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Winter can be harsh on outdoor metal structures, and wrought iron gates are no exception. Here at North Valley Forge, we’ve always ensured that our own wrought iron gates are built to last, but when the weather starts to get tough, they could still benefit from a bit of TLC every now and again. However, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re resistant to some of the most common issues that some metal fixtures sometimes face in winter – you can count on our gates to be free from rust, for example.
So, if you need a couple of top tips on what to focus on (and what you can ignore) now that winter has properly set in, here’s what we’d suggest!
A quick wipe-down never goes amiss
More often than not, your wrought iron gates will be the very first impression that visitors have of your property – and the winter weather means that there’s often a lot of dust, dirt and debris flying around due to strong winds, or passing vehicles kicking up road salt and the like. What’s more, all that debris can collect on the surface, creating a breeding ground for moisture that might freeze in colder temperatures. To avoid that, use a mild detergent and warm water to gently clean the surface of your gates, and be sure to dry the gates thoroughly afterward.
Winter can also cause a lot of hassle because of the accumulation of leaves or dirt in critical moving areas. You’ll want to pay special attention to hinges, tracks, and joints where debris can cause stiffness, or even blockages. On occasion when our technicians are called out to a gate that’s stopped moving, it’s sometimes because of dead leaves and other types of debris on the gate’s tracks.
Lubrication keeps things running smoothly
The moving parts of your gate can often find themselves under extra pressure during winter, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. Again, with our gates here at North Valley Forge it’s not going to be something you’ll have to particularly worry about, but lubricating the hinges and joints certainly isn’t going to cause any issues – so it’s not a bad idea if you’ve got the time, and it can give you extra peace of mind
Apply a weather-resistant lubricant to all moving components, including hinges, pivots, and rollers. Not only will that ensure the gate opens and closes smoothly, but also protect it against the effects of moisture and cold.
Keep infrared sensors free of obstructions
Automated gates rely on infrared sensors to detect obstacles and communicate with the motorised system. These sensors work by sending signals to each other, creating an invisible beam that ensures safe and seamless operation. The only downside is that with all the loose debris flying around in winter, the beam of these sensors can be fairly easily broken – which effectively immobilises the gate. In fact, sometimes they can easily be blocked by even the smallest obstructions, such as a single leaf caught in the sensor’s path or stuck in the gate tracks.
Blocked sensors are a frequent cause of gates refusing to open or close, and we’ve attended our fair share of callouts in the past. So, if your gates have stopped moving, it’s always a good idea to check the sensors as your first port of call. Give them a quick scan for dirt, leaves, or frost that may be disrupting their connection. Then, wipe them clean with a soft, dry cloth, and remove any debris along the tracks.
Enjoy peace of mind with durable gates and ongoing support
Now, we know that winter maintenance is rarely something that people look forward to. As we’ve touched on above though, happily it’s not something you have to worry about too much with our wrought iron gates here at North Valley Forge. The galvanised and powder-coated finish of our gates means that rust and corrosion aren’t something you’ll typically find yourself dealing with in winter weather, as it effectively shields your gate against moisture, ice, and even road salt. That means you’ll never have to worry about repainting, touch-ups, or structural deterioration.
What’s more, if you have one of our underground gate kits, you don’t need to worry about ensuring proper drainage either – as some homeowners occasionally do. We take care of all drainage considerations during the installation process, so you can rest assured that this won’t be an issue for you going forward.
And of course, if you ever need any help or advice, or you’re dealing with some kind of issue around your gate, we’re always here to help right here at North Valley Forge! From in-depth advice or troubleshooting minor issues to providing professional repairs, our staff is always ready to assist.
Feel free to give us a call on 01282 677 300, and we’ll be happy to see how we can assist. Alternatively, you can explore our range of wrought iron gates right here on our site, or feel free to visit our showroom in the heart of Lancashire. We’re always happy to see you!
