Are electric gates affected by heatwaves?

1. Heat can cause electric gate motors and control boards to overheat

Prolonged exposure to heat can raise the internal temperature of your gate motor or control box. This is especially common in enclosed systems where airflow is limited. If the components get too hot, your electric gate opener may shut down temporarily to prevent damage. In some cases, the system may stop working completely.

If you’re using underground gate kits, the heat build-up in these installations can sometimes be even more intense due to limited ventilation. Regular servicing in summer can help to spot early warning signs. These might include slower gate movement or fault indicators. Some customers using Roger gate automation systems have found that adding ventilation panels or small shade structures near their gate motor housing can help reduce the risk of overheating during July and August.

2. Hot weather can warp or misalign gate parts

Heat causes metal to expand, which can push your gate slightly out of alignment. You might notice a swing gate opener struggling to close smoothly or making more noise than usual. It’s not uncommon for hinges to shift slightly or for the gate leaves to rub against each other when they shouldn’t.

Materials like plastic covers, safety edges or control buttons can also be affected. UV exposure can cause these parts to fade, crack, or become brittle over time. This is especially likely if your system is installed in direct sunlight. For larger setups like cantilever gate kits, it’s worth doing a quick check of all moving parts during hot spells. This can help prevent long-term damage to rollers, tracks or arms that are under more strain in extreme heat.

3. Batteries struggle in high temperatures

It’s not just cold weather that can pose issues for batteries. They can also break down much faster in the heat. Every 8°C rise in temperature can halve the life of a typical lead-acid battery, and this means backup systems or solar-powered automatic gate openers may not work as reliably during heatwaves.

A worn battery often shows up as slow response times, reduced range on remotes, or a gate that stops partway through its cycle. If your system includes solar charging, the panels might keep working as normal. However, the battery behind them could be struggling in silence. It’s a good idea to keep spares handy during the summer. If in doubt, give our team at Gate Auto a call. We can help check whether your battery needs replacing or just a clean connection.

4. Sensors and safety components can stop working properly

Electric gate sensors rely on proper alignment to work safely. Unfortunately, metal expansion, soft ground or even mild warping during heatwaves can cause this alignment to shift. If the sensor beam becomes misaligned, your gate may stop responding, freeze mid-movement or keep triggering false safety stops.

In some cases, control panels and logic boards may also react poorly to high temperatures. A warm cabinet interior could lead to flickering displays, unresponsive keypads, or error messages. Regular summer servicing helps reduce these risks. It also gives you a chance to clear out any dust or insects that may have crept inside, both of which are more common in warm weather.

Help protect your gate from heat-related issues

Electric gates are designed to be tough, but no system is completely unaffected by the weather. Whether you’re using Roger sliding gate motors, swing gate openers, or complete gate automation kits, it is worth scheduling a quick seasonal check-up. This can help you spot early signs of strain and reduce the chance of faults building up over time.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Our team at Gate Auto has supplied and supported thousands of systems over the years. These range from simple electric gate opener kits to large installations with advanced security features. Whether you need a replacement part, servicing advice, or just want a second opinion, feel free to give us a call on 01282 677 300. We’ll be happy to talk it through with you.