Five Common Issues With Security Gates and How to Avoid Them
Understand the most common gate faults and how to prevent them before they disrupt your site.
Common issues with gates
Security gates are a vital part of any commercial or industrial site’s safety setup. Whether they’re controlling access to a distribution hub in the Midlands or securing the entrance to a retail park in Greater Manchester, they’re expected to perform reliably day in and day out.
Like any mechanical system, security gates can develop problems if they’re not installed or maintained correctly. If you experience any issues with your industrial gates and barriers, speak to Dorwingear, our engineers can provide expert advise and if required replace your gates with our unbeatable range of options.
Here are five of the most common issues we see with security gates across the UK — and what you can do to avoid them.
- Gate Motor Failure
The problem: The gate refuses to open or close properly — or stops working altogether. This is often down to motor fatigue, water ingress (a common issue thanks to the British climate), or a lack of servicing.
How to avoid it:
Your gate motor should be rated for UK weather conditions and suitable for the level of traffic at your site. For high-usage environments like warehouse depots or business parks, a heavy-duty motor is essential. Regular servicing ensures early signs of wear are caught before they cause major disruption.
- Misaligned Tracks or Hinges
The problem: For both sliding and swing gates, a slight misalignment can cause the system to grind, jam, or struggle to operate — especially on sites with high vehicle traffic or uneven surfaces.
How to avoid it:
Have your gates professionally installed and inspected regularly. Ground movement (especially on older or tarmac surfaces), vehicle collisions, and frost heave during colder months can all throw your alignment off. Early adjustments can prevent costly repairs later.
- Sensor and Safety System Issues
The problem: The gate doesn’t detect obstructions properly, or opens and closes erratically. This can be a serious safety concern — especially in compliance with UK regulations.
How to avoid it:
All automatic gate systems in the UK should comply with EN 12453 safety standards, which cover the safe use of power-operated doors and gates. This includes proper installation of photocells, loop detectors, and safety edges. Use an installer like Dorwingear that’s part of a recognised body like the DHF or ADSA both widely trusted in the UK industry.
- Power Supply Interruptions
The problem: The gate stops working during a power cut or experiences inconsistent performance — particularly frustrating on remote industrial estates or older commercial sites.
How to avoid it:
Consider installing a battery backup system or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), especially in areas prone to grid issues or where site security can’t be compromised. This is especially relevant in more rural UK areas, where outages can be more common.
- Lack of Regular Servicing and Inspections
The problem: Your gate may still appear to work fine, but worn components and silent faults are slowly building up behind the scenes — increasing the risk of failure or non-compliance with safety regulations.
How to avoid it:
Under UK law, automated gates are classed as machinery and fall under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Regular inspections and servicing by trained engineers are essential to stay compliant and keep everyone on-site safe. Many of our clients in sectors like logistics and manufacturing opt for scheduled servicing to avoid emergency callouts and costly downtime.
Keep Your Gate Reliable, Safe, and Compliant
A security gate is only as good as the care it receives. By tackling these issues early — or better yet, preventing them — you’re protecting your site, your people, and your operations.
At Dorwingear we work across the UK installing and maintaining all types of security gates and access systems. Our experienced engineers are here to help keep your site secure and your equipment running smoothly.
Need support or advice? Get in touch with our team to arrange a service visit or compliance check.
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