Having a security gate is essential to business and many properties for the protection of merchandise and the people inside. Like all appliances, at some point, your security gate will get damaged, malfunction, etc… and then repairing the gate becomes urgent. Here are some important considerations for repairing your security gate.
What Kind Of Security Gate Do I Have?
Most businesses will have security gates such as:
- Rolling Gates
- Rolling Grills
- Shutters and Counter Top Shutters
- Side Folding Grills
- Bifold Doors
Security gates come in 2 basic types determined by which direction the gates open and close. Most will operate by rolling up and down, while others operate by folding and unfolding from the sides.
How Do Security Gates Work?
No matter what configuration your security gate has, the mechanics will be common across the board. All security gates have metal slats, grills, or panels, that attach to a rolling mechanism installed into a track at one or both ends. Think of the garage door for your home and the way each panel has rollers on both sides that fit into the tracks. The rollers and tracks are what helps the panels move as the door opens and closes.
Rolling gates, grilles, and shutters work in the same manner as a garage door. Many garages are secured by rolling gates and share the same type of engineering. These gates spool up like a carpet roll above the doorway.
Side folding grills typically have the rollers and track-mounted in the ceiling and connect at the top of the panels or slats. You may have seen these types of gates used in retail storefronts.
Security gates are usually anchored and locked to the floor, countertop, or other permanent fixtures to keep them closed and prevent unauthorized opening. Another common way of securing gates closed is with locking mechanisms in the gate works themselves. Latching mechanisms can be mounted in a variety of ways.
Access Technology
Electrical operation is common to help make opening and closing security gates easy. Heavier gates may require power for operation and safe use. Today security gates can be controlled using the same access technologies applied to garage doors and secure entrances. You can use methods like:
- Key Cards
- ID Badges
- Smart Phones
- Touch Panels
- Keypads
- Security Stations
- And more…
Secure network technology allows remote access and control of security gates from far away if the system is optioned correctly.
What Are Signs My Security Gate Needs Repair?
Many times there are symptoms you can observe as your security gate is opening and closing that indicate you need to make repairs. Signs like:
- Grinding Noises
- Sluggish Gate Opening
- Latch Failure
- Broken Springs
- Sagging of Gate Structures
- Delays When Operating Controls
- Sensors Failing
- Damage
- Etc…
Pull out your manufacturer documents and look for contact info to their service and support teams. Most security gate retailers are bonded security service providers for their products and can give you insight regarding parts and repair. This is rarely a DIY kind of repair. These gates are going to require specially trained and bonded security techs for service. The tradeoff is that the professionals are typically prompt and offer excellent service since this area of work is their specialty.
My Security Gate Does Not Open
The more you know about your gate the easier the diagnosis will be. If the issue comes up suddenly you will want to look for:
- Power Failure
- Broken Springs
- Obstructions
- Gate Damage
- Severe Weather
Your next step is to see if it is safe to attempt to open the gate manually. Don’t try to force your security gate open if there is a chance of injury or property damage. You may need to call your security gate installer for emergency access and repair.
How Long Do Security Gates Last?
Provided your security gates do not get damaged, you can expect 10+ years of service depending on the quality. Manual gates tend to work far longer since electronic openers tend to fail before the mechanics of the gate do. The good news is that electronics are cheap to replace in most instances.
Regular Maintenance
You will always save money on security gate repairs and emergency calls with regular maintenance. This includes:
- Regular Lubrication of Moving Parts
- Alignment Checks
- Replacement of Damaged/Rusted Parts
Expect security gates that operate outdoors in the elements to need increased maintenance to keep them working properly.
Emergency Gate Repair And Lockouts
As vital as your security gate is to your business, it becomes more vital that repairs are made when trouble occurs. Any number of situations can damage your gate which then affects your business security and operation. Situations like:
- Attempted Breakin
- Severe Weather
- Lock Outs
- Lock Malfunctions
- Impact Damage
- Etc…
Work with a service company you can trust to be there when you need them most. Look for companies with skilled and bonded professionals that offer emergency service calls 24/7. Ask your gate provider about service after the sale to make yourself aware of what the retailer offers and how they handle repair and emergency call situations. The more information you can get from the vendor, the more peace of mind you will have when bad things happen.
New York Gates is the leading security gate and commercial garage door supplier and installer in New York City. We service all the 5 boroughs of NYC.
Get in touch with New York Gates today for a FREE quote.
