Retractable security gates don’t require much maintenance. But like any fixtures and fittings in a home, they go through daily wear and tear. Our simple cleaning and maintenance tips will ensure that your sliding door and windows gates continue to give you years of protection against crime.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning helps to extend the lifespan of steel and aluminium security barriers. Clean security gates always looks as good as new and don’t detract from your lovely home. Use the cleaning kit supplied with your Trellidor retractable security gates to make this process as easy as possible and do the following:
- Remove debris
Regularly clear out dirt, leaves, and other debris from the track and surrounding areas. Use a vacuum or sweep out the bottom track to remove loose dirt before cleaning and lubricating. This will prevent any blockage or interference with the gate’s movement.
- Wash the gate
Clean the steel or aluminium surfaces using a microfibre cleaning cloth and Trellidor Anti-Corrosion Cleaning Agent. Clean inside the U-shaped uprights and the criss-cross sliding parts as well as the top and bottom tracks. Spray on the cleaning agent and wipe off the residue with the cloth. This will remove dust, grease, or contaminants.
- Stubborn Stains
Use the multi-purpose cleaning brush supplied with your Trellidor retractable gates for tougher dirt. The gentle bristles of this brush are strong enough to tackle stubborn stains but soft enough to protect the finish of your Trellidor sliding gates.
- Lubricate
Spray all surfaces with the lubricant supplied by Trellidor and wipe off the excess with a microfibre cloth. Make sure you don’t scratch the surfaces. Never spray into the lock because a buildup of any product can result in lock malfunction.
Rust Prevention
For extra protection, Trellidor retractable security gates are treated against corrosion during the manufacturing process. This anti-corrosion treatment is followed by high quality powder coating. This creates a smooth, hard-wearing surface to help prevent weathering.
Over time, however, this surface could be damaged due to negligence, tampering, abnormal working conditions, failure to follow use instructions or misuse. In this case, you may notice signs of rust or corrosion.
To prevent further damage, clean the security gate as described above. Then use Trellidor Lubrication Spray to apply a protective coating. This helps to shield the barrier against moisture and airborne pollutants.
Lubrication
Apply Trellidor Lubrication Spray to all moving parts (not the locks) especially all hinge points inside the channel sections and into the top tracks. Do this several times a year to make sure the retractable gate opens and closes smoothly and easily. Don’t use anything greasy because this will attract dirt and dust.
Apply the lubrication spray onto the microfibre cloth and wipe the entire unit. Or spray directly onto the unit and wipe off the excess residue. A second application may be required if the unit has stood for too long without being lubricated and has become stiff and dry.
Track Inspection
Trellidor retractable security gates have a full, four-sided frame. The unit is suspended from the top track to make it easy to slide open and closed – no forcing of the gate along the track is necessary. To add to the smooth operation of the gate, the bottom track is T-shaped.
All these tracks should be inspected for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment, especially if the gates are used regularly. This applies to retractable gates fitted to windows as well as doors. Make sure the tracks remain clear of debris, dust, sand, or anything that could obstruct the gate’s movement.
If the gate is still sticking when moved, it could be that the rollers have been damaged. This may happen if the gate is bashed, forced, or assaulted in some way. The rollers may need to be replaced to prevent unnecessary strain on the gate, so call in your local Trellidor team to check this for you.
Lock Test
Trellidor gates are fitted with strong, durable locks. They are designed to stand up to a heavy assault. There is only one key and keyhole but the gates lock in several places inside the lock stile to prevent a breach. The keys are computer cut and have a key code so that they can’t easily be duplicated by criminals like other lock types.
The strength of the retractable gate lock is important because locks are often the first point of attack for criminals, so include them in your maintenance program.
- Check that you have all the retractable gate keys and code cards in a safe place where criminals can’t get to them.
- If any keys are missing, find them. If you don’t know where they are, consider calling in your Trellidor team to replace the lock with missing keys. This is far safer than risking someone using your gate key to break into your home.
- Test all your retractable gate locks, not just those on doors but those on windows too. Make sure the locking mechanism engages properly. Check that the locks are not stiff and difficult to use.
- If you have an electric lock fitted to your retractable gate, test it to make sure it is working as expected.
- If in doubt about how well the locks are working, call Trellidor in to inspect them for you.
Weather Protection
South Africa is a country with vastly different climates, from moist and salty sea air to dry and dusty inland areas. Security gates are expected to endure it all. They are designed to protect people and their homes for many years once installed, no matter what the weather.
The anti-corrosion treatment and powder coating process that is used on Trellidor security gate components was developed to deal with these extremes. It protects the gate from harsh weather and helps prevent damage from the elements.
To keep this silky smooth, durable surface in top condition, remember to clean your security gates regularly according to the instructions outlined above. The minimum recommended cleaning intervals are:
- A mild environment, more than 10km from the sea: every two months
- A moderate environment, 5-10km from the sea: once a month
- A severe marine environment, within 5km of the sea: once a week
Professional Inspections
Even if your retractable security gates are functioning well, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect them annually. This will take care of any issues you might not notice and the Trellidor team can perform any necessary repairs. Find your nearest Trellidor outlet
