Electronic Systems are Really Vulnerable
Your gate opener system is made up of complex and fragile components: first, there are mechanical parts such as gears, wheels, and tracks, and then there are electrical parts like sensors and control units. Each of these components is sensitive to environmental debris, and any obstruction, including one as simple as a couple of fallen leaves, can interfere with both.
Exposure to the Elements Over Time
The advantage of using modern gate openers, such as the Zumi openers, is that they are specifically designed to handle extreme outdoor conditions. However, other types of gate openers may not have this extra protection for their moving parts and sensors, which are exposed to wind, rain, dirt, and falling leaves. Over time, this exposure can lead to malfunctions if not properly maintained.
4 MAJOR WAYS FALLEN LEAVES CAN DISRUPT GATE OPENER FUNCTIONALITY
Here are some of the most common problems caused by fallen leaves:
1. They Can Obstruct or Trigger Safety Sensors
Fallen leaves can create a false trigger and activate the safety sensors in your gate opener. Safety sensors are vital because they allow the gate opener to detect obstacles in the path of the gate. Their role is to prevent accidents, which is what would happen if the gate suddenly closed on a vehicle or person.
When leaves accumulate near or directly on the sensors, they can trigger a false positive, in other words, they make the gate “think” there’s an obstacle in its path. In such cases, the gate is programmed to stop midway through its cycle or reverse unexpectedly. Obviously, this is inconvenient, but it can also lead to damages and accidents or even disrupt daily operations if the gate becomes unpredictable.
Tips to Prevent This
- Regularly clear any leaves or debris from the sensor areas.
- You can also consider installing protective covers around the sensors to minimize exposure to leaves and other debris.
2. They Could Block Tracks or Wheels
Fallen leaves pose a specific risk for owners or users of sliding gates. If left uncleared, a cluster of fallen leaves could accumulate in the track, start generating friction, and obstruct the smooth movement of the gate. Over time, they can block the tracks or wheels, and your gate may start moving slower and slower and even eventually come to a complete stop.
Damp or wet leaves are even more of a problem. They tend to stick to the wheels and/or tracks, adding another layer of resistance to the movement of the gate. Over time, this build-up will cause or exacerbate the rate of wear and tear on the motor as it has to work harder to move the gate through the obstructed track.
Prevention Tips
Sweep or blow leaves away from the gate track daily, especially during the fall season.
If your gate is installed in an area with heavy leaf fall, consider adding a cover or drainage system to the track to reduce the accumulation of debris.
Lubricate the wheels and track regularly to keep the gate moving smoothly, even if some leaves are present.
3. They Could Strain the Motor
Every gate opener is designed to handle only a gate of a certain weight range, and there is a specific reason for that. Zumi’s WS1 Pro Solar Gate Opener is a heavy model and can handle a gate of up to 1100 lb. Zumi’s W2 900 lb. Dual Swing Gate Opener, on the other hand, is on the lighter side and can only handle gates up to 900 lbs.
Like all gate openers, these models are designed to handle the weight of the gate itself, and not more. When there is additional resistance—whether from leaves, dirt, or other debris—the motor has to work harder. This means extra strain which, over time can reduce the overall lifespan of the motor, causing it to frequently overheat or breakdown.
What About Swing Gates?
The risk is slightly different for swing gate openers. When leaves pile up around the base of the gate in a swing gate system, they can get caught in the hinges or motor housing. If left unchecked, this build-up will cause the motor to wear out quickly and prematurely. Gate opener parts are expensive to repair or replace.
Prevention Tips
Rake or blow leaves away from the base of the gate opener frequently.
Check the hinges, wheels, and motor housing for any signs of leaf build-up, and clean them as necessary.
If possible, install a protective barrier around the motor housing to reduce the number of leaves and other debris that can accumulate.
4. Clogging Drainage Systems and Causing Water Damage
Water pooling is one of the most significant potential causes of damage to your gate opener system. To guard against this, some gate opener systems are equipped with drainage systems that prevent water from pooling around the electrical components. When leaves accumulate, they can clog these drainage systems and cause water to pool around the gate opener. If your gate opener is not fully waterproof, this is a disaster waiting to happen.
When water pools around a gate opener, many things can go wrong. The worst of them is probably electrical damage, such as short circuits in the control board or corrosion of the motor. Though these are rather fixable issues, they can render the gate opener inoperable over the long term or force you to incur costly repairs or even a full system replacement.
How to Prevent This
Clear drainage systems regularly, especially after heavy leaf falls or storms.
Ensure that the gate opener is rated for outdoor use and has sufficient waterproofing to withstand occasional water exposure.
Consider adding a canopy or rain cover to reduce the amount of water and leaves that can fall directly on the opener.
LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES TO COMBAT FALLEN LEAVES
Quick fixes like sweeping leaves or cleaning tracks always work in the short term. However, it would be wiser to adopt a strategy that remains efficient in the long term or works even in your absence. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your gate remains fully operational through the fall season and beyond.
Regular Maintenance Checks
A professional inspection can identify any potential issues with the motor, sensors, or track before they become significant problems.
Keeping your gate opener clean and well-lubricated will also minimize the impact of environmental debris like leaves.
Install Protective Accessories
There are several protective accessories such as sensor covers, track covers or motor housing shields that you can invest in to permanently prevent leaves and other debris from interfering with your system. These accessories can save also save you a great deal of time and effort, while extending the lifespan of your gate opener in an effective manner.
Keep the Surrounding Area Clean
If your gate is located near trees that shed a lot of leaves, it might be worth considering trimming them back to reduce the amount of debris that falls near the gate. Keeping the area around the gate free from leaf build-up can significantly reduce the strain on your gate opener.
Conclusion
The impact of leaves should not be underestimated, and clearing them will keep your gate opener safe, especially in the long run. However, that is only one step. There are many more maintenance tips that will help you keep your opener working for as long as possible.
Zumi provides all this information as well as some of the highest-quality gate openers available today. Check out Zumi Openers and see which model best fits your gate. Remember to stay subscribed to Zumi for all relevant information pertaining to your gate opener.
