Why is my gate left in the open position? Having trouble with your automatic gate? One common problem that gate owners sometimes face is their gate getting stuck in the open position. You may notice your gate attempting to close but not being able to. Or you may notice that your gate won’t move at all once it is in the open position. This can be especially frustrating as many choose automatic gates due to their ability to provide increased security. This article will provide an overview of the most common reasons why a gate may get stuck in the open position and how you can diagnose and fix the problem. For more information about gate repair and installation, contact the experts at Jay360 now!

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Why Is My Gate Left In The Open Position?

Regularly maintaining your gate opener is one of the best ways to ensure it lasts longer and does not malfunction. Click the?play button on the video below to see some simple maintenance tips! Keep in mind that every type of driveway gate will require different types of maintenance.

 

One of the main reasons why gates won’t open or close properly is due to the weather. Click here to learn more about how weather affects your gate and why it may be the reason your gate won’t close. If you know the weather is not the problem and your gate was running smoothly until it got stuck in the open position, it may be one of two problems – a mechanical issue or an electrical problem with your gate or?gate opener.

Mechanical Issues

If your gate opened up just fine but refuses to close and is now permanently left in the open position, it may be a mechanical issue. The issue could be as simple as debris or a small object blocking the gate’s path – most gates won’t close if they sense something in the way. The issue could be a bit more complicated – a physical problem with the hardware may cause your gate to become locked in the open position. The Automatic Gate Resource Center outlines 4 steps to determining a mechanical issue with your gate:

• Check for broken or damaged parts of your gate – if you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary, check for obstructions in the gate’s pathway
• Turn off the power and disconnect either the chain or the gate arm, depending on the type of gate you own. Manually move the gate – does it move easily? If so, you know the actual gate is not causing the problem.
• If the problem is something small, like a build up of debris in the way, can you fix it yourself? If so, get working!
• If the problem is more complicated, you should call on gate installation and repair experts to ensure you do not injure yourself or cause even more damage to your gate (source).

Electrical Problems

If you’ve inspected your gate and realized the problem is not due to a mechanical issue, there is a good chance it is an electrical issue. Electrical problems are very common with automatic gates. An electrical problem can easily cause a gate to become stuck in the open position, even if it initially opened without a problem. When checking for an electrical problem, take the following steps:

1. Ensure your gate does not have the “hold open” command activated – This command can be accidentally activated by you or someone else in your family. It’s an easy solution – just turn the command off and your gate should resume normal function.

2. Check the fire department key switch – It’s possible the fire department came by to check your gate and forgot to put your settings back to normal. Check the key switch and ensure everything is normal before moving on to the next step.

3. Reset the power on your gate operator – If the problem is not an accidentally activated command or switch, reset the power on your gate operator. Sometimes all your gate needs is a simple reset (source).

4. Check the sensors – Check the photocell/photo eye/sensors on your gate. Is there moisture? Debris on the lens? Check these sensors to ensure nothing is blocking them. Sometimes moisture build-up can cause your gate to stop closing as the sensors stop working.

5. Check your remote/operator – Like all electronics, your remote or operator may need a battery change. If you notice your remote is acting sluggish, the red light won’t turn on when you press buttons, or it’s just not working at all, the problem may actually be your remote and not your gate.

6. Call the experts – If you’ve tried all the above and still can’t figure out what’s wrong with your gate, the problem may be more serious. It’s always best to call on the experts to ensure you do not cause more damage to your gate or gate operator, or injure yourself while working with the battery or electrical components.

Sources -?automaticgateinfo.com?and?gateopenersreview.com

Other Common Causes

If you’ve checked everything above and your gate still is causing you problems, it may be another issue. Here are some other problems that can cause your gate to become stuck in the open position.

Weather Related Issues

If the snow has just set in or there was a major temperature drop, your gate may become sluggish or completely stop moving. Sometimes, patience is all you need. Ensure your gate is properly lubricated, insulate the battery box (ONLY if you know how to safely do this, if not, contact an expert) and use cold resistant grease to help ensure your gate performs its best during the winter.

Poorly Installed Gate

Though DIY gate installation may seem like a cost-effective solution, installing an automatic gate is a very complicated and precise procedure. An improperly installed gate may work fine at first, but soon you may be faced with serious issues. If you DIY installed your gate or found yourself with an unprofessional installer, it’s a good idea to call on an experienced gate installation company to help fix the problem.

Check The Ground Position

Was your gate built on an ascending surface? This can cause problems with your gate opening and closing correctly. If possible, see if you can fix the surface or slightly change the positioning of the gate so you do not have to continuously deal with this issue. If you cannot change the position, ensure your gate has the proper equipment to perform well on less-than-optimal conditions.

Still Having Problems With Your Gate?

At Jay360, we have over 28 years of experience installing and repairing gates. If you need help with a gate that won’t close, you can rely on the knowledge and experience of Jay360 by Jay Fencing. Feel confident that we will recommend only the security products that meet your specific needs and budget.? We value top notch customer service, providing the highest quality products and services available, being a name that you can trust, and having?experienced and hardworking staff.?

Jay360 can help you choose and install the perfect privacy, security, or automatic gate for you, your business, and your family. Over the years, we have supplied and installed a lot of gates! With over 28 years of experience, we know how to install and repair gates of all sizes and shapes.

We can supply and install anything from door, swing, and various versions of slider gates. We carry a wide variety of manufactured gates and create custom designs according to your specifications and dimensions. Call on?Jay 360?today!

Sources

www.gateopenersreview.com?/?www.doityourself.com?/?www.aspiremetro.com?/
www.automaticgateinfo.com