Global warming has brought about unforeseen changes in weather patterns across many places. That holds for the Pacific Northwest, too. It is not precisely known for brutal winters, but the sudden drop in temperature is making experts worried. In Seattle, people typically witness more rain than ice. But that pattern is changing over the years.
When the temperature drops several degrees below freezing, it affects your belongings and your residence. This can take a toll on your automated gate. Like many other homeowners, you may see your automated gate—which has worked flawlessly for years—suddenly refuse to budge. It comes to a standstill on a frosty December morning.
Extreme winter chill can affect the automated gate mechanism, leading to erratic operations and a standstill. However, the good thing is that with some preparation, you can prevent such things from happening. At least, you can reduce the recurrence of such annoying events.
Why does cold weather affect gates badly?
Modern automated gates run smoothly year-round, even in light snowfall, too. However, frosty cold temperatures can change things quickly!
It is physics at work. Metal contracts when it gets cold, and lubricants thicken. Rubber seals become brittle, and the batteries lose capacity fast when temperatures drop. These can affect your automated gate mechanism.
It is the freeze-thaw cycle that matters more
Extreme cold is brutal on your gates. However, a freeze-thaw cycle can be even worse. Water gets into small gaps—around hinges, in wheel tracks, and along the bottom seal. During the day, it melts, but at night, the temperature slides and it freezes and expands. This cycle affects the gate components, and they develop cracks and damage over time. Experts at Evergreen Electric Gates and Fences can offer better insight on this matter.
Preventive measures you can take
It is better to take preventive measures to prepare your garden for frosty winter days. Here’s what you can do:
- Standard gate lubricants work well in mild weather. In extreme cold, they turn into thick sludge. This takes a toll on the gate working mechanism. Before the onset of winter, you should apply cold-weather lubricants to all moving parts like hinges, wheels, chain drives, and pivot points.
- Water will get into the gate system, so look for gaps or cracks in your gate motor housing. The Junction boxes where wiring connects also need your attention. Seal these gaps well and use weatherproof sealant.
- If you have a battery backup system or solar-powered gate, pay attention. Cold climate can crush your battery performance. Before winter, test your backup system to ensure the battery is functioning correctly. If it acts slowly, replace it with a new unit to avoid trouble.
Final words
Sometimes, you may not be able to find out what is causing the gate problem. Despite all the precautions, the gate may start giving trouble. Then you should hire a leading veteran from a reliable company offering gate repair services. They can detect the root cause and restore things without delay.
