Menu
Here at North Valley Forge, we know the difference a quality electric gate can make to your home. It isn’t just important for security or privacy – it can also instantly enhance the look of your property, adding a touch of luxury and even improving your home’s market value. Keeping a close eye on your electric gates will keep them running smoothly and looking great all year round, even in unforgiving weather. Here’s why autumn is such a crucial time to be checking your gates for wear and tear!
Keep on top of leaves
Fallen leaves are an autumn staple. They’re also a big reason why paying extra attention to your electric gate is key later in the year. Debris like leaves and dirt have a nasty habit of building up in the tracks of your gate, preventing it from opening smoothly and potentially putting strain on the motor and shortening its lifespan. Piles of leaves can also block the gate’s signal, stopping it from opening and closing as needed. Staying on top of leaves helps your gate to work at its best through autumn and beyond.
Make sure your gates look their best, even in wet weather
Here at North Valley Forge, our priority is providing gates that work well for many years to come, even in the most severe weather. Our team of experts take great care to ensure key components like the motors and controls are safe inside waterproof housing, protected from autumn showers.
But that isn’t the only way our gates are perfect for withstanding the changing seasons. Our wrought iron gates are galvanised for protection against wet weather, preventing unsightly, damaging rust. They don’t even need to be painted – a regular wipe-down with soap and water will clear away autumn’s grime and keep them looking clean and stylish all year long.
If you choose our durable aluminium or composite electric gates, you can also enjoy peace of mind with a similarly simple cleaning process. When it comes to our luxurious African Frake wooden electric gates, occasional cleaning and sealing or staining every few years will keep them beautifully rich in colour and character, even through periods of bad weather.
Trim branches to prevent the risk of wind damage
At North Valley Forge, we only supply exceptional electric gates. Built with the English weather in mind, they are incredibly durable, and just a little care helps to make sure they last a lifetime. Even so, that doesn’t mean they are totally impervious to Mother Nature. Autumn brings high winds that can knock down trees and cause branches to fall, and depending on the size, it could potentially damage your gate or sensor. A tree or branch brought down by especially blustery weather could even block access to your gate altogether or stop it from opening and closing as you need it to.
The last thing you need on a cold or wet autumn day is to be stuck outside your house or trying to move a fallen tree. Pay attention to overhanging branches and trim them back as necessary before they become a problem, ensuring you can enjoy the convenience of your gates all year round. Again, being proactive means that you can spot, address and prevent issues early on.
Prepare for the season ahead
Paying a little extra attention to your electric gates in autumn can also help to keep them running smoothly through even colder weather. When winter arrives, ice on moving parts can cause your electric driveway gates to open slowly or refuse to open altogether. To prepare, it’s a good idea to take the time and apply weather-appropriate lubricant to areas like the hinge or track roller. Like piles of leaves, snow can also block the sensor in winter and prevent the gates from responding. Getting into a good routine in autumn helps to prepare you for moving snowfall when the season changes.
Looking to transform your property and improve its privacy? Then why not reach out? As the UK’s premier electric gate specialist, we’ve been helping people to create their dream electric gates for over 30 years now, and we’re always happy to help. To learn more about what we have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out on 01282 677300 or request a free brochure today.
