Can Winter Weather Affect Commercial Gate Operators?

Winter in the Midwest is unforgiving. As temperatures plummet across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, your commercial property faces a unique set of challenges, especially around its perimeter. One vulnerability you may be tempted to overlook is your automatic gate operator. When this critical piece of equipment fails, it can do more than just cause a traffic jam; it compromises your security and disrupts your business operations.

At Fence Masters, we have been installing and maintaining gates and gate operators for decades, and we know exactly how brutal our winters can be on mechanical systems. Understanding how cold weather affects your gate operator can help you know how to prevent costly breakdowns and keep your property secure year-round.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Gate Mechanics?

Commercial gate operators are complex machines relying on moving metal parts and fluids. When the temperature drops below freezing, several physical changes occur that can hinder performance.

• Metal Contraction: Metal contracts in the cold. This can cause internal components to tighten, putting extra stress on the motor as it works harder to move the gate.
• Thickening Lubricants: The oil and grease used to keep internal gears running smooth can thicken in extreme cold. This increases friction, causing the gate to move sluggishly or even stall completely.
• Frozen Components: If moisture gets into the hinges, rollers, or chains, it can freeze solid, effectively locking the gate in place.

While accumulating snow and ice can also cause issues with gate operation, cold temperatures alone are often enough to create problems.

Can the Cold Cause Power Issues?

Low temperatures are a major enemy of electrical systems. Cold weather can significantly disrupt a gate operator’s power supply and electronic components.

• Battery Drainage: If your system relies on battery backup, be aware that batteries lose a significant amount of efficiency in freezing weather. A chemical reaction generates power within the battery, and cold slows this reaction down, potentially leaving you without backup power during an outage.
• Electrical Stress: Fluctuating temperatures may cause expansion and contraction in circuit boards and wiring, leading to loose connections or erratic behavior.

It’s important to remember that these problems can impact the reliability and functionality of your systems, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Are Sensor Problems Common in Winter?

Safety sensors, specifically photo-eye sensors, are designed to prevent the gate from closing if an object is in its path. Winter weather frequently interferes with these sensitive devices.

• Snow and Ice Obstruction: If snow piles up in front of the sensor or ice coats the lens, the beam will be broken. The system will likely interpret this as an obstacle, causing the gate to remain stuck in the open position for safety reasons.
• Fog and Condensation: In some cases, heavy frost or condensation on the sensor lens can scatter the infrared beam, triggering false safety stops.

Carefully clearing the sensor can often help resolve these issues.

How Can You Weatherproof Your Gate Operator?

Preventative maintenance is the best defense against gate downtime. Here are actionable steps to protect your investment:

1. Apply Lubricants: Use silicone-based lubricants specifically designed for outdoor use and low temperatures.
2. Install a Heater: For critical high-traffic gates, consider installing a specialized heater inside the operator housing to keep the battery and motor at an optimal operating temperature.
3. Keep the Path Clear: Clear a path for the gate to slide or swing freely, and ensure snow is not piled up against the control box or sensors.
4. Check Drainage: Verify that water will drain away from the operator to prevent ice formation around the base or any electronic components.

With a few intentional actions, you can keep your gate operating smoothly even when the temperatures drop.

Emergency Operation Tips

Despite our best efforts, extreme weather can sometimes win. If your gate stops working during a winter storm, knowing how to operate it manually can be crucial for emergency access.

• Locate the Manual Release: Every operator has a manual release mechanism (often a key or a lever). Before any storm hits, make sure your facility manager knows exactly where it is and has the key accessible.
• Keep De-Icer Handy: In case the manual release lock freezes shut, make sure you have access to de-icer. Never force a frozen key, as it may snap.

Though the likelihood is low, knowing what to do in the case of a winter weather emergency can provide significant peace of mind.

Keep Your Property Secure and Accessible With Fence Masters

A frozen gate is an unaffordable security risk. By understanding the risks of mechanical freezing, power loss, and sensor obstruction, you can take steps to winterize your system effectively.

Don’t wait until you are locked out in the cold, especially if the cause is an old or faulty operator. If you need a new commercial gate system, Fence Masters is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your commercial fencing needs.