Cold Weather Is Coming: Common Gate & Operator Problems You Need to Watch For This Winter

As the temperatures drop in Texas, your automatic gate system faces new challenges that can easily lead to breakdowns, delays, and costly repairs. Winter weather affects every part of a gate, from its moving hardware to its electrical components, and understanding these issues early can save you time, money, and stress.

Below are the most common winter-season problems homeowners and businesses should be prepared for.

1. Ice on Tracks and Wheels (Sliding Gates)

Ice is one of the biggest enemies of a sliding gate. Even a thin layer can prevent the wheels from rolling smoothly, forcing the operator to strain and potentially shut down.

Cold-weather effects:

• Ice buildup blocking the track

• Wheels freezing and refusing to turn

• Misalignment caused by uneven pressure

• Operator overworking and potentially burning out

Keeping the track clear and checking it after cold, wet nights helps avoid major issues.

2. Weak or Failing Batteries

Cold temperatures reduce battery performance, especially in operators with 12V or 24V systems.

Common winter battery issues:

• Slower operation

• Low-voltage or flashing warnings

• Faster corrosion

• Sudden power loss during freezing conditions

Winter is when weak batteries reveal themselves.

3. Reduced Flexibility of Moving Parts

Cold weather makes metal contract and thickens old lubrication.

This can cause:

• Slow or jerky movement

• Extra resistance on swing arms or wheels

• Hinges stiffening or bending

• Operator shutdowns from overload

A pre-winter lubrication and hinge check can prevent many service calls.

4. Pests Hiding Inside Operator Covers

When temperatures fall, pests, especially squirrels, mice, and rats, look for warm enclosures. Gate operator boxes become ideal hiding spots.

They can cause:

• Chewed wires

• Damaged boards

• Electrical shorts

• Urine corrosion

• Full operator failure

Pest control inside and around the box is essential during colder months.

5. Moisture, Rain, and Condensation in Electrical Components

Texas winter weather often shifts rapidly between cold, warm, wet, and windy. This creates condensation inside gate operator housings.

Moisture can lead to:

• Rust on circuit boards

• Moisture-triggered error codes

• Damaged fuses and terminals

• Random reversing or shutting off

Weather seals and internal inspections are key before winter.

6. Lightning Storms and Electrical Damage

Cold season in Texas often brings thunderstorms, and lightning can be one of the most destructive threats to any gate operator.

A lightning strike does not need to hit the gate directly to cause severe damage. A surge traveling through the power line or nearby ground can instantly fry the operator’s electrical board, transformer, sensor wiring, or battery charger.

Lightning-related problems include:

• Burned control boards

• Blown surge protectors or fuses

• Damaged exit loops or safety devices

• Operators not powering on at all

 

Important tip:
If the weather forecast shows a strong lightning storm headed your way, it can sometimes be safer to turn off the operator’s power and unplug it from the outlet until the storm passes. This reduces the risk of a surge destroying the internal electronics.

 

Prepare Your Gate for Winter Before the Problems Start

Winter is the season when gates fail the most, usually due to simple issues that could have been prevented. A quick inspection ensures your system is ready for freezing temperatures, moisture, pests, and lightning storms.

A.S. Gate & Fence provides:

• Track and wheel cleaning

• Battery testing and replacement

• Lubrication for hinges and moving parts

• Pest inspection and prevention

• Electrical system and surge protection check

• Weather-seal and moisture inspection

A small tune-up today can prevent major breakdowns when you need your gate the most.