Automatic gate maintenance: why is it important and what to know?

Automatic gates have become an almost indispensable element of our homes, not only for the convenience they offer but also because they represent an additional layer of security. Like any mechanical and electronic system, however, they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal and safe operation. 

Many underestimate this, often due to a lack of awareness of the legal implications and risks associated with inadequate maintenance. 

In this guide, we explain why the maintenance of automatic gates is important (as well as mandatory) and everything you need to know about it: regulations, documentation, interventions, who to contact and so on. 
 

Automatic gate maintenance: legal and regulatory aspects

The maintenance of automatic gates is a topic that goes far beyond the simple care and maintenance of the equipment. This is an area heavily regulated by a series of European regulations and directives that aim to ensure the safety of the user and anyone who interacts with these systems. 

It is no coincidence that the law is so strict: automatic gates, if not properly maintained, can become a source of serious dangers, such as accidents or, in the worst case, fatal situations. To find out more in detail, we invite you to read the guide on the regulation on automatic gates. 
 

Maintenance obligation

The maintenance of automatic gates is not an option, but a legal obligation. This is enshrined in European directives such as 98/37/EC and 2006/42/EC, which have also been transposed into Italian legislation. 

These standards not only outline the minimum safety and functionality standards that must be adhered to, but also specify that maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel. This means that it is not possible to entrust this operation to non-specialized personnel or try to perform it independently, unless you have a recognized qualification.
 

Certifications and documentation

Documentation is another aspect that should not be overlooked. Each gate must be accompanied by a certificate of conformity, which attests to compliance with current regulations. In addition, it is mandatory that a visible CE plate is affixed to the gate certifying its compliance with European standards. 

The company that carried out the installation is required to provide a package of documents that includes the technical installation and maintenance manual, operating instructions and a maintenance log. 

The latter is particularly important, as it must be updated with each maintenance intervention, both ordinary and extraordinary, and can be requested in the event of checks by the competent authorities.
 

Liability and consequences

Failure to comply with regulations can lead to serious consequences. In addition to financial penalties, which can be very high, there is also the risk of incurring civil and criminal liability, especially if accidents occur due to lack of maintenance that compromise people's safety.
 

Why is automatic gate maintenance important? 

In addition to the legal aspect, maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity, efficiency and, above all, safety of the automatic gate.
 

Security and functionality

An automatic gate is a complex system that includes mechanical and electronic components. A failure in one of these elements could not only compromise the functionality of the gate but also pose a serious danger to people and pets. For example, a malfunction of the motion sensors could cause the gate to close suddenly, with potentially serious consequences.
 

Avoid inconvenience and unexpected costs

Another aspect that is often overlooked is the economic impact of inadequate maintenance. A malfunctioning gate can lead to frequent breakdowns that require costly repairs and, in some cases, complete replacement of the system. Not only that. A gate that is not working properly can cause significant inconvenience, such as delays or problems accessing the property. 
 

Property enhancement

A well-maintained gate not only works better, but also improves the aesthetics and value of the property. A creaky, rusty or visibly deteriorated gate can in fact devalue the entire home, while a gate in excellent condition is an added value in terms of appeal and security.
 

How to secure an automatic gate and carry out maintenance

The first distinction to be made is between ordinary and extraordinary maintenance . Routine maintenance is that which must be carried out regularly and includes operations such as cleaning components, lubricating mechanical parts and checking electronic circuits. 

The extraordinary one, on the other hand, is the one that is carried out in the event of breakdowns or obvious malfunctions. These interventions require an accurate diagnosis of the problem and, often, the replacement of damaged or worn parts.
 

What does maintenance consist of?

Carrying out thorough maintenance of the automatic gate requires a series of well-defined steps and attention to details that might seem insignificant but are essential for the proper functioning of the system. Below are some of the main stages of this process. 
 

Deep cleaning and visual inspection

• Debris removal: Use vacuum cleaners and hand tools to remove any debris, such as leaves or stones, that could hinder the movement of the gate.
• Anti-corrosion check: Inspect all metal parts for signs of rust or corrosion and apply a specific anti-corrosion treatment to prevent further damage.
   

Lubrication and mechanical maintenance

• Lubrication points: identify and lubricate all critical points of the mechanism, such as gears, belts and rollers, using high-performance lubricants.
• Checking screws and bolts: Perform a meticulous check of all screws, bolts, and other fasteners, tightening them if necessary to prevent unwanted vibration and movement.
   

In-depth control of electronic systems

• Sensordiagnostics: perform functional tests on photocells and proximity sensors to ensure accurate and timely detection of obstacles or movements.
• Wiring inspection and replacement: Thoroughly examine the integrity of electrical cables, replacing those that show signs of wear or damage.
   

Testing and verification of safety systems

It is essential to carry out in-depth checks on the different gate security systems, through a real simulation of risk scenarios with practical tests to assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms. 

These controls focus on specific risk-related parameters that need to be prevented:

• protection from the risk of falls;
• guarantee of the mechanical resistance of the gate;
• prevention of falling, tipping and crushing hazards;
• protection against the risk of derailment;
• measures to avoid hooking;
• precautions against conveyance by moving parts;
• protection against shearing caused by moving parts. 
   

Keeping documentation and up-to-date record

As mentioned above, it is important to keep a detailed and up-to-date record of every work carried out, including the results of the safety tests and the details of the technical personnel involved.
 

How often should it be done?

The frequency with which maintenance is carried out varies depending on several factors, such as the age of the gate and environmental conditions. Maintenance should be carried out at least once a year. In some cases, such as gates that are heavily used or exposed to particular climatic conditions, a six-monthly visit may be more appropriate.
 

Who to contact?

It is essential to choose a company or technician who is not only qualified but also certified according to current regulations. The advice is to always check the credentials and ask for references before entering into a maintenance contract.
 

Who pays for the repair of the automatic gate? 

If you have a rental contract and you are wondering who pays for the maintenance of the automatic gate, you should know that the ordinary one is the responsibility of the tenant while the extraordinary one is the responsibility of the owner. 
 

Somfy solutions for gate motorization

If you're considering installing a new automatic gate or upgrading your existing system, it's crucial to opt for solutions that not only comply with all of the safety regulations we've seen but are also easy to maintain. 

The DIY approach is a possibility, but if you are not an expert, as explained in our article on how to motorize a gate, it is advisable to contact a technician certified by the engine manufacturer.

In this regard, Somfy offers several products to automate sliding and swing gates that combine reliability, ease of maintenance and personalized assistance service. In fact, it is possible to take advantage of the Somfy Expert program, the network of Somfy installers which, in addition to installation, offers an after-sales service, which includes scheduled maintenance and support in case of problems. 

We remind you that Somfy products are "smart" devices and that, thanks to the brand's ecosystem, it is possible to control the gate even remotely and set up personalized scenarios that interact with other devices in the house. For example, you could program an "exit the house" routine that closes the gate, activates the alarm, turns off the lights, and lowers the blinds with a single command.

To find out which solution is the most suitable for your gate, take a look at the official Somfy gate motors page. 

Angelica Filomena is content creator and co-founder of Smartdomotica.it, the portal dedicated to the world of home automation, smart home, technology, smart home and smart life. Smartdomotica's mission is to help users by answering the most common doubts and questions and providing information content of concrete value. Angelica has held important roles in digital marketing for several international companies and was responsible for the Smart Home and DIY department of Amazon Italy.