Frequently Asked Questions

Our technician arrives in a scheduled window, texts when en route, and begins with a full mechanical and electrical inspection. We test the operator, examine hinges and rollers, check safety edges and photo eyes, and measure voltage at the control board. We photograph what we find, explain the issue, and present a written repair quote. With your approval, we complete the repair, test all safety functions, and leave you with a documented record of settings and any parts replaced.

Most residential gate repairs in San Mateo take 1.5 to 3 hours from arrival to final testing. Simple fixes like limit switch adjustment or remote reprogramming may finish faster. Replacing an operator, rebuilding a slide gate track, or troubleshooting intermittent electrical faults can extend to a half day. We schedule enough time so we're not rushing the safety checks at the end.

For repair calls, we often have same-day availability, though we don't guarantee it. Our phones are answered 24/7, and our coordinator schedules the earliest opening. Emergency situations, a gate stuck open exposing your property or stuck closed blocking vehicle access, get priority. For installations and scheduled maintenance, we book a specific date and window, measured and priced in advance.

Yes. Our technicians run the power from your existing panel or install a dedicated sub-panel where code requires it. In San Mateo and surrounding Peninsula cities, we handle the 110V or 220V run, conduit installation, and coordination with your electrician if the main panel needs upgrading. The written scope specifies exactly what electrical work is included, so there's no dispute later about who was responsible for the power.

We install keypad entry, telephone entry systems, cellular-based intercoms, RFID readers, and smartphone-controlled operators. For the tech-forward homeowners we see in Menlo Park, Atherton, and Palo Alto, we often recommend systems with app-based entry logging and temporary guest codes. For commercial properties in Redwood City and Hayward, we integrate with existing security infrastructure. Every system is quoted with a clear feature comparison and wiring diagram.

We work with several proven manufacturers and typically recommend based on your gate type and usage pattern. For heavy residential swing gates in the Peninsula's wind-exposed hills, we often use Viking operators for their torque and reliability. For properties wanting clean smartphone control, Ghost Controls offers solid app integration without excessive complexity. For commercial or multi-tenant installations, DoorKing and Elite provide the access management features and durability those sites demand. We don't push one brand for every job; we match the equipment to the application.

We stock common components for major brands and can source discontinued parts through our supplier network. For operators more than 15 years old, replacement boards or gear assemblies may be unavailable or cost-prohibitive compared to a new unit. When that's the case, we show you the part cost versus replacement cost in writing, with the expected remaining lifespan of each option, and let you decide.

We use OEM parts whenever possible, especially for control boards, safety edges, and gear assemblies where precise tolerances matter. For some hardware like hinges, rollers, and chain, quality aftermarket equivalents meet the same specs at lower cost. We specify what's OEM and what's equivalent in your written quote, so you're choosing with full information.

Every professional working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance California requires for gate and access control work. That includes CSLB-appropriate classifications and current general liability coverage. We verify these credentials before anyone represents Vance Gate Repair San Mateo. License numbers are available on request, and we carry the documentation to every job site.

Yes, when the work triggers permit requirements. In San Mateo, automatic gate installations typically require an electrical permit and may need planning review if the gate height or location affects sight lines or setback rules. We handle permit applications as part of our installation scope, include the fees in your written quote, and schedule inspections so you're not chasing paperwork. For simple repairs that don't alter the electrical or structural system, permits usually aren't required.

Verify active licensing through the CSLB, proof of general liability insurance, and that the company has a physical presence in or near your service area. Ask whether they'll put the full scope and price in writing before starting, and whether they document what they found with photos. In our experience, the companies that hesitate at these requests are the ones that add charges later or can't be found when something fails.

A gate emergency is any situation where the gate poses a safety risk or seriously compromises security. Common examples: a gate stuck open overnight leaving your property exposed, a gate stuck closed blocking fire department access or trapping vehicles, a gate that reverses unpredictably and could strike a person or vehicle, or exposed wiring from a damaged operator. Our phones are answered 24/7, and we prioritize genuine emergencies for the earliest possible response.

First, check whether the gate has a manual release, typically a key-operated bypass or lever disengaging the operator from the gate arm. If you can operate it safely, open the gate manually and secure it. If the gate is too heavy, the release is seized, or you're unsure, don't force it. A 400-pound steel gate with a broken spring or cable can shift unexpectedly and cause serious injury. Call us at (650) 293-9440 for emergency service.

Yes. Our phone line is answered live around the clock every day of the week. The coordinator who answers will gather your location, the nature of the problem, and any safety concerns, then connect you with the available technician for your area. For non-urgent repairs, we'll schedule at your convenience. For emergencies, we dispatch as quickly as possible.

Our repairs carry a written warranty covering both parts and labor, with terms specified on your invoice. The exact duration depends on the component: operator installations typically carry longer coverage than wear items like rollers or weather seals. What's consistent is Clause 1 of our Haven Standard, the price and scope are in writing before we start, and the warranty terms are included in that same document. No surprises, no verbal promises that evaporate.

The Haven Standard is our documented commitment on every job: Have it in writing, Arrive on schedule, Verified crews, Evidence on every job, No surprises. Under these five clauses, every gate job is quoted in writing before it starts, arrives in a confirmed window with a named technician, is performed by credentialed professionals, leaves photographic and measured documentation of what was found and done, and finishes at the agreed price without upsell. Since 2014, we've applied this standard to over 22,000 gate repairs and installations.

Call us. If the failure relates to our repair, we return under warranty at no charge. If we find an unrelated issue, a separate component that has since failed, we explain what we found, photograph it, and quote the new repair in writing before proceeding. Our documentation from the first visit means we're not guessing about what was already addressed.

New installations include a multi-year warranty on the operator and our installation workmanship, with specific terms written into your contract. Structural elements like the gate frame and posts carry their own coverage based on materials and application. We specify each warranty period by component, so you know exactly what's covered for how long. Maintenance requirements, like annual lubrication and safety sensor testing, are also noted, keeping your coverage valid.

Written by Adrian Vance, Owner at Vance Gate Repair San Mateo, serving San Mateo, Hillsborough, Belmont, Burlingame, and the Peninsula since 2014.