MAINTENANCE NEGLECT

South Africans take home security seriously. Investing in retractable gates, burglar bars, security shutters, and alarm systems, all to safeguard the people and possessions we care about most. Yet, one of the most overlooked risks to that safety isn't external. It's the slow decline of the very barriers we trust to keep danger out.

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Over time, weather, pollution, and simple wear and tear can quietly erode the effectiveness of our home security. And while many homeowners pride themselves on having solid gates and locks, few realise that maintenance is what keeps those defences working when it matters most.

“Security isn’t just about the day your gate is installed,” says Damian Judge, Sales and Marketing Executive at Trellidor. “It’s about how that gate performs five, ten, or even fifteen years later, and that depends entirely on how well it’s been looked after.”

When ‘set and forget’ becomes a safety risk

Security fixtures are seen as permanent. Once a retractable gate or louver shutter is installed, it’s assumed to be indestructible. But Judge cautions that this mindset can be dangerous.

“Every moving part in a security barrier, from the locks to the rollers, experiences wear. Dirt, moisture, and corrosion can all reduce its effectiveness. You might not notice these changes immediately, but they can make a huge difference in an emergency.”

A sticking lock, a jammed track, or a rusted surface might seem minor, but these are early warning signs of reduced protection. “Criminals look for weaknesses,” adds Judge. “If your barrier doesn’t close properly or the lock mechanism is compromised, that’s the point of entry they’ll exploit.”

Our climate is a tough opponent

South Africa’s diverse climate presents unique challenges for home security materials. Coastal homeowners face salty air that corrodes metal, while inland areas battle dust, heat, and pollution that can damage coatings and moving parts.

Judge explains that even the strongest materials have limits. “We treat our aluminium and steel products with anti-corrosion coatings and UV-resistant finishes to help them withstand harsh conditions. But no surface treatment can completely protect against years of buildup if it’s not cleaned and maintained.”