Here’s what you should do when your gate has been damaged by a vehicle.
A vehicle collision with your gate can lead to functional and structural damage, affecting your security, safety, and property aesthetics. Whether your gate is part of a residential, commercial, or industrial property, it’s crucial to assess the damage thoroughly and take immediate action to restore it. Here’s what you should do when your gate has been hit by a vehicle.
Ensure Safety and Assess the Damage
Before inspecting the damage, you must prioritize safety. Keep people and pets away from the gate, especially if it is at risk of falling or has sharp, broken metal edges. A collision can weaken hinges, posts, or support beams, leading to potential collapse. If the gate is leaning or swaying, do not attempt to move it. If your gate is automated, check for exposed wires or damaged control boxes. Avoid contact with any electrical components until a professional assesses them.
Inspect the Gate
Once the area is safe, conduct a thorough inspection of the damage. Metal gates can suffer from severe dents, while wooden gates may crack or split. A bent frame could affect the gate’s ability to open and close properly. The impact may have loosened or broken hinges, preventing the gate from swinging or sliding as intended. Look for misalignment or broken welds.
If you have a sliding gate, inspect the gate tracks and rollers. If the collision has bent the track or knocked the rollers out of alignment, the gate may not open properly. Listen for unusual sounds when operating your gate. A collision may have shifted or damaged the motor, sensor arms, or control unit.
Test the Gate’s Functioning
After the initial inspection, test the gate’s functionality. For manual gates, carefully try opening and closing the gate by hand. If there is resistance, dragging, or imbalance, internal components may be damaged. For automatic gates, activate the gate opener. Observe any lagging, jerking, or failure to respond. If the gate struggles to open or makes unusual noises, turn off the power to prevent further damage.
Hire a Gate Repair Technician
Even if your gate appears to function after a collision, internal damage could lead to long-term problems. A professional inspection ensures that no hidden issues compromise your gate’s security and longevity.
When choosing a repair service, look for:
- Experienced technicians in automated and manual gates
- Specialists in gate welding, electrical repairs, and alignment
- Emergency repair services if your gate is stuck open or closed
Kirken Gates has been a leader in the marketplace for over 40 years. We are an authorized dealer for Liftmaster and FAAC. and other brands Sales and service on gates and gate arms, in the Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia area.
Our gate techs are professional and reliable each and every day. We are out to exceed our customers’ expectations.
Trust Kirken Gates for Your Commercial Gate Installation
Securing your business with a custom-designed gate system is an investment in your property’s safety and your peace of mind. With Kirken Gates, you can trust that every detail is handled by experienced professionals. Kirken Gates takes pride in delivering professional, reliable service to clients throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. From custom designs and professional installations to round-the-clock maintenance and support, we’re committed to delivering top-tier service for your commercial gate needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help secure your commercial property with a high-quality, customized gate system! Contact our Main Office at 1-866-4KIRKEN (1-866-454-7536) or [email protected], or place a Service Call at 1-866-4KIRKEN (1-866-454-7536).