Despite the use of increasingly tested technology, automatic gates are not free from breakdowns or malfunctions. In these cases, who is responsible for the repair?
The automatic gate has become an indispensable convenience. Due to its technology, it allows us to easily access our property, without having to get from out of the car to open (or close) it. Precisely for this reason, when the automatic gate stops working, it can become a real problem for home or business owners or for the tenants of an apartment building where it is installed.
These malfunctions can happen for a variety of reasons, such as, for example, engine wear or electronic board failure. In some cases, the solution to the problem may be reparation of the gate, while in others it may need to be replaced.
It is important to point up that the reparation or replacement of gate automation should only be carried out by experienced and qualified professionals. Attempting to repair or replace the automation yourself, without the necessary knowledge and skills, can cause irreparable damage to the motor and risk to people’s safety. Therefore, our advice is to always contact a company specialized in the sector, such as VDS Automazioni, able to provide a high quality service and guarantee the safety of the system.
Automatic gate repair
If the automatic gate does not open or close completely, or if it moves too slowly or too fast or, again, if it makes strange noises or vibrations during its operation, then it is very likely that you are faced with a breakdown or a malfunction requiring repair.
Usually, the main causes of malfunction of the automatic gate can depend on:
- Engine or electronics failures,
- Problems with the security sensors,
- Problems with the electrical connection,
- Wear of mechanical parts,
- Damage to the gate components due to impacts or external interventions,
- Errors with the programming or configuration of the gate.
ften the solution to these inconveniences consists in replacing the motor or mechanical parts, repairing or changing the safety sensors or electronic components or damaged mechanical parts, updating the automation programming or configuration.
Maintenance decreases the risk of breakdowns
The maintenance of automatic gates is an important aspect that should not be underestimated, as it allows you to guarantee the correct functioning of the gate and reduce the risk of problems and malfunctions. So-called “ordinary” maintenance usually includes cleaning, lubrication, checking the safety systems and adjusting the mechanical parts of the gate.
If you want to learn more about the subject, in this article you will find all the steps for perfect maintenance of the automatic gate.
However, particular situations may turn up which cannot be solved with ordinary maintenance of the gate and which therefore require extraordinary maintenance that must be carried out by specialized technicians. It is a series of repair, replacement or updating activities of parts or components of the gate.
Automatic gate motor replacement or gate replacement
In case of deterioration due to prolonged use, technological obsolescence or necessity to adapt to new safety regulations, it may be necessary to replace the motor of the automatic gate.
If there are many interventions to be done, a replacement of the automatic gate is certainly to be considered.
In both cases, the cost of the intervention varies according to the type of gate and the type of motor to install. It is important to carefully weigh the cost of replacement versus the cost of repairing the old motor or gate, based on its condition and intended use.
The intervention time for the motor replacement or automatic gate depend on the complexity of the installation, the availability of the new motor and the condition of the gate. Typically, the surgery takes a few hours, but in some cases it may take longer.
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Who is responsible for the repair of the automatic gate?
As we have seen, automatic gate repairs may be required for a variety of reasons, but it is important to know who is responsible for repairing the gate. Typically, the responsibilities for automatic gate repair can be a attributed to three main figures:
- the owner of the house or company where it is installed (or the condominium administrator),
- the automatic gate installer,
- the manufacturer of the automatic gate.
Responsibility of the house or building owner
In general, the owner of the building where the automatic gate is installed is primarily responsible for the maintenance and repair of the automatic gate.
When buying a property with an automatic gate already installed, it is the new owner’s job to check that the gate is functioning properly and to ensure that regular maintenance is carried out. In case of problems with the gate, he must contact a professional for repair or replacement.
Responsibility of the automatic gate installer
The installer of the automatic gate is responsible for the correct installation of the gate and its commissioning. He should provide the home or building owner with all the necessary information about the maintenance of the gate and any repairs that may be needed in the future. If the gate malfunctions due to faulty installation, the installer is responsible to solve the problem.
Responsibility of the automatic gate manufacturer
The automatic gate manufacturer has the responsibility to supply a safe, high quality product that works properly. If the gate has a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer should take responsibility for repairing or replacing it. Often though, most manufacturers provide a limited warranty that covers only a few specific defects, so it’s important to read the terms of the warranty carefully before making your purchase.
Tips to prevent problems with automatic gates
After analyzing the different options for automatic gate repair or replacement, it is also important to consider how to prevent future problems. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Perform routine maintenance regularly: it is important to perform routine maintenance on the automatic gate regularly, such as cleaning the parts and lubricating the hinges and moving mechanisms.
- Avoid overloading: Avoid overloading the automatic gate with excess items, as this can damage the opening and closing mechanisms.
- Perform timely repairs: when problems are noticed with the automatic gate, it is important to intervene promptly to prevent further damage or breakage.
- Do not force the gate: if the automatic gate seems to get stuck or has difficulty opening or closing, it is best to avoid forcing the mechanism, as this could cause further damage.
Despite these simple precautions, in the event of problems with your automatic gate, it is always a good idea to contact a professional for an accurate assessment of the problem and the repair or replacement of the mechanism. A specialized technician, such as those from the VDS network, will have the necessary skills and experience to solve the problem quickly and efficiently, guaranteeing the correct functioning of the automatic gate and the safety of the users.