Gates are an integral part of many homes, protecting your driveway and keeping intruders out. But during cold weather, these same gates can cause major issues such as sticking and jamming. This can be unbelievably frustrating as you struggle to open or shut the gate each time you want access to your home. The good news is this issue is often preventable – with a few handy tips, it’s possible to keep your wooden driveway gate from sticking in even the coldest winter weather! Find out how below…
What Is A Driveway gate?
Driveway gates are typically designed to protect your property and block unwanted access to your home. They come in many shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose – providing security while allowing you access to your driveway. If you’re ready to upgrade your driveway gate, wood workers UK have a great selection to choose from.
What Causes a Wooden Driveway Gate to Stick?
When cold weather hits, the wood used in your gate can shrink and swell. These changes cause the boards on your gate to become misaligned, which can cause it to stick or jam when opened or closed. This is especially likely if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.
Lubricate the gate with a silicone-based lubricant regularly
Regularly lubricating your gate with a silicone-based lubricant is an important part of performing proper maintenance for your gate. This will help to keep it running smoothly and prevent rusty parts or stiff movements from occurring. Not only will this improve the appearance and functionality of your gate, but it will also save you from potential repairs or replacements down the road. Keep your gates in top shape by taking the time to lubricate them with a quality silicone-based lubricant on a regular basis.
Install an insulating material along the edges of the gate to prevent cold air from entering
The winter season can bring a chill to any household that isn’t properly insulated. To keep out the cold air, installing insulating material along the edges of any window or door frames is an easy and affordable way to reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable. This can be done quickly and efficiently with minimal materials, and it could potentially save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills over the course of a winter.
In addition, it can create an extra layer of insulation against outside noise and further help keep your home warmer during the cold months. So if you’re worried about those chilly drafts coming through those windows or around the edges of doors, remember that installing some insulating material around them is an easy solution for anyone looking for a little extra warmth during the winter season.
Check that the hinges are firmly attached and in good condition
Keeping your doors reliable is essential. After all, they help keep your home secure from intruders and keep drafts out during cold winter days. Fortunately, checking the hinges is a quick and easy task that can help ensure you don’t have to worry about these things. Start by inspecting each hinge individually, making sure it is firmly attached. If it looks worn or damaged, consider replacing it with a new one as soon as possible to keep your door functioning properly. Following these simple steps on a regular basis will make sure you don’t have to worry about your doors letting in unwanted guests.
Make sure your driveway is level so it won’t be affected by uneven ground
Keeping your driveway level is essential, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to protect it from damage caused by uneven ground. Uneven surfaces can cause cracks and instability in the substrate of your driveway, which creates an unsafe environment that is both aesthetically displeasing and costly to maintain.
Taking the time to properly grade and level your driveway ensures that it will remain a safe, durable surface for years. Make sure you check all areas of the driveway to ensure a steady, unvarying slope throughout so that any water accumulation or erosion doesn’t lead to dips in the pavement. Taking this extra step when constructing or maintaining a driveway will save you money and allow you to enjoy without worry your driveway’s functionality for years to come.
Consider investing in a heated driveway gate, which will help to keep it warm even in very cold weather
Investing in a heated driveway gate may be the solution if you reside in an area where very cold temperatures are typical. A heated gate can provide a level of comfort and convenience during the coldest months of winter, allowing for easy and comfortable access at any time.
Not only will you have the ability to open and close it as needed, but you’ll also benefit from savings on snow removal costs due to the heat generated by the gate. Heated driveway gates are great investments that provide both practicality and peace of mind in colder climates, so don’t wait – start shopping around today!
Seal any cracks where moisture can enter – this will help to prevent warping of the wood and sticking of the gate
If you have a wooden gate, it’s essential to try and protect it against moisture. Moisture can enter through any cracks or gaps, leading to warping of the wood which affects the function of your gate and makes it look less attractive.
To avoid this, simply caulking around the edges of the gate in order to seal the cracks from moisture is an easy and effective solution. Initial effort will pay off with a longer lasting beautiful gate. Make sure regular maintenance is included in your home care routine to ensure your wooden gate stays strong for years to come.
Summary
Taking the time to keep up with regular maintenance of your driveway gate is key to keeping it looking and functioning optimally. Performing preventive maintenance can save costly repairs in the future, so don’t ignore signs of wear and tear. Regularly lubricate the gate, insulate its edges, check the hinges for tightness, level the driveway and make sure any cracks are sealed. Additionally, if you live in a harsher climate consider investing in a heated driveway gate that will keep it warm even during colder weather. With these measures in place, you can ensure your gates always look great and function optimally all year round.
Read Also: 7 Tips For Keeping Your Home Exterior Clean in the Winter!
