Free on-site gate assessment - hinges, posts, and your LiftMaster or Nice gate operator checked before anything is quoted
The assessment is free and the quote is the invoice.
Driveway Gate in Van Nuys, CA
When your driveway gate stops working in Van Nuys, you aren’t just dealing with a minor inconvenience; you are dealing with a security risk that leaves your property exposed to the street. A driveway gate should open and close smoothly every time you arrive home, whether you are pulling into a driveway off Vanowen Street or maneuvering into a tight spot near the Sepulveda Basin. At Gatewood Fence & Gate, we specialize in getting these systems back to full operation without the runaround you get from national service outfits. We have been owner-operated since 2001, and when you call (951) 749-5734, you get a live person who actually understands how these systems are built. If you are looking for a complete Gate Installation in Van Nuys or just need a stubborn motor looked at, we bring the shop to your curb.
We don’t believe in “swapping out” parts just to run up a bill. A lot of companies will tell you a gate needs a full replacement when the real issue is a rusted hinge or a sensor that has lost its alignment. Because we do on-site welding and carry parts for major brands like Viking and DoorKing, we can often fix the problem right in your driveway during our first visit. Our name is on the shop, and we stand behind our work with a 90-Day Done Right Promise. If it isn’t done right, we make it right. We serve homeowners across the entire San Fernando Valley, and we also offer Gate Installation services for those building new or upgrading.
When You Need Driveway Gate Service
You usually know when a gate is failing before it stops working entirely. Ignoring the early warning signs almost always leads to a more expensive repair bill later. Here are the most common issues we see in Van Nuys driveways:
- The gate drags on the pavement: This is almost always a hinge issue. If the post has shifted even a fraction of an inch due to soil movement in our local clay-heavy ground, the gate will scrape. We don’t just lift the gate; we address the post stability so it doesn’t happen again.
- The motor makes a grinding noise: If you hear metal-on-metal sounds when the gate moves, stop using the remote immediately. This usually indicates a stripped gear or a failing chain, and continuing to force it can burn out the entire motor assembly.
- The gate reverses unexpectedly: Safety sensors are designed to stop if they detect an obstruction. If your gate reverses while the path is clear, you likely have a misalignment issue or a faulty infrared eye. We can recalibrate these sensors to work reliably, even in bright, direct sunlight.
- It won’t open during a power outage: Every gate needs a manual release, but if yours is rusted shut or the key doesn’t turn, you are trapped. We can service your manual release mechanism so you aren’t stuck when the grid goes down.
- The gate stops mid-cycle: This is often a sign of a logic board issue or a failing capacitor. We specialize in troubleshooting these electrical gremlins for brands like Linear and Ghost Controls, saving you the cost of a full opener replacement.
Our Driveway Gate Process
We do things the old-fashioned way. When you call us, you aren’t getting a call center; you are getting a direct line to someone who knows how to fix gates. Here is how we handle your driveway gate repair or service:
- The Initial Assessment: We arrive at your home and inspect the entire system, not just the part that failed. We look at the gate hinges, the post foundation, the motor, and the electrical connections. A gate is a system, and if the hinge is failing, the motor will work twice as hard to compensate.
- The Fix-First Approach: We always look for the repair. Whether it is welding a cracked hinge bracket or replacing a single sensor, we aim to get your existing gate running again. We only talk about replacement if the equipment is truly beyond repair or unsafe.
- On-Site Welding and Calibration: We bring our welding equipment with us. If a frame has cracked or a hinge has pulled away from the post, we repair the metal right there in your driveway. We don’t haul your gate off to a shop unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Safety and Function Test: Before we leave, we cycle the gate multiple times. We check the auto-close timer, the safety reverse sensitivity, and the remote range. We want to be sure it works when you need it most.
- The 90-Day Done Right Promise: Every repair is backed by our written guarantee. We provide you with the invoice and the promise that if the same issue persists, we will make it right. No runaround, just a follow-up visit.
Driveway Gate Pricing in Van Nuys
We believe in upfront, honest pricing. You shouldn’t have to guess what a repair is going to cost. While every job is unique, most driveway gate repairs in Van Nuys fall into the following ranges; for new builds, see How Much Does Gate Installation Cost? (2026 Price Guide) - Van Nuys, CA. We offer a free second opinion on any written estimate you have received from another company.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Sensor Alignment/Calibration | $150 - $250 |
| Hinge Repair & On-Site Welding | $250 - $450 |
| Motor/Opener Capacitor or Board Repair | $300 - $600 |
| Full Gate Opener Replacement | $1,200 - $2,800+ |
Please note that these are estimates. Factors like the weight of your gate, the brand of the opener (such as Viking or DoorKing), and whether we need to dig into the post foundation will change the final price. We never charge a trip fee inside the county, and we offer $40 off any repair over $200. Seniors and veterans always receive a permanent 10% discount. Call (951) 749-5734 for an exact quote - estimates are free.
FAQs - Driveway Gate
How much does it cost to fix a sagging driveway gate in Van Nuys?
Fixing a sagging gate typically costs between $250 and $450, depending on whether we need to weld the hinge plate or reinforce the post. A gate usually sags because the hinge post has shifted or the welds have fatigued over time; simply lifting the gate is a temporary fix, so we focus on structural reinforcement to ensure it stays level. Call (951) 749-5734 for a free estimate.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace my gate motor?
It is almost always cheaper to repair your current motor, provided the internal gears and logic board are still supported by the manufacturer. We work with brands like Linear, Viking, and Ghost Controls, and we can often replace specific components like capacitors or sensors for a fraction of the cost of a new unit. If the unit is over 15 years old or parts are no longer available, we will tell you honestly that replacement is the better long-term investment.
Can you fix my gate today?
We answer calls 24/7 and prioritize urgent security issues, so we can often get to your property the same day or the following morning. Because we are locally owned and owner-operated, we don’t have a massive dispatch queue that keeps us from reaching you; if you call us, we will let you know exactly when we can be there. Call (951) 749-5734 to check our current availability.
Do I need to be home for the repair?
For most driveway gate repairs, you do not need to be home as long as we have access to the gate motor and the electrical panel; the same applies for Pedestrian Gate projects. However, we prefer you are there for the final walkthrough so we can show you what we fixed and test the remotes with you. We are licensed and insured, and we take the same care with your property that we would with our own. Call (951) 749-5734 to schedule a time that works for you.
Written by Hal Gatewood, Owner at Gatewood Fence & Gate, serving Van Nuys.





Before
After
Before
After
Before
After