How Much Does Automatic Gate Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $550 - $1,480
Automatic gate repair costs an average of $860. However, simple fixes can cost less than $240, while more expensive issues, like a broken motor, can cost homeowners up to $2,100.
Let’s do some budgeting right out of the gate. Automatic gate repair is a complicated topic to price as the factors that determine the total cost—location, problem, labor, and gate type—will almost never be exactly the same.
- Average
- $860
- Low end
- $240
- high end
- $2,100
Cost Breakdown
Automatic gates provide exceptional security and convenience when they work, but when they break down, they can be a significant headache. It's hard to diagnose issues yourself because many of the problems are electrical, so if it's anything not immediately obvious, we suggest hiring a gate repair pro to diagnose the problem.
A finicky automatic gate is one of those situations where the problem might not be obvious, so the first thing you should do is check your remote batteries.
Types
While there are many different types of gates, the problems among automatic gates that require repairs are universal. Some problems will be easy to diagnose while others might require a professional to help you determine the root cause of the error. Usually, if your gate stops working it's a power-related issue so check the batteries, solar connections, or power source first.
| Problem | Average Cost to Fix |
|---|---|
| Dead battery | $80–$280 |
| Weather-related damage | $100–$2,500 |
| Damaged photocells | $300–$900 |
| Broken motor | $550–$2,200 |
| Broken sensor | $290–$700 |
| Gate track and roller repair | $200–$700 |
| Broken remote | $50–$300 |
| Dead battery in remote | $10–$300 |
Size
Size matters when you're repairing an automatic gate because the size of your gate will also determine the motor's size or the required power amount. The power required to move a large or double-door gate is much higher than one with a single door, which means a larger battery or more solar panels.
There isn't a scientific way to price out the effect of size on a gate repair, but it's safe to assume that larger gates cost more across the board. If there is any physical damage to the gate, like a tree falling on it or a car damaging it, and the gate requires physical repair, expect the costs to go up because more people are needed to work with the heavier materials.
Materials
The materials you need depend on the error you have. If there's a simple fix, like a dirty sensor, all you need is a rag and some cleaning solution. Other more involved fixes, like a gate misalignment, require specific tools. Remember that the list below isn't exhaustive, and you probably don't need every tool listed—more so individual combinations related to the problem.
| Tool | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | $12 |
| Wrench | $15 |
| Wire strippers | $30 |
| Silicone lubricant | $22 |
| Tape measure | $8 |
| Voltage tester | $40 |
| Pliers | $10 |
Labor
Many different issues could cause your gate to stop working. The percentage of labor cost for the total project depends on if any expensive materials were needed. Expect to pay $60 to $200 an hour for automatic gate repair. The extensive range in costs is because sometimes it's a simple fix (like fixing a broken roller), but sometimes it requires a specialized worker like an electrician. Consult with a gate repair professional near you for details about your project.
Ongoing Expenses
Maintenance
You can perform basic maintenance checks yourself, but consider that you may misdiagnose—or miss altogether—a serious issue. For this reason, we recommend hiring a fencing pro. They'll be sure to:
Check hinges and rollers.
Lubricate all moving parts.
Inspect electronics.
Calibrate sensors and any safety features.
Check power supply and solar (if installed).
DIY Automatic Gate Repair vs. Hiring a Pro
Unless you have significant experience with electronics or gate repair, we don't recommend doing any DIYs other than battery replacement or debris removal. It's easy to cause substantial damage to the system if you mess around with solar chargers or broken wiring. The project can quickly end up costing more than if you just hired a pro in the first place.
For smaller issues like sticks stuck in a roller or a rodent nest in the unit, by all means, undertake that yourself. You can replace batteries in the remote or order sensors yourself, but a pro should do anything involving installation or electronics.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Repairing an Automatic Gate
When repairing an automatic gate, there are not many ways to save money. Typically there's a very clear error that requires either a repair or replacement part, so the only way to save money would be buying a more inexpensive version of the part that's required.
The work is not DIY friendly and unless it's a physical issue like a blockage of the gate due to a fallen tree, and you plan on hiring a professional during the off-season or a slow period, the cost is usually just the cost, and there aren't many ways to finesse a lower total price.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common cause of gate sensors not working is damaged wiring. Only a professional should diagnose this because it requires working with the system's electronics. There are safety concerns, but more than that, you don't want to accidentally short out your system or cause any electrical damage. Insects, rodents, and fallen branches are common reasons your wiring could become damaged.
Gates are often stuck halfway due to physical blockages or damage to the rollers, wheels, or tracks the gate runs on. Check to make sure there are no obstructions before considering that the motor might be burned out or malfunctioning somehow. Hopefully, the issue is simple, and you can remove it with a broom or your hands, but if your gate is stuck and there's no obvious reason why, you should call a pro to diagnose the issue.
Automatic gates can be opened manually. They usually have a release mechanism in the motor that disconnects the electronic opening mechanism from the gate. You'll probably need to remove a cover, so have a screwdriver nearby. You may need a key, a step that prevents thieves from hopping the gate and opening it manually themselves. Every model is different, so consult your manual to see exactly how to open your gate if, for example, you have no power.
Thieves can open almost anything with enough time and the right tools, but they also prefer easy targets that are unlikely to get them caught. Forcing open gates is loud and difficult, and to be able to open one electronically requires extensive knowledge of the system, which most thieves don't have. Electric and other security gates are great deterrents because the thief will move to an easier target. If the thief is determined to enter your property, they will most likely find a different entrance point.