At the rate you probably go in and out of the gate attached to your fence, it’s n wonder that this component will need repairs long before the actual fence itself. No matter if you’ve got a wood gate or a metal gate, at some point in time, you’ll start to see and hear clear indicators that your gate is in need of some professional TLC!
In order to prevent cumulative issues that could lead to a gate that’s damaged beyond repair—or at the very least, damaged beyond function—it’s essential to keep yourself apprised of any issues that may be creeping up on your gate. Take a look at some of the common issues that you can keep an eye out for and why addressing them early on will save you a whole lot of money and frustration:
- Rusted tooling: The tooling on your gate—otherwise known as the hinges, pins and screws that keep the gate attached to the fence—can be the first things to break down over time if not maintained properly. It’s important to keep tooling lubricated, polished and protected. If there’s rust already present on your tooling, make sure to have it replaced or treated by a professional.
- Creaking, squeaking and other noises: There’s always going to be some degree of noise when you open and close your gate. Understanding what’s normal versus what’s not is going to be your key in deciphering when it might be time for gate repair in Carlsbad, NM. If you can hear metal on metal, creaking or squeaking when you’re using your gate, make sure everything is properly lubricated. If that doesn’t do the trick, have a professional inspect the integrity of the gate for damages and repair any that are found.
- Rattling or movement: Your gate should open and close rigidly, without any wiggling or movement. Any room for wiggling or rattling means there’s room for disruption in critical assets of the gate, like the tooling. Usually a wiggle or erratic movement can be solved by tightening any loose pieces, however sometimes it will require a professional to reinstall a section of the gate, such as a stripped screw thread or warped component.
- Stuck latches: Your gate exists to both be a part of your fence and to make that fence accessible—if it stops being accessible, you’re looking at an impasse that’s no better than another section of fencing! Make sure your latch or lock is fully functional at all times and you’ll save yourself from getting locked in or out!
The above symptoms of a developing problem will only get worse over time, which makes it important to inspect gates routinely. If you notice anything listed above or a combination of things that might be hindering the flawless function of your gate, contact a professional for gate repair in Carlsbad, MN today! Not only will you guarantee the avoidance of a larger issue, you’ll keep your gate in perfectly functional condition, with a clean aesthetic to boot.