By John Newman, VP of Sales and Operations, Access Control Technologies (ACT)
Your gate system plays a critical role in your property’s security, tenant experience and operational efficiency, but it’s often overlooked until something goes wrong. That’s why understanding the essentials of gate repair and maintenance is so important. Whether you’re planning for new construction, preventative upkeep, or break-fix repairs, having a strategy in place helps reduce downtime, avoid costly emergencies, and keep your access systems running smoothly.
Whether you manage a self-storage facility or a multi-family property, this guide provides a practical overview for self-storage gate selection and gate repair and maintenance, helping operators plan for new installations, maintain existing systems, and know when it’s time to call in the experts.
Self-Storage and Multi-Family: Gate Types and Maintenance Considerations
If you’re building a new self-storage facility, it’s wise to pay careful attention to your gate design and installation. That’s because there’s a variety of gate systems to consider, each varying not only in how they look and operate, but also in where they perform best and how they should be maintained. Each style has ideal usage scenarios—based on climate, space and traffic—and its own set of maintenance needs.
Check out the table for key considerations to help you choose and care for the right gate type for your property.
| Gate Type | Why Choose Them | Maintenance Considerations |
| Vertical Lift / Pivot Gates | Small footprint, fast open (~8 sec), long service life (2–3× longer than cantilever) | Pivot lubrication, spring wear, operator alignment |
| Cantilever Gates | No ground track, good for snowy climates | Roller wear, chain tension, motor strain |
| V-Track Gates | Quick install, reliable in temperate climates | Track obstructions, corrosion |
| Swing Gates | Simple mechanics, classic look | Hinge rust, actuator stress, alignment drift |
Access Control Technologies offers all four primary styles—vertical lift/pivot, cantilever, V-track, and swing —plus full operator and safety integration, from site review and design through install, maintenance, and repair. Download our complete gates booklet HERE.
Pro Tip: Working with a partner like Access Control Technologies (ACT), you’ll get the proper guidance on the best gate styles and operators suited to your site layout, climate and traffic patterns, with safety and longevity in mind.
Preventative Maintenance: Common Self-Storage Gate Problems
If you’re maintaining existing gate systems, you’ve likely experienced the risks that come with gate downtime. When gates go down, the consequences can be costly and far-reaching, including:
— Lost revenue from tenant frustration, negative reviews and increased vacancies.
— Security vulnerabilities that expose your property to theft, vandalism and liability.
— Increased insurance claims that drive up premiums and long-term costs.
— Costly repairs that could have been avoided with routine checks.
While gates can fail for a variety of reasons, most issues come down to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Here are the most common trouble spots:
— Rollers and Hinges. These wear out over time, causing gates to drag, squeak or jam.
— Chains and Belts. If they lose tension or aren’t lubricated, gates may stop mid-cycle or move unevenly.
— Safety Sensors. Photo eyes and edges can get dirty or misaligned, triggering shutdowns.
— Tracks and Paths. Debris, ice or vegetation can block movement, especially in slide gates.
The good news is that preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce emergency repairs. By regularly inspecting and servicing these gate components, operators can catch early signs of wear before they lead to system failure. This proactive approach helps extend the life of gate equipment, improves reliability and minimizes disruptions to tenant access.
Pro Tip: A monthly visual inspection and cleaning can prevent many of these issues before they become expensive repairs.
Break Fix: When to Call in the Experts
Even with a strong maintenance plan, unexpected issues can still occur. A delivery truck might damage a swing gate. A keypad could be struck by lightning. Severe weather, vandalism or aging parts can cause sudden breakdowns that interrupt operations and compromise security.
That’s why it’s important to work with a gate service provider who can support both sides of the equation: preventive maintenance to reduce risk, and rapid response when things go wrong. A reliable partner will help you stay ahead of problems—and be ready to act quickly when the unexpected happens.
Pro tip: When unexpected issues occur, ACT technicians are equipped for responsive repairs, diagnosing and resolving problems quickly, which minimizes downtime and restores access.
Partnering for Reliable Gate Performance
Designing, maintaining and servicing gate systems requires more than a one-time install; it’s an ongoing process that benefits from consistency and expertise. ACT works with facility operators like you to support every phase of gate system performance, from initial planning to long-term reliability. Whether you’re evaluating new or current gate setups, we offer site reviews and action plans tailored to your property’s needs.
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About Our Expert
John Newman is the VP of Sales and Operations for Access Control Technologies (ACT) by Janus International Group.
