Gate Problems & Fixes — Houston

Gate stuck after a power outage. What Houston storms do to operators.

After every big storm we get the same calls. Here is what happened and what to check before we come out.

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Houston loses power a lot, and gates take it worse than most equipment because they sit outside at the end of a long wire run with a metal post that attracts lightning. After an outage the gate is either stuck closed, stuck open, or behaving strangely.

Here is how to reset it, and how to tell a reset from real damage.

Reset steps

✓Check the breaker for the gate circuit and any GFCI outlet feeding the operator. Reset both.
✓Power-cycle the operator: turn it off at the disconnect or breaker, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on.
✓Check the battery backup: if the operator ran on battery during the outage and drained it, it may need hours to recharge before it moves.
✓Cycle the gate once with a hardwired button or the keypad. Some operators need one full cycle to relearn their limits.
✓Check the app or cloud controller: cellular systems may need a few minutes to reconnect after power returns.

When it is actual damage

If the reset does not bring it back, the outage did more than cut power.

✓Surge-damaged control board: the most common storm casualty. Lights may be on but nothing responds, or the operator behaves erratically.
✓Dead battery: a battery that was already weak will not survive running the gate through a long outage.
✓Blown fuse on the operator board or the transformer.
✓Failed receiver, photo-eye, or loop detector: surges travel down every wire connected to the operator.
✓Lightning strike: a direct or nearby strike can take the board, receiver, and every accessory at once.

Surge protection after the repair

Replacing a board without adding surge protection means doing it again next storm. We install surge protection on the incoming power and on the low-voltage lines to keypads, intercoms, and loops. It is inexpensive compared to a board.

Battery and solar backup

A properly sized battery backup keeps the gate running through most outages. For rural gates or properties where outages last days, we add solar charging so the gate never depends on the grid.

Frequently asked questions

The power is back but my gate still does not work.+

Reset the breaker and GFCI, power-cycle the operator, and give the battery time to charge. If it is still dead, the board or a fuse is likely damaged. Call us.

Why did my gate open during the outage?+

Some operators are set to fail-open, and some battery backups open the gate when the battery runs low so you are not locked in. We can change this behavior if you prefer fail-secure.

Does homeowner's insurance cover lightning damage to a gate?+

Often yes, under the dwelling or other-structures coverage. We provide a written diagnosis and invoice you can submit.

How do I keep this from happening again?+

Surge protection on power and low-voltage lines, a healthy battery backup, and for remote gates, solar charging.

How fast can you come out after a storm?+

We prioritize gates that are stuck open or trapping vehicles. Call (346) 872-8671 and we will give you an honest arrival window.

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Need it fixed today?

Call and we answer within 30 minutes. The owner or a senior technician comes out, diagnoses, and gives you a written quote before any work starts.