Don’t Wait for a Breakdown—Catch These Red Flags Early
Electric gates—whether remote-controlled, solar-powered, or fully motorized—add security, convenience, and curb appeal to your home or business. But like any mechanical system, they’re not indestructible. They wear down over time, and here’s the kicker: most gate systems don’t suddenly fail. They give you warning signs first.
At Fantastic Fence, we get a lot of calls only after an electric gate has completely stopped working. By that point, the damage is often worse—and the repair bill higher. The smarter (and cheaper) move? Recognize the signs that your electric gate needs repairs before it breaks down completely.
Below are the most common signs your electric or motorized gate might be crying out for help.
1. Slower or Uneven Movement
If your automatic gate opens or closes at a crawl—or moves with a shudder or stall—it’s time for a closer look. Smooth, consistent motion is key for both safety and performance.
Possible causes:
- Worn drive gears or aging gate motor
- Rust or debris in the track
- Failing control board or low voltage
Don’t wait until it stops halfway across the driveway.
2. Loud or Strange Noises During Operation
Electric gates should operate quietly. If yours starts clicking, buzzing, grinding, or squeaking, that’s not just annoying—it’s a warning.
What it could be:
- Misaligned hinges or rollers
- Motor strain or lack of lubrication
- Loose internal components or bolts
Noise is often the first audible sign your gate’s moving parts are under pressure.
3. Unresponsive Controls (Remote, Keypad, or App)
Press the button, and… nothing? A sluggish or totally unresponsive control system could mean problems with:
- Dead remote batteries (start here)
- Faulty receiver or wiring issues
- Outdated or damaged circuit boards
Remote controls that are not working is one of the most common reason we get service calls. Stay on top of this by regularly changing out your remote control batteries before they start being intermittent or stop working entirely!
4. The Gate Doesn’t Open or Close All the Way
Partial opening or closing can create both a security risk and a safety hazard. It’s often linked to:
- Sensor misalignment
- Damaged actuator arms
- Power interruptions or incorrect limit settings
If your gate opens halfway and freezes, it’s trying to tell you something.
5. Inconsistent or Flickering Power Supply
Gate system turning on and off unpredictably? That’s more than a nuisance—it could signal deeper electrical issues.
Watch for:
- Intermittent power loss
- Blown fuses or electrical surges
- Solar battery degradation
Worn our batteries (especially in a solar powered operator) is one of the most common reasons for service calls. Prevent this issue by having yearly maintenance at least 1 time a year at which time we can load test your batteries.
6. Unresponsive Safety Sensors
Modern electric gates rely on photo-eye sensors or loop detectors to prevent accidents. If your gate doesn’t reverse when something’s in the way—or if it stops for no reason—your safety sensors might be failing.
Don’t gamble with safety. Malfunctioning sensors should be calibrated, repaired, or replaced immediately.
7. Visible Rust, Cracks, or Component Damage
Electric gates live outside, and the elements take their toll. If you notice:
- Rust or corrosion on hinges or frame
- Cracked housing around the motor or wiring
- Sagging or misaligned gate arms
…it’s time for service. Physical wear affects performance and leads to costlier failures later.
8. Delayed Reaction to Commands
Does your gate hesitate after you press the remote or app? Delayed reaction could stem from:
- Weak receiver signal
- Faulty wiring
- Failing internal circuitry
A delay today could mean a full breakdown tomorrow.
9. Your Gate Has Been Ignored for Over a Year
Let’s be real—electric gate systems aren’t “set-it-and-forget-it.” Just like a car, they need periodic maintenance:
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Cleaning debris from tracks and sensors
- Checking wiring and battery life
- Testing safety reversal systems
If it’s been more than 12 months since a technician looked at your gate, you’re overdue.
Why Early Repairs Save You Time and Money
Catching electric gate issues early helps you:
- Avoid being locked in or out
- Reduce emergency service costs
- Prevent wear from turning into full failure
- Protect your family, customers, and vehicles from gate malfunction hazards
At Fantastic Fence, we specialize in electric and automatic gate repair for homes, businesses, and HOAs. Whether your gate is chain-driven, solar-powered, slide-style, or swinging steel—we’ve seen it all, and we can fix it fast.
Let’s Fix It Before It Fails
Don’t wait until your gate completely quits. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s time for a professional diagnostic. We can quickly identify and fix the issue before it becomes a bigger (and pricier) problem.