With just a few official weeks of summer left, many households across the UK are still making the most of warmer evenings, family gatherings, and busy gardens. However, this busy season can also be the time of year when electric gates are under the most pressure.
Higher temperatures, dust from dry spells, pollen, storms, and more frequent use can all trigger unexpected faults, which can leave you stuck inside or locked out at the worst possible moment!
The good news is that most summer electric gate problems can be avoided with a little foresight and consistent gate maintenance. By recognising the issues that tend to appear in summer and addressing them proactively, you can avoid unwanted breakdowns or costly repairs, and keep your gates working reliably.
At Fraser Gates, we specialise in designing, installing, and maintaining bespoke electric gates across the UK, so we see first-hand the difference that professional care makes. Whether your gates are brand new or have been in place for years, a little attention now can save you from much bigger problems later.
Here, we explore some of the most common summer electric gate problems and practical steps to prevent them.
Why Electric Gates May Struggle More in Summer
Electric gates are complex systems, combining mechanical strength with delicate electronics. As the temperature rises, we tend to see an increase in electric gate problems for several reasons.
Hot weather can overheat motors, while dust, pollen, and cut grass from busy gardens often clog tracks and hinges. Sudden summer storms bring the risk of power surges that can damage control boards. On top of this, most families use their gates more in the summer holidays, with increased visitors, deliveries, and day-to-day activity putting additional strain on moving parts and electronics.
Altogether, these seasonal factors make even the most well-installed gate system more vulnerable to faults. Fortunately, most issues can be avoided with regular gate maintenance. To prevent breakdowns and prolong your system’s lifespan, we recommend booking professional maintenance.
Common Summer Electric Gate Problems
1. Overheating Gate Motors
One of the most frequent summer complaints is overheating motors. During heatwaves or after frequent use, the motor can become too hot, causing the gate to slow down, stop, or trigger error codes. Unlike in winter, the cooling period between uses is often shorter in summer, as household activity increases and garden gates are opened more often.
To reduce the risk, make sure there is nothing blocking the vents or restricting airflow around the motor housing. Try to avoid multiple rapid gate openings in succession, especially during the hottest part of the day. If the problem persists, it’s important to arrange a service, as repeated overheating can lead to permanent motor failure.
2. Track and Hinge Blockages from Dust and Debris
Dry weather and thriving gardens often mean more dust, pollen, and grass cuttings during the summer. Left unchecked, this debris can easily build up in gate tracks or around hinges, leading to grinding noises, uneven motion, or gates that won’t move at all. You may notice this issue more after mowing the lawn or hedge trimming nearby.
Taking a few moments each week to inspect and clean these areas can make a real difference, and is far easier than dealing with a stuck or damaged gate during a family gathering. A simple routine of regular sweeping and occasional rinsing with low-pressure water helps keep tracks clear and prevents jams.
As part of our electric gate maintenance service, we also clean and lubricate these key areas, preventing unnecessary strain on the motor and prolonging the life of your gate.
3. Sunlight Interference with Safety Sensors
Electric gate safety sensors, often called photocells, are essential for protecting people and vehicles from accidental closure. Unfortunately, strong sunlight (particularly rays at sunrise or sunset) can shine directly into the sensors and interfere with the infrared beam. This can cause gates to stop unexpectedly or refuse to close, leaving your property exposed or creating inconvenience.
If this happens regularly, consider installing small shrouds to shade the sensors or adjusting their position slightly. Testing your safety features regularly during summer is also vital, to make sure that the gate stops and reverses properly if the beam is broken. For persistent electric gate problems of this nature, professional adjustment or sensor upgrades are the safest solutions.
4. Power Surges and Storm Damage
Summer thunderstorms can wreak havoc with electrical systems, including your gate. Power surges or sudden cuts may blow fuses, trip breakers, or even damage sensitive circuit boards. If you come home to a completely unresponsive gate after a storm, it may well be linked to surge damage.
The best defence is having a surge protector fitted to your gate’s power supply by a qualified engineer, which can be included as part of a regular gate maintenance visit. If you notice repeated issues after a power cut, it’s important to call in a professional rather than attempting DIY fixes, which may make matters worse or risk your safety.
5. Swollen or Warped Wooden Gates
Hardwood timber gates bring a traditional charm to any property, but they can be vulnerable to the effects of heat and humidity if not treated properly. In summer, wood absorbs moisture from the air, causing panels to swell or twist. This can make the gate rub against the ground, drag on hinges, or fail to close cleanly.
Quick changes in weather, from rain to hot sun, make these effects more noticeable. Preventative electric gate maintenance is key: treat wooden gates annually with weatherproofing oil or sealant, and arrange for alignment adjustments if you notice new gaps or difficulty locking.
If warping becomes persistent, consider whether a steel, aluminium, wrought iron, or composite option might offer better long-term performance.
6. Worn Parts from Frequent Summer Use
Summer often means gates are opened more times each day, whether for visitors, family gatherings, or deliveries. This increased activity can put added stress on hinges, rollers, motors, and electronic components. Over time, wear shows up as creaking noises, loose fittings, or reduced responsiveness from electronic components such as remote receivers and intercoms.
Lubricating moving parts with products designed specifically for gate systems helps reduce friction. It’s important to never use standard household oils for this, as they can attract dust. However, lubrication may not suffice for particularly busy households that open and close their gates multiple times each day. In this case, a maintenance appointment is the best way to catch small issues before they escalate.
7. Breakdowns due to Limited Electric Gate Maintenance
Without doubt, the most common cause of summer breakdowns is lack of electric gate maintenance. These are complex systems, and even small faults can develop into expensive repairs if left unchecked. Many homeowners only notice problems when the gate stops working altogether, by which time costs are much higher.
An annual professional service includes a full inspection of electrical and mechanical parts, thorough safety tests, lubrication, and a detailed report. This preventative approach keeps your gates working at their best, ensures compliance with UK safety regulations, and gives you peace of mind.
According to Checkatrade, the cost of a regular service is far less than an emergency repair, which can sometimes run into hundreds of pounds.
When to Call a Professional for Gate Maintenance
While certain electric gate problems (like cleaning tracks or checking for obvious obstructions) can be managed by the homeowner, there are times when expert help is essential.
If your gate is stuck open or closed, emits unusual electrical noises, displays persistent error codes, or if any safety feature fails to operate as intended, it’s time to call a qualified maintenance professional. Attempting electrical repairs yourself is never recommended and may void warranties or create safety risks.
Solve Your Summer Electric Gate Problems with Fraser Gates
Summer should be spent enjoying your garden and welcoming visitors, not dealing with frustrating gate failures. By understanding the most common summer electric gate problems and investing in regular gate maintenance, you can avoid disruption and keep your gates working reliably.
If you are concerned about your system or simply want peace of mind, Fraser Gates offers tailored maintenance services designed to keep your electric gates reliable, safe, and stylish all year round. Our team specialises in designing, installing, and maintaining bespoke electric gates that enhance your home while providing security and convenience.
Get in touch with us today to book electric gate maintenance or discuss your new gate project. With Fraser Gates, you can be confident that your gates will stand up to whatever the British weather throws their way, in any season. deserves.