If your electric gate isn’t functioning quite right, a professional can help. And we’re here to look at everything you need to know about electric gate repair near you.
That includes the best ways to find reliable tradespeople, how much it costs, and how long your electric gates should last. Keep reading to find out more.
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Your questions answered about automatic gate repair near you
Why do electric gates stop working?
There are lots of reasons why your electric gates might stop working.
Over time, mechanical components can succumb to wear and tear, especially if they’re not properly maintained.
Alternatively, there could be an electrical fault. Sometimes, electric components fail because of manufacturing issues, age or water getting into the electronics.
If your electric gates have stopped working, a professional will be able to work out what’s happened and fix the issue.
What are the most common electric gate problems and how can they be fixed?
Wondering what kind of repairs you can expect to make to your electric gates? Here are some common problems and how they’re typically fixed.
1. Damaged circuit board or motor
If your gate doesn’t open or it opens very slowly, this might indicate damage to your gate opener’s motor or circuit board.
In this case, a professional will inspect it and replace any faulty components.
2. Malfunctioning photocells
If your gate’s photocells detect an obstacle, they’ll prevent the gate from closing. But this might not always go to plan.
If there are leaves and debris on the ground, these may need to be cleared before the sensors allow your gates to close.
Similarly, if the photocells are dirty or misaligned, they might be incorrectly identifying obstacles. In this case, giving them a clean and making sure they’re pointing at each other should do the trick.
3. Damaged parts
Electric gate openers are made up of lots of different parts, including rollers, hinges, bolts and chains. Each one could loosen or wear out over time, causing problems with your electric gate.
Tightening loose screws and bolts, and replacing worn-out parts will usually rectify the issue.
How do you fix an electric gate that won’t close?
That depends on the cause of the issue.
The first thing to check is the battery. If it’s dead, your gates won’t close. Changing the battery could be just the ticket.
Alternatively, there may be obstacles blocking the gate’s path, like debris or leaves. Try clearing these.
Check the photocells too, to make sure they’re clean and properly aligned.
If not, the issue could be related to an electrical fault or failed mechanical component. A specialist will be able to confirm the cause and provide the appropriate repair.
How long should electric gates last?
Good electric gate systems should last for 15 to 20 years.
That said, this is providing your gates have been properly installed and regularly maintained. Routine servicing can help to extend your electric gates’ lifespan.
What is the life expectancy of an electric gate motor?
That depends on the load it’s expected to carry, and how much it’s being used.
Most electric gate motors that are designed for residential use can open and close around 100,000 times during their lifespan.
Most homeowners will only need to use their electric gates a few times a day. But let’s err on the side of caution and assume you use your gates 18 times a day.
In this case, you could still expect your electric gate motor to last 15 years (assuming it has light loading and has been installed properly).
How much does it cost to replace an electric gate motor?
The cost to replace a faulty or broken electric gate motor can vary widely. You can expect to pay anywhere from £300 - £1,800.
Why hire an expert for electric gate repair near me?
Hiring an expert to repair your automatic gates comes with a whole host of benefits. Here are just a few.
1. Expertise
An expert will use their knowledge and experience to properly diagnose what’s going wrong with your electric gate.
In this way, they’ll be able to fix it the first time, rather than using a process of trial and error to see what works.
2. Quality repair
If your electric gate repair isn’t completed to a high standard, it’ll be more likely to break again. It may even end up having a shorter lifespan.
Luckily, you can trust a professional to complete a high-quality gate repair. That will help you avoid forking out on further repair costs in the near future.
3. Peace of mind
A properly functioning electric gate is crucial for your safety. Plus, it will help to deter intruders and boost your home’s security.
When you hire an expert for electric gate repair near you, you can be confident that your gate will be repaired to a high standard, so that it can perform its job properly.
4. Save time
A specialist in automatic gate repair near you will have all the tools, knowledge and experience needed to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
So, you’ll be able to get your electric gate back up and running in no time.
How much does automatic gate repair near me cost?
Electric gate repair costs can vary depending on several factors. For instance:
- What the issue is
- How long it takes to fix the problem
- The cost of any replacement parts
- Your location
That said, you can expect to pay roughly £65–£85 per hour for labour, as well as a callout fee of around £50–£100.
Just bear in mind that this doesn’t include the cost of any replacement parts you need.
You can help to stave off repair costs by investing in regular electric gate servicing. Most electric gate installation companies offer service plans. Depending on whether you want yearly, bi-annual, or quarterly maintenance, you can expect to pay anywhere from £150-£750 per year.
Head over to our electric gate repair cost guide for more details.
How do I find reputable electric gate repair companies near me?
Wondering how to find reliable professionals specialising in electric gate repair near you? Here are our top tips.
Read reviews
Always check to see what other homeowners have to say about any contractors offering electric gate repair near you.
That way, you can make sure to choose someone that others rate.
Get multiple quotes
It’s best to get at least three quotes for automatic gate repair near you.
This will allow you to get a feel for a range of different companies. Plus, you’ll be able to check that you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
Get recommendations
Do you have a friend or family member who’s recently had an electric gate repaired? Why not ask if they would recommend the company they used?
Make sure to cross-reference any recommendations on Checkatrade, so you know they’ve also been checked and vetted by us.
Use Checkatrade!
At Checkatrade, all our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on everything from punctuality to professionalism. So, you know they’re the real deal!
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
