Many community and commercial property managers choose to decorate their automatic gates to celebrate the holidays or just increase curb appeal. However, there’s a right and wrong way to accessorize your gate, regardless of its application. Keep reading to discover the dos and don’ts of decorating your automatic gate for the season.
Do Perform Regular Maintenance
Before you can get to work decorating your automatic gate for the season, it’s crucial to address any repairs it needs and perform regular maintenance. Use freeze-resistant lubricants in the winter to grease your barrier’s hinges and prevent them from freezing. You should also clean the surface of your gate before setting up your decorations and arrange these items in a way that leaves easy access to panels, hinges, and other parts. In fact, the way that you arrange items around your gate is crucial to its function, especially during the winter months.
Don’t Cover Your Gate’s Sensors
Your automatic gate’s security sensors are what protect pedestrians and vehicles that pass through it. Many sensors use motion activation or thermal imaging to detect the presence of blockages. When arranging your seasonal decorations, do so carefully and be sure not to block these sensors, cameras, and other parts. Otherwise, you run the risk of your sensors malfunctioning or your gate not opening when you need it, which can pose a safety hazard for those entering or leaving in a hurry.
Don’t Block Your Gate’s Path
Another crucial tip is to make sure all decorations are completely secure and don’t block your gate’s path. Even if the sensors and cameras are clear, those sensors will pick up anything obstructing the gate’s movements and prevent the doors from opening or closing. This can lead to traffic jams as people try to enter or exit your property. Your gate may open by swinging, sliding, or folding, but in all cases, you should avoid placing or hanging decorations in its path.
Whether you’re adding embellishments for the holidays or simply trying to spruce up your property, be wary of these dos and don’ts when decorating your gate for the season. Follow these tips to enhance your gate’s aesthetic while also maintaining its security.
